Standards for our Children

Our Plea to the Community

Many children of divorce will find their lives being decided by a judge and a court; and in such cases we believe in representation for a child.  We believe that all of these children from 12-17 (or sooner depending on life events) is entitled to a GAL for the duration of the divorce, and post-divorce, proceedings.  That means this person will have an incredible impact on the child’s life. But what is the value of this representation?

Do you want surety that your child’s Guardian Ad Litem (and your mediator) is truly invested in your children’s best interests, even if it means putting your children’s needs above your own?  Do you want a GAL that makes your child feel as comfortable and safe as humanly possible– and knows how to handle children in crisis?  

We want to help guarantee you representation that keeps the needs of children and families at heart!

We want to achieve the following:

• Standardize the hiring qualifications for GALS and mediators nationwide, including:
  • Ensuring there are no conflicts of interest that could bias the GAL or mediator towards one parent or the either
  • Ensuring that there is a minimum requirement for working with children, with a preference for those who have handled cases with abused children
  • Promote greater understanding of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse
• Develop a SageLantern Quality GAL Training Program & Certification
  • Create a Continued Legal Education(CLE) to provide training & certification to GALs 
  • Create partnerships with state bar associations to promote our certifications
• Develop a SageLantern Quality Mediator Training Program & Certification
  • Create a Continued Legal Education(CLE) to provide training & certification to mediators
  • Create partnerships with state bar associations to promote our certifications