When a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is appointed in your Florida custody case, one of their key responsibilities is to conduct a home visit. This visit helps the GAL understand your child’s living environment, observe family interactions, and determine what arrangement best serves the child’s well-being. Knowing how to prepare can ease anxiety and help you present your home and family in the best light.

Understand the Purpose of the Home Visit

The goal of the Guardian ad Litem’s home visit isn’t to judge your decorating skills or lifestyle—it’s to ensure your child is safe, comfortable, and supported. The GAL looks for signs of stability, routine, and parental involvement, not perfection. A lived-in home that feels loving and consistent is always better than one that feels staged or artificial.

Tips for Preparing Your Home

• Keep things clean and safe. Make sure your child’s space is tidy, well-lit, and age-appropriate. Check for safety hazards such as unlocked medications, loose cords, or unsafe furniture.
• Show signs of routine. Have visible indicators of your child’s daily life—like school calendars, homework areas, sports gear, or family photos. These details demonstrate involvement and consistency.
• Be yourself. The GAL wants to see your family’s authentic dynamic. Don’t over-prepare to the point that your home feels unnatural.
• Ensure everyone at home is prepared. Let other adults or older children know what’s happening, so the visit feels calm and organized.

What to Expect During the Visit

The Guardian ad Litem will likely observe your interaction with your child and may ask open-ended questions about daily routines, discipline, and emotional support. Be honest, respectful, and cooperative. Avoid speaking negatively about the other parent—this can make you appear defensive or combative.

Instead, emphasize how you focus on your child’s needs and encourage a healthy relationship with both parents. The GAL is evaluating not just your parenting, but your willingness to co-parent effectively.

What Not to Do

• Don’t coach your child. Children are often more perceptive than we realize. Coaching them to “say the right thing” can come across as inauthentic or manipulative.
• Don’t overshare personal grievances. Keep your comments focused on your child’s well-being, not on past conflicts with your ex-spouse.
• Don’t ignore follow-up communication. If the GAL requests additional documents or interviews, respond promptly. Cooperation demonstrates responsibility and respect for the process.

After the Visit: What Happens Next

After the home visit, the Guardian ad Litem will continue gathering information through interviews, records, and other evaluations before submitting their report to the court. You’ll typically receive notice if further input is needed.

It’s a good idea to stay in touch with your attorney during this stage. They can help you address any concerns, provide documentation, and ensure your voice is represented before the court considers the GAL’s recommendations.

Working with an Experienced Family Law Attorney

Preparation and cooperation go a long way when a Guardian ad Litem is involved. A skilled St. Augustine family law attorney can guide you through each step—from your first home visit to the final custody decision—so you can feel confident and supported throughout the process.

At St. Johns Law Group, our attorneys have helped countless families in St. Augustine and throughout St. Johns County navigate cases involving Guardians ad Litem, parenting plans, and child custody disputes. We’ll help you present your case clearly and protect your parental rights every step of the way.

Contact Us Today

If you have questions about preparing for a Guardian ad Litem visit or any aspect of your Florida custody case, contact St. Johns Law Group today to schedule a confidential consultation.