GAL Review Board

The GAL Review Board, with the assistance of Bar Counsel, investigates allegations of ethical misconduct against guardians ad litem.  Guardians ad litem may be disciplined if they -

1. Violate or attempt to violate these Rules, chapter 32 of Title 4, Title 18 A, Title 19-A, Title 22, or an appointment order issued pursuant to them; knowingly assist or induce another to do so; or do so through the acts of another;
2. Engage in conduct that violates the applicable rules of conduct for guardians ad litem in another jurisdiction;
3. Commit any criminal or unlawful act that reflects adversely on the guardian ad litem’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a guardian ad litem;
4. Engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;
5. Have allegations of abuse or neglect against him or her substantiated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services;
6. Fail to maintain compliance with the requirements in Rule 2 for placement on the Roster;
7. In the performance of guardian ad litem duties, by words or conduct, manifest bias or prejudice based upon race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status;
8. Willfully violate an order imposing discipline under these Rules; willfully fail to comply with a subpoena validly issued under these Rules; or knowingly fail to respond to a lawful demand from a disciplinary authority, except that this Rule does not require disclosure of information otherwise protected by applicable rules relating to confidentiality; or
9. Fail to comply with the duty to report set forth in Rule 5(i)(4).

If you believe that a guardian ad litem has acted in one of these ways and would like to file a complaint, please download, complete and return the Guardian Ad Litem Complaint Form.  If you have a copy of the court order appointing the guardian ad litem, please include it with your complaint.