Guardians Ad Litem

SB 376 amends Florida law to clarify that courts must consider information provided by a guardian ad litem (GAL) in child-related cases, including their written reports and testimony. The bill requires GALs to file reports at least 20 days before hearings (unless waived by the court), detailing the child’s wishes and recommendations, and ensures GALs receive all relevant case documents. This directly affects courts, GALs, and children involved in family court matters like custody or abuse cases, ensuring their input is formally weighed. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but withdrawn before committee consideration and has no current legislative status.