State

Issue

Statute(s)

Title of Appointed

Mandatory?

Alabama

In general

Ala. Code

§12-15-8(a)

GAL

discretionary

Dependency, Abuse/Neglect

Ala. Code

§26-14-11

GAL (must be atty.)

mandatory

Dependency, multiple needs children

Ala. Code §12-15-71(h)(4)

GAL

discretionary

Involuntary commitment

Ala. Code

§12-15-90(d)(2)

Atty. or GAL

mandatory

Legitimation

Ala. Code

§26-11-2(b)

GAL

mandatory if mother objects, otherwise discretionary

Paternity

Ala. Code

§26-17-17(b)

GAL

mandatory if not represented by counsel

Alaska

Adoption

AS 25.23.125(b)

Atty. &/or GAL

discretionary

Child Protection (Abuse/Neglect)

AS 47.17.030(e)

GAL

mandatory

Custody

AS 47.10.010(b)

Atty.

discretionary

Divorce/Dissolution

AS 25.24.310

Atty. &/or GAL

discretionary

Arizona

Abuse/Neglect

ARS §8-221(I)

GAL

mandatory

Divorce/Dissolution

ARS §25-321

Atty.

discretionary

Institutionalization

ARS §8-221(C)

Atty.

mandatory unless waived

Arkansas

Dependency

ACA §§

9-27-316(f)*

9-27-316(g)**

*Attorney ad litem – best interest

**CASA

*mandatory

**discretionary

Divorce/Dissolution

ACA §9-13-101(d)

Attorney ad litem – best interest

discretionary

Probate

ACA §9-13-106(b)

Attorney ad litem

discretionary

California

Custody

West’s Ann. Cal. Fam. Code §3150

Attorney (best interests)

discretionary

Minors, in general

West’s Ann. Cal. C.C.P. §372

GAL

discretionary

Termination of Parental Rights

West’s Ann. Cal. Fam. Code §7861

Atty.

discretionary

Colorado

Dependency/Neglect

C.R.S.A. §§

19-1-111*

19-1-111.5**

*GAL

**CASA

*mandatory

**discretionary

Divorce/Dissolution

C.R.S.A. §14-10-116

Atty. &/or Special Advocate (best interest)

discretionary

Colorado

continued

Paternity

C.R.S.A. §19-4-110

GAL

discretionary

Connecticut

In general

C.G.S.A. §46b-136

Atty.

discretionary

Abuse/Neglect

C.G.S.A. §46b-129a(2)

*Atty.

**GAL

*mandatory

**mandatory if conflict b/t best interests & child’s wishes

Divorce/Dissolution

C.G.S.A. §46b-54

Atty.

discretionary

Delaware

In general

13 Del. C. §701(c)

*GAL (atty. or CASA)

**Atty.

*mandatory

**discretionary

Custody

13 Del. C. §721(c)

Atty.

discretionary

Dependency (Welfare)

10 Del. C. §925 (17); Del. Fam. Ct. R. Civ. Proc. Rule 204

GAL (atty. or CASA)

discretionary

D.C.

Divorce/Dissolution

D.C. Code §§ 16-914(g), 16-918

Atty. &/or GAL

discretionary

Neglect

D.C. Code § 16-2304(b)(5)

GAL

mandatory

Florida

Dependency

F.S.A. §39.822

GAL

mandatory

Divorce/Dissolution

F.S.A. §61.401

Atty. &/or GAL

discretionary

Residential Treatment

F.S.A. §39.407(5)

GAL

mandatory

Shelter Placement

F.S.A. §39.402(8)(c)(1)

GAL

discretionary

Georgia

In General

Ga. Code Ann. §§9-11-17(c); 29-4-7

GAL

discretionary

Grandparent Visitation

Ga. Code Ann. §19-7-3(d)(1)

GAL

discretionary

Termination of

Parental Rights

Ga. Code Ann. §15-11-98(a)

*Atty.

**GAL

* mandatory

** discretionary

Hawaii

Dependency

H.R.S. §587-34

*Atty.

