COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

DIVISION OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS

HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO

Plaintiff / Petitioner
-vs/and-
Defendant / Petitioner

Enter:
Case No.
File No.
CSEA No.
Judge:
Magistrate:
ORDER APPOINTING GUARDIAN AD LITEM

Pursuant to Local Rule Title X and Ohio Revised Code Section 310904, the Court finds the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem (hereinafter “GAL”) is warranted.

IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that , Esq. is appointed GAL for the minor child(ren): (DOB: ).

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that:

☐	1.	Plaintiff shall deposit the sum of $ and/or Defendant shall deposit the sum of $ with the Clerk of Courts by . The total initial deposit shall be $1,750.00 unless the Court specifies otherwise. The GAL’s hourly rate is $175.00 unless the parties and the GAL agree to a different rate prior to the GAL commencing work.

Thereafter, Plaintiff shall pay % and Defendant shall pay % of the GAL’s fees and expenses.

OR:

☐	2.	Compensation for GAL services are being provided on a pro bono basis.

The GAL shall submit monthly invoices to counsel and parties. The GAL shall submit an entry (Form DR 10.7) for release of deposited funds from the Clerk of Court for payment. For fees and expenses incurred beyond the initial deposit, the GAL may require direct payment from the parties or file a motion and affidavit for a Court order for payment.

The Court retains jurisdiction to reallocate the fees and costs of the GAL upon motion or at the conclusion of the case. Each party is responsible for paying all fees as ordered by the Court until such time as fees may be reapportioned.

Failure to pay the GAL fees as ordered herein may result in a finding of contempt of court, limitation of evidence, dismissal of claims for relief or other sanctions as allowed by law.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the GAL shall perform whatever functions are necessary to represent the best interests of the child(ren) for whom the GAL is appointed. To provide the court with relevant information and an informed recommendation as to the child(ren)’s best interests, the GAL shall perform his or her responsibilities pursuant to Local Rule 10.9 and Sup R 48(D).

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the GAL shall be given notice of all hearings and proceedings and shall be provided a copy of all pleadings, motions, notices and other documents filed in the case.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the GAL may file pleadings, motions or other documents as appropriate under the applicable rules of procedure. Any GAL report submitted pursuant to this Order shall include the following language:

NOTICE

This report is being provided to the Court, unrepresented parties, and legal counsel of record. If you are an attorney, you may share its contents with your client. However, any other disclosure of the report must be approved in advance by the Court. Unauthorized disclosure of the report in any fashion through any means, including but not limited to, copying the report, posting it or any portion of it on social media or other mediums, or disclosing all or portions of the report to any person without prior approval, may be subject to Court action including penalties or contempt, which include incarceration and fines.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the GAL shall maintain any information received from any source as confidential and will not disclose the same except to report to the Court or as the law permits.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that this appointment shall remain in effect until discharged with an Order of the Court, with the Court filing a final Order in the case, or Court rule.

_________________________________

Judge / Magistrate

Copies to:

Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner

Attorney for Defendant/Petitioner

Guardian ad Litem