North Carolina Child’s Lawyer & Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
Keep the focus on your child’s safety and stability without putting them in the middle. We guide parents through when a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is required in juvenile court and what works in private custody cases, including evaluators, parenting coordinators, and careful in-camera interviews.
Can a child have their own lawyer in North Carolina?
Quick answer: In most private custody cases, North Carolina courts do not appoint a separate child’s lawyer. In abuse, neglect, or dependency cases in juvenile court, the judge appoints a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) team, including an attorney advocate, to represent the child’s best interests. Judges in private cases use tools like parenting coordinators, custody evaluations, or in-camera interviews to understand a child’s needs without pulling the child into the conflict.
Need to protect your child without dragging them into court? We help you choose the right path—GAL where required, targeted motions in private cases, and orders that schools and doctors can follow.
Your North Carolina Child-Focused Custody Lawyer
Krispen Culbertson, North Carolina family lawyer with 20+ years handling child-focused custody strategy: GAL coordination in juvenile court, in-camera interviews when appropriate, parenting coordinators, custody evaluations, and clean orders that schools and doctors can follow.
Memberships: North Carolina State Bar; local family law sections. Courts: District Court calendars statewide with regular hearings in Guilford County.
Start by situation
Fast answers
Where a GAL appears: GALs are standard in abuse, neglect, dependency matters in juvenile court. In most private custody disputes, there is no separate child’s lawyer.
Child’s wishes: A mature child’s views may be considered, but do not control the outcome. Courts prefer neutral proof and limited exposure for the child.
Better tools in private cases: parenting coordinators, custody evaluations, school and medical records, and brief in-camera interviews get judges what they need.
Protect the child: use privacy limits, neutral exchanges, focused questions for professionals, and agency-ready orders.
Child’s lawyer and GAL: two tracks in North Carolina
Juvenile court (abuse, neglect, dependency). The court appoints a GAL team for the child. The GAL meets with the child, investigates, and works with an attorney advocate to report best-interest recommendations to the court.
Private custody (Chapter 50). In most private custody cases, the child does not have a separate lawyer. The court relies on parent testimony, records, and qualified professionals. Judges may order a custody evaluation, appoint a parenting coordinator after a custody order in high-conflict cases, or conduct a limited in-camera interview with safeguards.
When to ask for a GAL
In an abuse, neglect, or dependency case, a GAL is routine. We frame safety facts, coordinate with the GAL program, and keep the focus on the child’s needs and services.
When to oppose a “child’s lawyer” in private cases
If the other side asks for a separate child’s lawyer in a private dispute, we explain why it is not necessary, propose safer alternatives, and protect the child from being drawn into the fight.
Parenting coordinators
For post-order high conflict, a parenting coordinator can help implement the order. We propose scope, communication rules, and a clean appointment order.
Custody evaluations and neutral interviews
Judges often rely on neutral professionals. We define the scope, share key records, and keep questions focused on health, school, safety, and stability.
In-camera interviews
When appropriate, a short, private conversation with the judge can help. We request the interview with guardrails that reduce pressure on the child.
Protecting privacy and records
We manage school and medical records with targeted requests and privacy limits. Orders tell agencies exactly what to share and with whom.
Orders that agencies can follow
Clear language for decision-making, releases, school pick-up, travel, and medical care prevents confusion and protects the child.
What to bring and your first 72 hours
Documents checklist
- Current custody orders and any later changes
- School and medical records related to the dispute
- Communication logs and a simple parenting-time calendar
- Names of teachers, counselors, or doctors who know the child
Your first 72 hours with our team
1) Track selection
Confirm juvenile court with GAL or private custody path.
2) Evidence plan
Identify neutral records and professionals; set privacy limits.
3) Motion strategy
Parenting coordinator, evaluation, or in-camera interview as needed.
4) Narrow asks
Orders for decision-making, releases, and appointments.
5) Implementation
Follow up with schools, doctors, and the other side to reduce conflict.
FAQs
Can a child have their own lawyer in a North Carolina custody case?
What does a Guardian ad Litem do?
Will the judge talk to my child?
What if my child has a strong preference?
Who pays for evaluations or a parenting coordinator?
How do we keep the child out of the conflict?
Why North Carolina families choose Culbertson & Associates
- 20+ years child-focused custody strategy across North Carolina
- Neutral records and orders that agencies will follow
- Parenting coordinators, evaluations, and in-camera tools
- Clear timelines, costs, and next steps from day one
Client reviews
A. Benton — “K.E. Culbertson kept our child out of the fight and still gave the judge what was needed. The order is clear and school follows it.”
M. Fields — “Mr. Culbertson suggested a parenting coordinator instead of forcing our teen to be involved. Conflict dropped fast.”
T. Nguyen — “Krispen mapped the records, talked with teachers, and arranged a short interview. Thoughtful, steady, and child-first.”
S. Ortiz — “Culbertson and Associates protected privacy and still proved what mattered. The new schedule actually works.”
L. Carter — “They explained GAL vs. private custody in plain English. We chose the right track and moved forward without drama.”
J. Ahmed — “Clear plan, clear order, no surprises. Teachers knew exactly what to do the next week.”
Visit Our Greensboro Office
Culbertson & Associates
315 Spring Garden St Ste #300
Greensboro, NC 27401
(336) 272-4299 • culbertsonatlaw.com
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM • Area served: North Carolina
Related resources: North Carolina Child Custody
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