If a PGAL Can Interview a Child, So Can a Judge or Commissioner

Utah Courts Should Stop Paying an Intermediary to Tell the Factfinder What the Factfinder Can Hear Directly When a child's wishes, concerns, experiences, or perceptions matter in a Utah child…

Continue ReadingIf a PGAL Can Interview a Child, So Can a Judge or Commissioner

“I’m Not Trained to Interview Children” and Other Empty Objections Behind Utah’s PGAL Default

At a recent hearing, a commissioner explained why she was appointing a private guardian ad litem instead of interviewing the child herself: "Given the age of the child, the statutory…

Continue Reading“I’m Not Trained to Interview Children” and Other Empty Objections Behind Utah’s PGAL Default