**GAL

* discretionary

** mandatory

Divorce/Dissolution

H.R.S. §571-46(8)

GAL

discretionary

Idaho

Dependency

I.C. §16-1618

*GAL

**Atty.

*mandatory

**discretionary

Divorce/Dissolution

I.C. §32-704 (4)

Atty.

discretionary

Illinois

Dependency

705 ILCS 405/2-17,* 405/2-17.1**

*GAL

**CASA

*discretionary

**discretionary

Divorce/Dissolution

750 ILCS 5/506

Atty. or GAL or Best Interest Representative

discretionary

Illinois

continued

Paternity

750 ILCS 45/18

(a-5)

Atty. or GAL or Best Interest Representative

discretionary

Indiana

In General

I.C. 31-32-3-1,*

31-32-4-2 (b)**

*GAL &/or CASA

**Atty.

*discretionary

**discretionary

Custody/Visitation

I.C. 31-17-6-1

GAL &/or CASA

discretionary

Dependency (Children in Need of Services)

I.C. 31-34-10-3

GAL &/or CASA

depends on type of harm; see statute for details

Divorce/Dissolution & Legal Separation

I.C. 31-15-6-1

GAL &/or CASA

discretionary

Termination of Parental Rights

I.C. 31-35-2-7

GAL &/or CASA

mandatory if parent objects

Iowa

Abuse

I.C.A. §232.71C(3)

GAL

mandatory

Child in Need

of Assistance

I.C.A. §§232.89(2)*

(5)**

*Atty. & GAL

** CASA

*mandatory

**discretionary

Divorce

I.C.A. §598.12(1)

Atty.

discretionary

Family in Need

of Assistance

I.C.A. §232.126

Atty. or GAL (GAL

may be a CASA)

mandatory

Foster Care

I.C.A. §232.179

GAL; Atty.

GAL – mandatory

Atty. – discretionary

Paternity

I.C.A. §598.21(4B)

GAL

mandatory

Termination of

Parental Rights

I.C.A. §§232.112(2),

600A.6(2)

GAL (§600A(9) -

must be atty.)

mandatory

Kansas

Child in Need

(?)

K.S.A. §§

38-1505(a)* & **

38-1505a(a)***

*GAL (must be atty.)

**Atty.

*** CASA (best interests)

*mandatory

**discretionary

*** discretionary

Paternity

K.S.A. §38-1125

GAL

mandatory

Kentucky

Abuse/Neglect

K.R.S. §620.100(1)(a)*

§620.100(1)(d)**

*Atty.

**CASA

*mandatory

**discretionary

Mental Health?

K.R.S. §645.060(1)

Atty.

mandatory

Termination of

Parental Rights

K.R.S. §625.041(1)

GAL

mandatory

Louisiana

Abuse

LSA-R.S. 9:345(B)

Atty.

mandatory

Louisiana

continued

Child in Need

of Care

LSA-Ch. C. Arts.

607(A)* 424.1(A)**

*Atty.

**CASA

*mandatory

**discretionary

Custody

LSA-R.S. 9:345(A)

Atty.

discretionary

Mental Health

Institutionalization

LSA-Ch. C. Arts.

607(C), 1409(K)

Atty.

mandatory if requested

Termination of

Parental Rights -

when opposed

LSA-Ch. C. Art. 1137(B)

Atty.

mandatory

TPR – permanency

planning

LSA-Ch. C. Art. 1146(C)-(D)

Atty.

mandatory if in state’s custody, discretionary if not

Maine

Abuse/Neglect

22 M.R.S.A.

§4005(1)(A)*

§4005(1)(F)**

*GAL

**Atty.

*mandatory

**GAL may request atty., but unclear if ct. must appoint

Adoption

18-A M.R.S.A.

§9-304(d)

GAL

discretionary

Custody/Divorce – when contested

19-A M.R.S.A.

§1507

GAL (best interest, but also req’d to make child’s wishes known – subsection (4))

discretionary

Paternity

18-A M.R.S.A

§9-201(f)

Atty.

mandatory

Termination of

Parental Rights

18-A M.R.S.A.

§9-204(c)

GAL

discretionary

Maryland

Child in Need

of Assistance

MD Code Cts. & Judicial Proceedings (CJC)

§3-813(d)(1)*

§3-813(e)**

*Atty.

