Legal Dictionary
Ad Litem
Definition
For the suit; a person appointed to act in a lawsuit on behalf of a child or incapacitated person.
Deep Dive
"Ad litem" is a Latin term meaning "for the suit" or "for the legal proceeding." It typically refers to a temporary appointment made by a court to represent the interests of a party who is unable to represent themselves in a specific lawsuit, most commonly a minor or an incapacitated adult. The most common application is a "guardian ad litem" (GAL), who is tasked with investigating the facts of a case and making recommendations to the court that prioritize the best interests of the person they represent.
Examples & Use Cases
- 1In a child custody battle, a guardian *ad litem* was appointed to ensure the children's best interests were independently represented to the court
- 2A court appointed a conservator *ad litem* to manage the legal aspects of an elderly, incapacitated individual's defense in a financial dispute
- 3A minor inheriting a significant sum requires a guardian *ad litem* to oversee their legal representation during probate proceedings.
Related Terms
GuardianFiduciaryLegal Representation