GAL Training 2024

  • OnDemand seminar
View schedule and faculty
GAL Training 2024

GAL basics and best practices

In family law matters, guardians ad litem (GALs) have the challenging responsibility of advocating for the best interests of children in emotionally charged circumstances. At GAL Training 2024, you’ll explore the critical part GALs play in family court proceedings and hear how well-versed practitioners approach GAL appointments.

Accept no substitutions

There’s no substitute for guidance from those who’ve been in the trenches — and on the benches. GAL Training 2024 brings together judges, family court commissioners, guardians ad litem, and State Bar of Wisconsin Ethics Counsel to share their insights on a vast array of issues. Both new and experienced GALs will come away with helpful tools for approaching basic and more complex situations, with a better understanding of:

  • The wide range of roles a GAL may be called upon to perform
  • Communicating the best wishes of the child to the court
  • Dealing with high conflict parents
  • How the rules of evidence apply to family law cases
  • Issuing subpoenas and building a witness list
  • How to formulate your recommendations to the court
  • Best practices for appearing before court commissioners
  • What judges expect from you in court
8:30 am
The role of the guardian ad litem.

Michael S. Brandt, Tiffany L. Highstrom, Brad C. Schweiger

  • Tips for how to interview children
  • How to formulate your recommendation and abide by the rules of evidence
  • Communicating the best wishes of the child to the court
  • Conflicts and how to avoid them
  • Overcoming the therapeutic privilege
  • Dealing with parents that are high conflict
10:10 am
Break
10:25 am
Family Court Commissioner Roundtable

Brian Bushaw, Sally-Anne Danner, Kelly Iselin

  • Best practices for appearing before a court commissioner
  • Examples of procedure in different counties
  • What a commissioner wants from a GAL
12:05 pm
Lunch (on your own)
1:15 pm
Judge’s Perspective – Presenting your Case to the Court

Hon. Rhonda L. Lanford

  • The rules of evidence and how they apply in family law cases
  • The Witness list and who should testify
  • Issuing subpoenas- when do you have too many witnesses?
2:05 pm
Break
2:20 pm
Ethical Responsibilities when acting as a GAL

Timothy J. Pierce

3:10 pm
Program Concludes

Program Chair

Sarah DeKraay
Murphy Desmond S.C. · Madison

Speakers

8 total
Michael S. Brandt
Eastbridge Law Group LLP · Madison
Comm. Brian J. Bushaw
Outagamie County Circuit Court · Appleton
Comm. Sally-Anne Danner
Fond du Lac County Circuit Court · Fond du Lac
Tiffany L. Highstrom
Stafford Rosenbaum LLP · Madison
Comm. Kelly Iselin
Walworth County Circuit Court · Elkhorn
Hon. Rhonda L. Lanford
Dane County Circuit Court · Madison
Timothy J. Pierce
State Bar of Wisconsin · Madison
Brad C. Schweiger
Richter & Phillips · Madison

Sponsored by

Interested in sponsoring this program? Find out more.

  • Receive a comprehensive overview of guardian ad litem practice and procedure
  • Understand the GAL’s role in the investigation process with concrete examples from seasoned GALs
  • Pick up practical pointers on conducting interviews and communicating the child’s wishes to the court
  • Know the statutory factors a GAL must consider when making recommendations on a child’s behalf
  • Avoid ethical entanglements common to GAL appointments
  • Gain insights on what judges and court commissioners expect from GALs
  • Make effective recommendations for the custody and placement of children
  • Guardians ad litem for minors
  • Family law attorneys
  • Juvenile law and children’s attorneys
  • Attorneys seeking GAL minor appointments

Book Bonus!

The Guardian ad Litem Handbook
Save 15% on the The Guardian ad Litem Handbook.* This comprehensive resource is filled with practical information on handling GAL appointments, whether you’re looking for guidance on the basics or need help with complex issues. Use discount code CA3629 when you order online or by calling (800) 728-7788.

*Discount applies to both print and digital Books Unbound editions of this title and cannot be applied to previous purchases. Offer valid through 12/31/25. For Books Unbound users, discount may be applied to purchase of individual Books Unbound title only and may not be used on the purchase of libraries. Discount cannot be combined with any other offers.