Utah State Courts

Utah Office of Guardian ad Litem

Private Attorney Guardian ad Litem Online Application and Training Program

This application and training program is for Utah attorneys who are applying to become eligible as Private Attorney Guardians ad Litem (PGAL) to represent children in district court cases pursuant to UCA Sec. 78A-2-228 and to receive case-assignments from the Utah Office of Guardian ad Litem (the "Office"). Because children are involved, it is necessary for the Office to screen applicants who demonstrate the necessary ability and proficiency to represent them in District court proceedings.

First, print and fill out the application form and, while completing the form, take note of the items that must be completed beyond the online training and items to be submitted separately to the Office. Second, complete the online training modules and print out each of the accompanying quiz certificates (you should have four in total). When you have completed these requirements, mail in your application and quiz certificates to the address listed on the Application Packet. After the application has been initially reviewed and the completion of the online training has been confirmed by the Office, you will be notified by way of email of any remaining items to be completed.

The online training consists of four training modules, each having certain pdf documents or materials to read and study, and an accompanying multiple-choice quiz (10 questions for each module quiz). Each module takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour to complete (reading and quiz). Each quiz must be passed with a perfect score in order to complete the online training. At the end of each quiz, you will be able to see if any answers are incorrect. If so, you will be able to refer back to the reading materials to look for the information needed to correct the answer, and retake the quiz. One hour of self-study CLE has been approved by the Utah State Bar for each module completion-certificate submitted to the Office of Guardian ad Litem.

If you have questions or discover problems with the online application or training process, please contact the Office at emilyb@utcourts.gov or (801) 578-3902. Thank you for your interest in representing children in District Court!

• Application Form - PDF | Word

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Online Training

Note: Training Quizes must be completed using Internet Explorer as your web browser, otherwise you may not be able to print your certificates of completion.

Module A

This training module focuses on the role and duties of the PGAL as defined by law, as well as the appointment/case assignment process.

Module A Resources:

• Schoolcraft - Case Law - PDF
• 78A-2-228 (Effective 07/01/13). Private attorney guardian ad litem -- Appointment -- Costs and fees -- Duties -- Conflicts of interest -- Pro bono obligation -- Indemnification -- Minimum qualifications. - PDF
• Rule 4-906. Guardian ad litem program. - PDF

Module A Training Quiz:

• Module A Training Quiz

Module B

This training module focuses on how children can be affected by parental abuse, violence, and conflict, and what actions may be taken by the PGAL for the benefit of the child client.

Module B Resources:

• Nuturing Children - PDF
• Abuse of Children - PDF
• Brochure - Children in Domestic Violence - PDF
• Chapter 2: Physical, Sexual, and Emotional Child Abuse and Neglect - PDF
• 78B-7-202 (Effective 07/01/13). Petition -- Ex parte determination -- Guardian ad litem -- Referral to division. - PDF
• 30-3-5.2 (Effective 07/01/13). Allegations of child abuse or child sexual abuse -- Investigation. - PDF
• 62A-4a-403. Reporting requirements. - PDF
• Rule 4-509. Court-appointed parent coordinator. - PDF
• Rule 4-903. Uniform custody evaluations. - PDF
• Dear Judge - PDF

Module B Training Quiz:

• Module B Training Quiz

Module C

This training module focuses on the age and developmental aspects of how children deal with their parent's separation and/or conflict.

Module C Resources:

• Child Development and Parents Who Do Not Live Together - PDF

Module C Training Quiz:

• Module C Training Quiz

Module D

This training module focuses on those factors to be considered when determining and when presenting evidence in relation to the best interests of the child client.

Module D Resources:

• 78A-2-228 (Effective 07/01/13). Private attorney guardian ad litem -- Appointment -- Costs and fees -- Duties -- Conflicts of interest -- Pro bono obligation -- Indemnification -- Minimum qualifications. - PDF
• Utah Office of Guardian ad Litem, Best Practice Guidelines, 2009 - PDF

Module D Training Quiz:

• Module D Training Quiz