The Nebraska Supreme Court adopted Guidelines for Guardians ad Litem for Juveniles in Juvenile Court Proceedings to ensure that the legal and best interests of juveniles in dependency and abuse/neglect proceedings initiated under the Nebraska Juvenile Code are effectively represented by their court-appointed Guardians ad Litem. For more information about Guardians ad Litem, refer to the Supreme Court rule regarding guardian ad litem education requirements.

Attorneys Eligible for GAL Appointment (Juvenile or Probate)

Visit the Attorney Services Division (ASD) website for lists of attorneys eligible for GAL appointments.  ASD maintains two lists of attorneys approved for GAL appointments at this site: one list for juvenile approvals and a separate list for probate approvals.  Click on "Search Juvenile Guardian ad Litem" or "Search Probate Guardian ad Litem" from the left-hand navigation to generate a list.  Contact the ASD Help Desk at 531-510-3641 or nsc.mcle@nejudicial.gov with any questions about attorneys approved for Guardian ad Litem appointments or GAL education programs and requirements.
 

Approved Education for Juvenile GAL Training

• Required 6-hour training: Beginning April 21, 2014, the initial 6-hour guardian ad litem course which serves to allow an attorney to be listed as an approved GAL will be offered through the Supreme Court office of Judicial Branch Education.  The initial 6-hour requirement can only be met by attending a live course which is based on the approved curriculum. To obtain a username and password to access the course log into your Attorney Services Account (previously MCLE account) and choose the selection for GAL education.  Registration for a course will require an online payment of $25.00.  Your user credentials will be e-mail to you.  
   
• Annual 3-hour Education: Every year after taking the initial course, approved Guardians ad Litem must complete three additional hours of education to stay on the list of approved Guardians ad Litem.  Until the Administrative office of the Courts completes the revamp of GAL education, the additional hourly requirement can be satisfied through attendance at any education dealing with child and adolescent development, children in the courts or issues surrounding abuse and neglect as well as other issues that arise in juvenile court. Attorneys are not limited to any organization’s training in meeting the additional 3-hour annual requirement.  The criteria for what satisfy the 3-hour requirement is liberally construed currently.  Upon completion of the revamp project there will be specific criteria as well as courses designated for GAL education.  When you attend classes to satisfy the 3-hour requirement, submit proof of attendance to the MCLE Commission to continue to be included on list of approved GALs.  Approval for GAL credit for a selected course is obtained through the MCLE Commission.

CONTACT

Nebraska MCLE Commission
5001 Central Park Dr, Ste 200
Lincoln, NE 68504
531-510-3641
402-471-0728