Utah Office of Guardian ad Litem - PGAL

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Application and Training Program for Private Attorney Guardians ad Litem (PGAL)

This application and training program is intended for Utah attorneys seeking eligibility to serve as Private Attorney Guardians ad Litem (PGAL) in accordance with Utah Code Ann. § 78A-2-705 and Rule 4-906 of the Rules of Judicial Administration. Eligible attorneys may be appointed to represent children in district court cases and receive case assignments from the Utah Office of Guardian ad Litem (the "Office").

Given the sensitive nature of these cases and the importance of effective representation for children, the Office conducts a screening process to ensure that applicants possess the necessary qualifications and demonstrated proficiency to advocate on behalf of children in district court proceedings.

Application Instructions:

  1. Download and complete the application form in its entirety. Please ensure all required fields and documentation are included.
  2. Once the application is complete, submit the materials to Katie Brotherson at kathrynlb@utcourts.gov to register for the mandatory one day in-person training program.

If you have any questions or encounter any issues with the application or training process, please contact the Office at kathrynlb@utcourts.gov or call (801) 578-3902.

Thank you for your interest in representing children in Utah's District Courts. Your dedication to this important role is greatly appreciated.

  • Application Form - PDF
  • Application Checklist - PDF

 

Additional Trainings

 

References

PGAL Governing Statutes

District Court Guardian ad Litem Act 78A-2-701 et seq.

  • 78A-2-703 Appointment of attorney guardian ad litem in district court matters 78A-2-705 Private attorney guardian ad litem
  • 26B-8-111 Birth certificate name or sex designation change—Registration of court order and amendment of birth certificate.

Utah Code of Judicial Administration

The following statutes provide factors that the PGAL can consider when determining the best interests of the child and formulating your arguments.

  • 81-9-206 Determination of parent-time schedule -- Parent-time factors.
  • 81-9-204 Custody and parent-time of a minor child -- Custody factors – Preferences.
  • 81-9-205 Presumption of joint legal custody -- Joint custody factors – Order for joint custody.
  • 81-9-208 Modifications or termination of a custody or parent-time order – Noncompliance with a parent-time order.
  • 81-9-202 Advisory Guidelines for a custody and parent-time arrangement
  • 81-9-302 Minimum schedule for parent-time a minor child five to 18 years old.
  • 81-9-303 Optional schedule for parent-time for a minor child five to 18 years old.
  • 81-9-304 Minimum schedule for parent-time for a minor child under five years old.
  • Rule 4-903 Uniform custody evaluations
  • Custody evaluations shall be performed by persons with the minimum qualifications listed in Rule 4-903: (NOTE-A PGAL DOES NOT MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS AND IS NOT TO ACT AS OR BE APPOINT TO BE A CUSTODY EVAULUATOR. FACTORS ARE GOOD TO CONSIDER WHEN DETERMING BEST INTERESTS.)

Special Circumstances

  • 81-9-204 (5)(a) Custody and parent-time of a minor child -- Custody factors – Preferences
  • 81-9-207 Supervised parent-time
  • 81-9-209 Notice of relocation – Effect of relocation and parent-time schedule.
  • 81-9-104 Expert evidence – Violence or abuse findings – Child relationship and reunification.
  • 78A-2-232 Child abuse and domestic abuse education and training for judges, court commissioners, and court personnel.
  • 78B-7-121 Requirements for proceedings between the parents of a child. TRO URCP Rule 65A (Rules of Civil Procedure)
  • 26B-8-111 Birth certificate name or sex designation change.

Relevant Caselaw

Articles

 

Additional Forms and Pleadings

  • Coming Soon
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