Ohio Supreme Court to Amend Rules on Guardian Ad Litem

The Ohio Supreme Court has published a proposed a new Rule regarding the appointment and performance of guardians ad litem. This brand new rule would apply whenever a common pleas court judge appoints a guardian ad litem in a domestic relations, juvenile, or probate case. It would specify standards for responsibilities, training, and reporting and would require each Judge to issue a formal Order of Appointment to identify the role the guardian will play. After the time for public comment has closed, and the Court has taken an opportunity to make any necessary revisions, this rule would become new Rule 48 of the current Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio. According to the Ohio Supreme Court's Press Release, the Court is accepting proposed comments until June 10, 2008.