Guardian ad litem Courses Open for Registration

Ohio attorneys have eight more opportunities this year to satisfy new requirements for guardians ad litem that took effect last year, according to the Supreme Court of Ohio Judicial College.

As the first state rule to set standards regarding the appointment, responsibilities, training and reporting requirements of guardians ad litem, Rule 48 of the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio applies in all domestic relations and juvenile cases in common pleas courts where the court appoints a guardian ad litem. Among other requirements, the new rule mandates six hours of pre-service coursework for all guardians ad litem in Ohio.

Judicial College Director W. Milt Nuzum III noted that attorneys should not register for a free CLE if they are not interested in serving as a guardian ad litem. By registering for a course, the Judicial College is authorized to provide the attorney’s contact information to the local court noting the attorney’s willingness to serve as a guardian ad litem.

In addition, Nuzum said if attorneys have already completed a six-hour course provided by the Ohio Network of Children’s Advocacy Centers since March 2006 or if they have completed the 30-40 hour CASA pre-service course for CASA volunteers, there’s no need to attend the Judicial College course. These courses also meet the requirements of Sup. R. 48.

In order to be in compliance with this new rule, attendees must complete the entire educational program from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.. Attendees who do not participate in the full six hours of instruction will not be qualified to serve as a GAL under the requirements of the rule. Registration will not be available at the training sites, so all attendees must pre-register.

Click here to learn more about the courses.