RULE 8.617. GUARDIAN AD LITEM

(a) Appointment. At any stage of the proceedings any party
may request, or the court may appoint, a guardian ad litem to
represent any child alleged to be in need of services or from a family
in need of services.

(b) Qualifications; Responsibilities. The guardian ad litem
shall be an attorney or other responsible adult and shall have the
following responsibilities:

(1) To investigate the allegations of the petition and any
subsequent matters arising in the case and, unless excused by the
court, to file a written report. This report shall include a statement
of the wishes of the child and the recommendations of the guardian
ad litem and shall be provided to all parties and the court at least
48 hours before the disposition hearing.

(2) To be present at all court hearings unless excused
by the court.

(3) To represent the interest of the child until the
jurisdiction of the court over the child terminates or until excused
by the court.

(4) To perform such other duties and undertake such
other responsibilities as the court may direct.
(c) Bond Not Required. A guardian ad litem shall not be
required to post bond but shall file an acceptance of the office.

(d) Receiving Service. A guardian ad litem shall be entitled
to receive service of pleadings and papers as provided by rule 8.635.

(e) Lay Guardians’ Duties. The duties of lay guardians shall
not include the practice of law.

(f) Substitution or Discharge. The court, on its own motion
or that of any party, including the child, may substitute or
discharge the guardian ad litem for reasonable cause.