GAL Complaint Form

Guardian ad Litem Review Board

Complaint Form

The Guardian ad Litem Review Board investigates allegations of ethical misconduct against guardians ad litem in the State of Maine. If you believe that a guardian has violated the guardian ad litem rules of conduct or a court order related to the appointment, please fill out this form as completely as possible and return it to the Board’s office. If possible, please include a copy of the court’s order appointing the guardian and any other court orders or documents relevant to your complaint. Your complaint will be reviewed in accordance with the Maine Rules for Guardians ad Litem adopted by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court effective September 1, 2015. Please be aware that a copy of this complaint and any attachments will be provided to the guardian ad litem.

If you require assistance completing this form, please contact the Board's Central Intake Office at (207) 623-1121. Normal business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may also submit any questions about completing this form via email.

Upon receipt of your complaint, Board Counsel will review your complaint to determine whether the facts stated provide grounds for further action by the Board. The process for reviewing and processing GAL complaints is outlined in Rule 9 of the Maine Rules for Guardians ad Litem.

Your Name

Mr.Ms.OtherOther

First Name/Middle InitialLast NameSuffix

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry

Date of Birth

MonthDayYear

Last 4 Digits of SSN

Example: 1234

E-mail

Home Number

Area CodePhone Number

Cellular Number

Area CodePhone Number

Work Number

Area CodePhone Number

Please note that the Guardian ad Litem you are complaining about must be rostered in the State of Maine for your complaint to be investigated. The Guardian ad Litem Review Board does not have jurisdiction over GALs rostered in other states.

Guardian ad Litem Name

First Name/Middle InitialLast Name

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry

Work Number

Area CodePhone Number

E-mail

A. The court case:

Name and Location of the Court:

Docket number:

Type of Case:

The name of your attorney, if you have one:

Names of the child(ren) the guardian ad litem was appointed to represent:

What (if any) is your relationship to the child or children the guardian ad litem was appointed to represent?

Is this case currently pending before the Court?

YesNo

Have you filed a complaint with the Judicial Officer who is conducting the hearings in this matter?

YesNo

B. Your complaint against the guardian ad litem:

What is the nature of this complaint against the guardian ad litem? (Check more than one as appropriate.)

Did not meet with the child(ren) in a timely manner consistent with the appointment orderDid not meet with and observe the child(ren)'s interaction with caregiver at home and/or placement, if ordered by the courtDid not meet with and observe the child(ren)'s interaction with caregiver at home and/or placement, if ordered by the courtFailed to sufficiently protect the child(ren) from testifying or make other arrangements to ensure the safety of child(ren)Did not exercise independent representation on behalf of the child(ren)Did not timely file guardian ad litem reports required by law or court orderDisclosed confidential informationShowed bias or prejudice based upon race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic statusDispute regarding fees for services or billing practices

Have you spoken to the guardian ad litem about your complaint?

YesNo

Describe in detail the nature of your complaint against this guardian ad litem. Please include the times and dates of events where appropriate:

Do you have copies of court orders, reports and other documents relevant to your complaint?

YesNo

Document #1:

Please provide title of document.

Upload document #1:

Upload a File

Document #2:

Please provide title of document.

Upload document #2:

Upload a File

Document #3:

Please provide title of document.

Upload document #3:

Upload a File

Document #4:

Please provide title of document.

Upload document #4:

Upload a File

C. Other complaints against the guardian ad litem:

Have you filed a complaint or action against the guardian ad litem elsewhere?

YesNo

If yes, please explain where that complaint is filed and the complaint status:

The filing of this complaint constitutes your consent to the disclosure of the content of your complaint and relevant information to the named guardian ad litem; the Guardian ad Litem Review Board; Board Counsel; the Board of Overseers of the Bar; the Maine Judicial Branch including the court; any regulatory or administrative agency that has or could issue a license to the guardian ad litem you have named; and any of the employees, agents and attorneys for these entities and agencies. Should your complaint result in a hearing before a Review Board Panel, your complaint and the panel's decision may become public.

Name of complainant*

First Name/Middle InitialLast Name

Date complaint submitted:*

MonthDayYear

Alternatively, your complaint and supporting documents may be submitted via
fax (207) 623-4175 or by postal mail to the address below.
Please do not mail original documents.

Guardian ad Litem Review Board
Attn: Central Intake Office
P O Box 527
Augusta, ME 04332-0527