Categories: Family Law Children’s Law Estate Planning/Elder Law
Course Description
Lawyering Skills: Guardian ad Litem Practice in Wisconsin. A guardian ad litem in
Wisconsin is an attorney appointed by the court to represent the best interests of an individual
in court proceedings. Guardians ad litem typically are involved on behalf of children in
protective services proceedings or in custody and placement disputes, and on behalf of adults
in guardianship and protective placement proceedings. This is a practice-oriented skills
class in which students learn the skills and techniques necessary for competent service as
guardians ad litem in Wisconsin. The course provides a brief overview of the role of the
guardian ad litem in the Wisconsin court system and the requirements for serving as a
guardian ad litem, but the emphasis is on preparing students for hands-on guardian ad litem
practice. The course meets the requirements of Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 35 (Eligibility
for Appointment as Guardian ad Litem for a Minor) and Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule
36 (Eligibility for Appointment as Guardian ad Litem for an Adult). Students who successfully
complete the course will be eligible, upon admission to the Bar, to accept court appointments
as guardians ad litem for children and adults in Wisconsin.