**CASA

*mandatory

**discretionary

Custody/Support/

Visitation – when

contested

MD Code Family

Law §1-202

Atty.

discretionary

Mass.

Abuse/Neglect

M.G.L.A. 119 §29

Atty.

mandatory

Abuse – Visitation w/ Abusive Parent

M.G.L.A. 208 §31A, 209 §38, 209A §3, 209C §10

Atty. or GAL

discretionary

Care & Protection

MA R. Juv. Ct. Order 1-93(4)

Atty.

mandatory

Mass. continued

Child Care, Custody, & Maintenance (but not in Divorce?)

M.G.L.A. 215

§§56A, 56B

GAL

discretionary

Child Performers

M.G.L.A. 231

§85P ½ (d)(4)

GAL

discretionary

Enforcement of Post-Adoption Contact

M.G.L.A. 210 §6D

GAL

discretionary

Omission of Child from Will - Accidental

M.G.L.A. 192 §1C

GAL

mandatory

Permanency Hearing

MA R. Permanency Hearings Rule 4(C)

Atty.

mandatory

Termination of

Parental Rights

MA R. Prob. Ct. Practice 10a(6)

*Atty.

**GAL

*mandatory

**discretionary

Michigan

Abuse/Neglect

M.C.L.A. 722.630

Lawyer-GAL

mandatory

Adoption

M.C.L.A. 710.23e

(3)* & (6)**

*Atty.

**GAL

*discretionary

**discretionary

Custody

M.C.L.A. 722.24(2)* & MCR 3.204(D)**

*Lawyer-GAL

**GAL

*discretionary

**GAL

Guardianship

M.C.L.A. 700.5213

(4)* & (6)**

*Lawyer-GAL

**GAL

*discretionary

**discretionary

Minnesota

Child in Need of Protection or Services

M.S.A. §260C.212 Subdiv. 4(c)(4)

Atty. & GAL

mandatory

Custody/Support/

Parenting Time

M.S.A. §518.165

Subdiv. 1 & 2

GAL

mandatory if allegations of abuse or neglect that are not being litigated in another court; otherwise discretionary

Juvenile Protection Matters, Generally

Juv. Protection Proc. Rule 25.02 Subdiv. 1(a);*

Juv. Protection Proc. Rule 26.01**

*Atty.

**GAL

*mandatory

** it depends; see M.S.A. §260C.163 Subdiv. 5

Out-of-home Placement Plan

M.S.A. §260C.212 Subdiv. 1(d)

Atty. & GAL

mandatory

Minnesota

continued

Paternity

M.S.A. §257.60

GAL

Ct. must appoint either guardian or GAL

Permanent Placement – Plan

M.S.A. §260C.212 Subdiv. 4(c)(4)

Atty. & GAL

mandatory

Permanent Placement – Change

M.S.A. §260C.212 Subdiv. 6(2)

GAL

mandatory

Termination of

Parental Rights

M.S.A. §260C.212 Subdiv. 4(c)(4)

Atty. & GAL

mandatory

Mississippi

Abandonment

Miss. Code Ann. §§93-17-8(5)

GAL

mandatory

Abuse/Neglect

Miss. Code Ann. §43-21-121(1)(e)*

§43-21-201(1) & §43-21-151(1)**

*GAL

**Atty.

*mandatory; must also appoint an attorney if GAL is not a lawyer

**mandatory

Abuse – Visitation w/ Abusive Parent

Miss. Code Ann. §97-5-42(3)

GAL

mandatory

Adoption – contested

Miss. Code Ann. §93-17-8(1)(b)

GAL (must be an attorney)

mandatory

Paternity – Appeal from Judgment

Miss. Code Ann. §93-9-41

GAL

discretionary?

