GAL Training 2025

  • OnDemand seminar
  • Attorney Regulation
  • Family Law
Up to 7.0 Credit Hours
View schedule and faculty
GAL Training 2025

The gold standard in GAL training

In divorce cases, children relying on guardians ad litem (GALs) face some of the most emotionally challenging moments of their lives. As a GAL, your insights and recommendations shape crucial custody and placement decisions. Whether you're preparing for your first case or have years of experience, GAL Training 2025 will deepen your understanding, refine your advocacy skills, and equip you with practical tools to navigate complex family dynamics.

Kids in the courtroom

Gain perspective from a circuit court judge on child testimony in contested custody and placement matters. Learn how the rules of evidence apply in family court and analyze the law surrounding child testimony. Discover best practices for interviewing children and consider the impact of a child’s testimony on the child and the family.

8:30 am
Children Testifying in Family Court

Hon. Thomas J. Walsh

  • Basic Rules of Evidence for GALs
  • The Law of Child Testimony
  • The Law of Interviewing a child
  • Methods of interviewing a child
    • Parties included
    • Questions
    • Setting
  • Effect on children and families
9:30 am
Break
9:45 am
Current Issues for GALs

Paul F. Angel, Adam J. Dassow, Brad C. Schweiger

11:15 am
The Rising Use of Parent Coordinators

Christopher S. Krimmer

  • What is Parent Coordination?
  • Common Decisions for Parent Coordinators.
  • Who can serve as Parent Coordinators?
  • What is the legal authority for a Parent Coordinators?
  • Can the Court require a Parent Coordinator in a family law action?
12:05 pm
Lunch (on your own)
1:15 pm
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Custody & Placement: Legal Presumptions & Advocacy

Haley Bjorn

  • How domestic violence can affect presumptions about custody in family law cases
  • How domestic violence can affect presumptions about placement in family law cases
  • Obstacles for practitioners and pro se parties
  • Advocating for clients who have experienced domestic violence
2:05 pm
Break
2:20 pm
Best Practices for Custody and Placement Orders

Kristen E. Lonergan

3:10 pm
Trending Ethical Issues for Guardians ad Litem

o Evidentiary concerns (e.g., reference letters)o Stipulations/Unauthorized Practice of Lawo Access/Research tools - Firm policieso Hypotheticals and pollso GALs meeting with represented parties

  • Artificial Intelligence
4:10 pm
Program Concludes

Program Chair

Sarah DeKraay
Murphy Desmond S.C. · Madison

Presenters

10 total
Paul F. Angel
Angel and Angel, S.C. · Dodgeville
Haley Bjorn
Judicare Legal Aid · Wausau
Adam J. Dassow
Axley Brynelson LLP · Janesville
Tiffany L. Highstrom
Stafford Rosenbaum LLP · Madison
Christopher S. Krimmer
Forward Legal Services · Madison
Kristen E. Lonergan
Crooks Law Firm S.C. · Wausau
Brad C. Schweiger
Richter & Schweiger · Madison
Megan M. Stoltz
Stoltz Law Office LLC · Monona
Sara M. Vanden Brook
The Law Center, S.C. · Madison
Hon. Thomas J. Walsh
Brown County Circuit Court · Green Bay

Sponsored by

Interested in sponsoring this program? Find out more.

  • Receive a primer on child testimony in contested custody and placement cases
  • Discover how domestic violence can affect presumptions about custody and placement
  • Understand the role of parent coordinators and when it may be helpful to request one
  • Gain practical tips for making custody and placement recommendations
  • Identify and avoid common ethical pitfalls GALs face
  • Guardians ad litem for minors
  • Family law attorneys
  • Divorce lawyers
  • 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 CA3782 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 12/31/26. 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.