Guardian Ad Litem
(GAL)
Attorney Pacheco is a category E (mental health professional) and category F (attorney) GAL. She has performed hundreds of evaluations/investigations throughout the Commonwealth on issues including: custody, parenting time, domestic violence, mental health issues, and removal.
GAL
A Guardian Ad Litem is appointed by the Court. The Court may independently decide to appoint a GAL or the Court may allow a motion for appointment of a GAL offered by one or both parties. The Court will determine the areas of focus for the evaluation/investigation. A typical evaluation/investigation takes 90 days, but can be less time for a focused or urgent issue. Evaluations/investigations may include in-person interviews of each party, observations of each party with the children, interviews of children, home visits, telephone interviews of educators, medical providers, friends, family, and review of relevant documents.