Guardians ad litem in the Juvenile Court Department

Learn about appointment of guardians ad litem (GALs) in the Juvenile Court.

Appointment of GALs in the Juvenile Court

A GAL is an objective and independent professional, usually a lawyer, appointed by the court to participate in court proceedings on behalf of a minor party or someone who is legally incompetent (someone who is unable or unqualified to do something).

The Uniform Practice and Procedure Regarding the Appointment of Guardians Ad Litem explains the categories, qualifications, and application process for the appointment of GALs in the Juvenile Court.

For more information, please see:  

• Application for Appointment as Guardian Ad Litem (JV-140) 
• Uniform Practice and Procedure Regarding the Appointment of Guardians Ad Litem 

 Apply to be a GAL

Beginning on October 14, 2024, individuals applying to be a court investigator or guardian ad litem must apply directly to the county or counties where they would like to receive appointments.

Please submit the following documents via email to the email address designated for the county you are applying to.  If you are applying to more than one county, you must submit the application and all required documents to each county.

Required documents for application for court investigator or guardian ad litem

1. A letter of interest addressing your qualifications
2. Application for Appointment
3. Current resume, listing relevant educational training or classes
4. Writing sample, preferably in a legal memorandum or legal motion format for attorneys or report format for non-attorneys
5. Two references from persons knowledgeable regarding the applicant’s qualifications

County Emails

Barnstable County/Town of Plymouth Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Berkshire County Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Bristol County Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Essex County Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Franklin/Hampshire Counties Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Hampden County Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Middlesex County Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Norfolk County Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Plymouth County Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Suffolk County Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Worcester County Juvenile Court

[e-mail]

Additional Resources

Uniform practice and procedure regarding the appointment of guardians ad litem

Application to the Juvenile Court Department for Appointment as Guardian Ad Litem (JV-140)

Guidelines for Guardians Ad Litem

Guardian Ad Litem's Certificate of Services/Itemization of Services (JV-068)

Guardian Ad Litem's Itemization of Services Additional Page (JV-068)

Guardian Ad Litem Motion for Additional Hours/Extension of Time (JV-069)