Guardians ad Litem

Guardians ad Litem

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

Visit Nebraska MCLE Online for a complete list of attorneys eligible for GAL appointment. Click on "Search Guardian ad Litem" from the left-hand navigation to generate the list.

Approved Education for 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 user name 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 the on-line payment of $25.00.  Your user credentials will be e-mail to you.  For assistance call the help desk at 531-510-3641.
     
  • Annual 3 hour Education:  Every year after taking the initial course, approved Guardians ad Litem must complete 3 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 particular organization’s training in meeting the additional 3 hour annual requirement.  The criteria for what satisfies the 3 hour requirement is liberally construed at this time.  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 in order 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

531-510-3641