Pgals (Private Guardians Ad Litem) Are a Bad Idea.
Why?
You’ll hear the argument that a PGAL should be appointed for a child because we don’t want to traumatize children by having them testify on the record. Where is the evidence that a child testifying for the record so traumatizing to the child as to be unthinkable, causes irreparable damage, or that the value of the testimony is outweighed by the adverse effects on the child?
You’ll hear the argument that a judge is not qualified to question children. Oddly, you’ll hear that argument from the judge. And the argument is patent nonsense. Judges are authorized by the Utah Code to interview children. The Utah Code permits children to testify if and when they testify voluntarily. Does that come as any surprise?
You’ll hear the argument that what a child may say when questioned may go beyond scope of what is relevant. OK, that’s certainly possible, but it’s hardly unusual for a witness, adult or child, to testify beyond the scope of the examination. That’s been happening (and will continue to happen) with witnesses for centuries. When that happens with a child witness, objections are raised, the witness is instructed to stay within the scope of examination, we get back on track, and we move on. To suggest that children must not be questioned because they may ramble or talk about irrelevant things is silly.
You’ll hear the argument that the best way to ensure that a child’s voice is heard is by having someone else speak for the child (in the form of a PGAL). That argument is invalid on its face.
You’ll hear the argument that a PGAL has access to evidence and facts that the parties and/or court don’t. But that’s simply not true.
You’ll hear the argument that a PGAL can make arguments on behalf of a child in court. OK, sure, but why would that be a reason to prevent the child client from testifying for himself too? So that his/her testimony is known for the record unfiltered, complete, and unadulterated? We don’t bar other people who are represented by attorneys from testifying.
You’ll hear the argument that a PGAL is a “trusted adult,” someone a child can talk to. But a judge isn’t a trusted adult a child can talk to?
You’ll hear the argument that a judge won’t hear from therapists or other collateral contacts while a PGAL will, but that’s simply not true. The bottom line is that PGALs are being appointed to prevent a child’s testimony from being obtained for the record, from being known for the record, to prevent that child’s testimony from being evidence on the record in the case, and thus to prevent that evidence from influencing the decision of the court. That’s indefensible.
Utah Family Law, LC | divorceutah.com | 801-466-9277
Tags: children testimony, children witnesses, PGAL, private guardians, trusted adult