​Lyndsay is a member of MAGAL, the Massachusetts Association of Guardians ad Litem. She is currently accepting new GAL appointments.

A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is an objective and independent professional, usually a lawyer or mental health professional, appointed by the court to participate in court proceedings on behalf of a minor party or someone who is legally incompetent.  In family cases, a GAL is appointed when parents cannot agree on a parenting plan for their children.  Typically the judge issues an order appointing a particular GAL to investigate specific issues that are in dispute. The court order will designate how much each party is required to pay the GAL.

The GAL conducts an investigation which may include interviewing the parents, the children, and other persons who may have information relevant to the issues involved.  The GAL then prepares a written report which includes a recommended resolution of custody and visitation issues that, in the GAL's estimation, is in the best interest of the children. 

The judge makes the final determination after considering the GAL's recommendation along with all of the other evidence presented in the case.