GAL Complaint System

The GAL Review Board, with the assistance of Bar Counsel, investigates allegations of ethical misconduct against guardians ad litem.  Guardians ad litem may be disciplined if they:

  1. Violate or attempt to violate these Rules, chapter 32 of Title 4, Title 18 A, Title 19-A, Title 22, or an appointment order issued pursuant to them; knowingly assist or induce another to do so; or do so through the acts of another;
  2. Engage in conduct that violates the applicable rules of conduct for guardians ad litem in another jurisdiction;
  3. Commit any criminal or unlawful act that reflects adversely on the guardian ad litem’s honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a guardian ad litem;
  4. Engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;
  5. Have allegations of abuse or neglect against him or her substantiated by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services;
  6. Fail to maintain compliance with the requirements in Rule 2 for placement on the Roster;
  7. In the performance of guardian ad litem duties, by words or conduct, manifest bias or prejudice based upon race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status;
  8. Willfully violate an order imposing discipline under these Rules; willfully fail to comply with a subpoena validly issued under these Rules; or knowingly fail to respond to a lawful demand from a disciplinary authority, except that this Rule does not require disclosure of information otherwise protected by applicable rules relating to confidentiality; or
  9. Fail to comply with the duty to report set forth in Rule 5(i)(4).

If you believe that a guardian ad litem has acted in one of these ways and would like to file a complaint, please download, complete and return the Guardian Ad Litem Complaint Form.  If you have a copy of the court order appointing the guardian ad litem, please include it with your complaint. 

If you require assistance completing the complaint form, please contact the Central Intake Office at the Board of Overseers of the Bar. Central Intake staff are available to discuss your concerns by telephone during normal business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) and can be reached at (207) 623-1121. If you would prefer to communicate your questions in writing, you may contact the Intake Office by email at: intake@mebaroverseers.org.