Termination of

Parental Rights

Miss. Code Ann. §93-15-107(1)

GAL

mandatory

Missouri

Abuse

V.A.M.S. 210.160

GAL

mandatory

Abuse – Orders of Protection

V.A.M.S. 455.513

GAL or CASA

mandatory

Custody/Support/

Visitation

V.A.M.S. 452.423(1)

GAL

discretionary

Divorce

Grandparent Visitation

V.A.M.S. 452.402(3)

GAL (must be an attorney)

discretionary

Paternity

V.A.M.S. 210.830

GAL

discretionary

Termination of

Parental Rights

V.A.M.S. 211.462(1)

GAL

mandatory

Montana

Abuse

MCA 41-3-112(1)*

41-3-1013(4)**

*GAL

**CASA

*mandatory

**discretionary

Custody/Support/

Visitation

MCA 40-4-205(1)

GAL

discretionary

Grandparent Visitation

MCA 40-9-102(4)

Atty.

discretionary

Paternity

MCA 40-6-110

GAL

Ct. must appoint either guardian or GAL

Montana continued

Termination of

Parental Rights – involuntary

MCA 41-3-607

GAL

mandatory

Nebraska

Abuse/Neglect

Neb. Rev. St.

§43-3710(1)

CASA

discretionary

Adoption – Contact with Birth Parent(s)

Neb. Rev. St.

§43-163(1)

GAL

mandatory

Divorce

Neb. Rev. St.

§42-358(1)

Atty.

discretionary

Conservator – Appointment

Neb. Rev. St.

§30-2636(a)

GAL (must be an atty.)

discretionary

Guardian - Appointment

Neb. Rev. St.

§30-2611(d)

GAL

discretionary

Indian Child – Foster Care Placement

Neb. Rev. St.

§43-1505(2)

Atty. (best interests)

discretionary

Indian Child – Term. of Parental Rights

Neb. Rev. St.

§43-1505(2)

Atty. (best interests)

discretionary

Paternity

Neb. Rev. St.

§43-104.05

GAL

mandatory

Termination of Parental Rights

Neb. Rev. St.

§42-364(7)*

§43-3710(1)**

*GAL (must be an atty.)

**CASA

*mandatory, when not in Juv. Ct.

**discretionary

Nevada

Abuse/Neglect

N.R.S. 432B.420 (1), (3)

Atty. &/or GAL (same person )

discretionary

Abuse/Neglect – Protective Custody Hearing

N.R.S. 432B.500(1)

GAL

mandatory

Indian Child – Foster Care Placement

N.R.S. 62D.210(2)(b)

Atty.

discretionary

Indian Child – Term. of Parental Rights

N.R.S. 128.023(2)(b)

Atty.

discretionary

Paternity

N.R.S. 126.101(1)

GAL (D.A. or Div. of Welfare)

must have either guardian or GAL

Probate

N.R.S. 136.200

Atty.

discretionary

Termination of Parental Rights

N.R.S. 128.100(1)

Atty. &/or GAL (same person?)

discretionary

New Hampshire

Abuse/Neglect –

initial action

N.H. Rev. Stat.

§169-C:10, I* & II **

*GAL or CASA

**Atty.

*mandatory

**discretionary

Abuse/Neglect – Preliminary Hearing

N.H. Rev. Stat.

§169-C:15, III

Atty.

mandatory upon finding of reas. belief

New Hamp. continued

Conservator – Appointment

N.H. Rev. Stat.

§464-A:41, I

GAL

discretionary if sua sponte, mandatory if requested

Domestic Violence

N.H. Rev. Stat.

§173-B:6

GAL

discretionary

Divorce/Legal Sep./

Annulment

N.H. Rev. Stat.

§458:17-a, I

GAL (must be atty.)

discretionary

Guardian - Appointment

N.H. Rev. Stat.

§464-A:41, I

GAL

discretionary if sua sponte, mandatory if requested

Termination of Parental Rights

N.H. Rev. Stat.

