A GAL is appointed by a Court or Tribunal to conduct legal proceedings on behalf of a person who is:
- incapable of representing him or herself,
- incapable of giving proper instructions to his or her legal representative, and/or
- under legal incapacity due to age, mental illness or incapacity, disability or other special circumstances in relation to the conduct of the proceedings.
The role of a GAL is to protect or promote the interests of the person for whom they have been appointed. A GAL may also be referred to as a tutor or special representative.
