Where there was a conflict of interest between a child and his or her parents in private family proceedings, it was appropriate to order that a guardian ad litem should be appointed. Court Welfare Officer’s reports could not always sufficiently reflect the needs of the child. In this case there had been allegations of sexual abuse made against the father by the mother, and there were possible mental health and other family problems. The daughter needed clear separate representation.
Citations:
Times 28-Feb-2001
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Children
Updated: 08 May 2022; Ref: scu.81618