§170-C:8

GAL

mandatory

New Jersey

Abuse/Neglect – in general

N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.23*

Atty.: NJ R. Ch. Div. Fam. Pt. R. 5:8C**

*law guardian

**CASA

*mandatory

**discretionary

Abuse/Neglect – runs away fr. placement

N.J.S.A. 9:6-8.68

law guardian

mandatory if child at hearing

Adoption – child fr. approved agency

N.J.S.A. 9:3-47(b)

GAL

mandatory if adverse info vs. prospective parent (PP)

Adoption – child not fr. approved agency

N.J.S.A. 9:3-48

(a)(4) & (d)

GAL

mandatory if child removed from PP; if not, discretionary

Custody

N.J.S.A. 9:2-4(c)

Atty. or GAL

discretionary

Paternity

N.J.S.A. 9:17-47

GAL (atty. or State agency)

discretionary

Standby Guardian – Appointment

N.J.S.A. 3B:12-77

Atty. or GAL

discretionary

Termination of Parental Rights

N.J.S.A. 30:4C-15.4(b)

law guardian

mandatory

New Mexico

Custody

N.M.S.A §40-4-8

GAL

discretionary

Family in Need

N.M.S.A §

32A-3B-8(C)

GAL

mandatory

New York

In General

McKinney’s Family Court Act §241

Atty. or law guardian

 depends; see McKinney’s §249(A) for specifics

North Carolina

Abuse/

Neglect

N.C.G.S.A.

§7B-601

GAL

mandatory (attorney also mandatory if GAL is not one)

North Carolina continued

Dependency

N.C.G.S.A.

§7B-601(A)

GAL

discretionary (attorney also mandatory if GAL is not one)

Termination of

Parental Rights

N.C.G.S.A.

§7B-1108

GAL

discretionary (Mandatory if material allegations denied.)

North Dakota

Abuse (Order of Protection)

N.D.C.C.

14-07.1-05.1

GAL (must be an atty.)

discretionary

Custody/Support/

Visitation

N.D.C.C.

14-09-06.4

GAL

discretionary

Ohio

Abuse/Neglect

R.C.§2151.281

(B)-(J)

*GAL

**Atty.

*mandatory

**depends (see R.C. §2151.281(H); Juv. R. Rule 4(A),(C))

Oklahoma

Abuse/Neglect

10 Okl.St.Ann.

§7002-1.2(C)

GAL & atty.

mandatory

Custody/Visitation

43 Okl.St.Ann.

§107.3(A)(1)

GAL (must be attorney)

discretionary

Adoption

10 Okl.St.Ann.

§7505-1.2

Atty. & GAL

Atty. – mandatory if contested, discretionary if not;

GAL – mandatory if requested, discretionary if not

Deprived Child

10 Okl.St.Ann.

§§7003-3.7(A)(2)*

7003-3.7(B)**

*Atty.

**GAL (see (C) - may be a CASA)

*mandatory

**discretionary

Termination of Parental Rights

10 Okl.St.Ann.

§7505-2.1(E)(5)

Atty.

mandatory

Oregon

Abuse/Neglect

O.R.S.§§

419A.170* &

419B.195**

*CASA (best interests)

**Atty.

* mandatory

**see O.R.S.§§ 419B.195(1), 419B.100

Custody, Divorce, & Paternity

O.R.S. §107.425(6)

Atty.

mandatory if requested by child(ren), discretionary if not

Penn.

Dependency

42 Pa.C.S.A. §6311

GAL

mandatory

Termination of Parental Rights

23 Pa.C.S.A.

§2313(a)

Atty. &/or GAL

Atty. - mandatory in contested actions; otherwise atty. or GAL - discretionary

Rhode

Island

Abuse/Neglect

Gen. Laws 1956, §40-11-14

GAL &/or CASA

mandatory? (confusing wording)

Termination of Parental Rights

R. Juv. P., Rule 18(c)(3)

GAL &/or CASA

mandatory

South

Carolina

Abuse/Neglect

Code 1976

§20-7-110(1)

Atty. & GAL

mandatory

Adoption

Code 1976

§20-7-1732

GAL

mandatory

Custody/Visitation

Code 1976

§20-7-1545

GAL

discretionary

Involuntary Commitment

Code 1976

§44-24-90

Atty.

mandatory

Termination of Parental Rights

Code 1976

§20-7-1570(B)

GAL

mandatory; attorney also mandatory if GAL is not one in contested suits, but atty. is discretionary if uncontested

South

Dakota

In General - Civil Actions

S.D.C.L.

§15-6-17(c)

GAL

mandatory if no guardian or conservator

Abuse/Neglect

S.D.C.L. §§

26-8A-9;

26-8A-18;

26-8A-20

*Atty.

