Statutes, codes, and regulations
Wyoming Administrative Code
Agency 008 - Public Defenders, StateSubagency 0001 - Guardian Ad Litem Program
Chapter 2 - STANDARDS, CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING
Section 2-5 - Selection of guardians ad litem; list of qualified GALs

008-2 Wyo. Code R. § 2-5

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Current through April 27, 2019
Section 2-5 - Selection of guardians ad litem; list of qualified GALs

(a) Application process. Any attorney who desires to contract with the Office to provide attorney guardian ad litem services for the Program may submit at any time a completed application to the Deputy Director. The application is available on the Program's website. Every completed application must be accompanied by a signed release of information authorization sufficient to enable the Deputy Director to independently verify the facts set forth in the application and freely check into the applicant's background and qualifications.

  • (i) Any attorney who previously provided an application to the prior GAL Program, but who has failed to maintain the continuing training requirements, or is otherwise presently unqualified under these Rules, must re-apply.
  • (ii) The Office may contract with the University of Wyoming College of Law's Clinics to provide GAL services on a non-fee basis.

(b) Screening process. Before an application is accepted by the Deputy Director for consideration for a contract, employment or inclusion on a list of guardians ad litem maintained pursuant to these Rules:

  • (i) The applicant shall be admitted to practice law in Wyoming and shall be an attorney in good standing with the Wyoming State Bar; and
  • (ii) The applicant's continuing legal education credits shall be verified by the Deputy Director and the Wyoming State Bar.

(c) Yearly CLE Compliance Check. An attorney must submit an updated affidavit to the Deputy Director every year to ensure that she or he is maintaining her or his qualifications for such appointments. Failure to submit this affidavit or complete the requisite number of approved CLE hours will result in a termination of the GAL's contract or employment.

(d) Factors to be considered in selection. All pertinent factors shall be considered by the Office in the identification and selection of the attorney guardian ad litem. To be a guardian ad litem, the attorney must meet the minimum qualifications set forth in Ch. 2, § 4, must have no conflict of interest regarding the case, must be certified by the Deputy Director, and be a Panel Attorney pursuant to these Rules.

(e) Appointment order; specification of duties. An attorney guardian ad litem shall not be appointed or serve except upon written order of the court. Once the court has appointed a Program GAL to a case, the Program is deemed to have been appointed. It is recommended that the court's order will set forth: the role of the guardian ad litem; the specific duties to be performed by the guardian ad litem in the case; deadlines for the completion of the duties set forth; and the duration of the appointment. Notwithstanding a court's order or any pertinent court rule or state statute, the Deputy Director shall oversee the appointment. Any attorney appointed by the court that is not contracted or employed by the Program will not be reimbursed or compensated by the Program.

(f) Support, advice, and supervision. The Deputy Director shall maintain a list of resources available in order to promote support, advice, and training to attorney guardians ad litem serving in the state. The Deputy Director, as well as any Supervisor at the direction of the Deputy Director, shall oversee the Program and all court-ordered appointments.

008-2 Wyo. Code R. § 2-5