Indiana Code
Ind. Code § 31-17-6-3 (2025)
Protection of best interests of child; term of appointment
✓ 2025 Indiana Code: the 2026 session is not included
Sec. 3. A guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate shall represent and protect the best interests of the child. A guardian ad litem or court appointed special advocate serves until the court enters an order for removal.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-1-11.5-28(d) part.]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.9.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 3
cases (1 in the last 5 years), 1998–2025 · leading case: Deasy-Leas v. Leas, 693 N.E.2d 90 (Ind. Ct. App. 1998).
Deasy-Leas v. Leas, 693 N.E.2d 90 (Ind. Ct. App. 1998). “CODE § 31-17-6-3 (1997 Supp.). Within the newly enacted provisions specifically regarding actions for child custody or modification of child custody, two statutes expressly refer to guardians ad litem.”
Dustin Woodard v. Ashley Woodard (mem. dec.), No. 18A-DR-3119 (Ind. Ct. App. June 26, 2019). “I.C. § 31-17-6-3. Here, the trial court made the following conclusion in its order: “After careful consideration of the evidence presented by the parties .”
Lane Benziger v. Katherine E. Radabaugh, 267 N.E.3d 1149 (Ind. Ct. App. 2025). “As for her statements to the GAL, Radabaugh argues that Indiana law requires a guardian ad litem “represent and protect the best interests of the child,” I.C. § 31-17-6-3, and considers a guardian ad litem to be an “officer[] of the court for the purpose of representing the…”
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