**GAL or CASA (all best interests)

*mandatory;

**discretionary during allegations, mandatory if adjudicated A/N & removed

Custody/Divorce

S.D.C.L.

§25-4-45.4

Atty. (best interests)

discretionary

Tennessee

Abuse/Neglect

T.C.A. §§

37-1-149(a),* (b)(1)**

*GAL

**CASA (best interests)

*mandatory

**discretionary

Divorce

T.C.A.

§36-4-132

GAL

discretionary

Texas

In General

V.T.C.A. Family Code §51.11

GAL

mandatory if parent/guardian not available, discretionary otherwise (see §107.021)

Conservator Appointment

V.T.C.A. Family Code §§107.011, 107.012

GAL & atty. ad litem (AAL)

mandatory

Termination of Parental Rights

V.T.C.A. Family Code §§107.011, 107.012

GAL & AAL

mandatory

Utah

In General

U.C.A. §§78-3a-912(2), (3)

Attorney GAL

discretionary

Abuse/Neglect

U.C.A. §78-3a-314(3),(5)* 78-7-9**

*GAL;

**Attorney GAL

*mandatory;

**discretionary

Custody/Support/

Visitation

U.C.A.§§

30-3-11.2*

78-7-45(1)**

*Atty.;

**Attorney GAL

*discretionary;

**discretionary

Parenting Plan

U.C.A.

§30-3-10.8(7)

GAL

discretionary (when parents file inconsistent plans)

Protective Orders

U.C.A.

§78-3h-102

Attorney GAL

discretionary

Termination of Parental Rights

U.C.A.

§78-3a-314(5)

Attorney GAL

mandatory

Vermont

Adoption

15A V.S.A.

§3-201(2)

GAL

mandatory in contested, discretionary if uncontested

Custody/Support

15 V.S.A. §669

GAL

discretionary

Virginia

Abuse/Neglect

Va. Code Ann. §16.1-266(A),* (D)**

*GAL (must be attorney)

**Atty.

* mandatory

**discretionary

Custody

Va. Code Ann. §16.1-266(E)

Atty. or GAL

discretionary

Guardianship

Va. Code Ann. §16.1-350(C)

GAL

mandatory if petition filed by non-parent, otherwise discretionary

Paternity: establishing & disestablishing

Va. Code Ann. §§20-49.2,

20-49.10

GAL

mandatory

Washington

In General, Family Court

R.C.W.A.

§26.12.175(1)(a)

GAL

discretionary

Abuse/Neglect

R.C.W.A. §§ 13.34.100(1)*

13.34.100(6)**

13.34.100(8)***

*GAL

** Atty. (best interests? – see §13.34.100(7))

*** CASA

* mandatory, unless has indep. atty. or for other good cause

**discretionary

***discretionary

Custody/Support/

Visitation

R.C.W.A. §26.10.070

Atty.

discretionary

Parenting Plan

R.C.W.A. §26.09.110

Atty.

discretionary

Washington continued

Paternity

R.C.W.A. §26.26.555

GAL

mandatory (but see R.C.W.A. §74.20.310(1))

West Virginia

Divorce

W.Va. Code

§48-5-107(f)

GAL

discretionary

Grandparent

Visitation

W.Va. Code

§48-10-403

GAL

discretionary

Guardianship

W.Va. Code §§ 48-9-302(1)-(2)

*GAL

**Atty.

*discretionary;

**discretionary

Wisconsin

In General, Child in Need of Service

or Protection

W.S.A. 48.23

(1m)(b)

Atty. or GAL (if under 12 yrs.)

discretionary, unless petition to remove child from home is contested

In General

W.S.A. 48.236

(1)

CASA

discretionary

Abuse/Neglect

W.S.A. 48.23

(3m)

*Atty.

**Atty. or GAL (if under 12 yrs.)

* mandatory for 12+

**mandatory for <12 years

Abortion

W.S.A. 48.23(cm)*; 48.235(d)**

*Atty.

**GAL

*mandatory to waive parental consent;

**discretionary

Action by Minor

Parent for Child

W.S.A. 769.302

GAL

discretionary