GAL Training 2026

  • Webcast seminar
  • OnDemand seminar
  • Attorney Regulation
Up to 7.0 Credit Hours
View schedule and faculty
GAL Training 2026

The good, the bad, and the GAL

Serving as a guardian ad litem (GAL) often means stepping into families’ most difficult moments. Placement battles involving older children, disputed custody evaluations, and high-conflict parents can quickly test a GAL’s judgment in court. When the facts are messy and the pressure is high, GALs must be prepared to act decisively while staying within the bounds of the rules governing evidence and professional conduct.

Your GAL field guide

GAL Training 2026 brings together judges, family court commissioners, and experienced GALs to explore how these cases typically unfold in Wisconsin courts—featuring a panel of commissioners who will share what they want and don’t want from GALs. Through practical examples and open discussion, you’ll learn how practitioners handle difficult cases and gain insight into approaching your role with greater confidence.

Examine the evidentiary and procedural issues that frequently arise in family court and their impact on GAL advocacy.

8:30 am
The Rules of Evidence in Family Court

Hon. Thomas J. Walsh

  • The Rules of Evidence do apply
  • Tips for specific types of evidence to be admitted
9:30 am
Break
9:45 am
Acting as GAL: Tough Cases and Best Practices

Katherine C. Harrell, Jolene D. Schneider, Megan M. Stoltz, Sara M. Vanden Brook

  • Enforcement of Placement Orders with Older Children
  • Substantial changes in circumstance issues
  • Practical appointment issues and solutions
  • Learned lessons in high conflict cases
11:15 am
Topic - TBD
12:05 pm
Lunch (on your own)
1:15 pm
Custody Study and Evaluations: What value do these add to family law cases?

Shelly Anday

  • Things that happen in a custody study
  • Differences between a custody study and an evaluation
  • Things that evaluators are looking for
  • Relying on the study as a GAL
2:05 pm
Break
2:20 pm
What Family Court Commissioners Want (and don’t want) from a GAL

Comm. Christopher Bailey, Comm. Shane W. Falk, Comm. Mark R. Fremgen

  • Evidence presented before a Family Court Commissioner
  • Reports regarding best interest factors
  • When a GAL should meet with a ward
  • How GALs are assigned in different counties
3:20 pm
Trending Ethical Issues for Guardians ad Litem

Stacie H. Rosenzweig, Megan M. Stoltz

  • Conflicts of Interest
    o Best interest of the ward versus wishes of the ward
    o GALs serving in multiple roles
  • Confidentiality
    o Mandatory versus discretionary reporting
    o Third party participation in investigational meetings
  • Investigational Scope, Competency, and Professionalism
  • Communication with Represented and Unrepresented Parties
4:10 pm
Program Concludes

Program Chair

Sarah DeKraay
Murphy Desmond S.C. · Madison

Presenters

10 total
Shelly Anday, LSW
Family Court Consulting Services · Middleton
Comm. Christopher Bailey
Waukesha County Circuit Court · Waukesha
Comm. Shane W. Falk
Jefferson County Circuit Court · Jefferson
Comm. Mark R. Fremgen
Dane County Circuit Court · Madison
Katherine C. Harrell
Stafford Rosenbaum LLP · Madison
Stacie H. Rosenzweig
Halling & Cayo, S.C. · Milwaukee
Jolene D. Schneider
Remley Law, S.C. · Neenah
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.

  • Approach GAL appointments with a stronger understanding of your ethical duties
  • Anticipate evidentiary issues before hearings and present recommendations supported by the record
  • Evaluate custody studies and professional evaluations more effectively when forming recommendations about a child’s best interests
  • Understand how family court commissioners assess GAL reports, testimony, and courtroom conduct
  • Gain practical strategies for managing high-conflict cases and other challenging circumstances
  • Learn from real experiences shared by practicing GALs so you can avoid common mistakes
  • Guardians ad litem
  • Family lawyers
  • Family court commissioners
  • seeking GAL appointments

Book Bonus!

The Guardian ad Litem Handbook
Save 15% on The Guardian ad Litem Handbook.* This comprehensive resource equips you with practical guidance for GAL appointments, from routine matters to complex decision-making. Use discount code CA3958 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 12/31/27. 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.