Icard Merrill in Sarasota First Law Firm to Volunteer in Guardian Ad Litem Pilot Program

SARASOTA, Fla. - July 16, 2014 - PRLog -- Although there is a well-established Guardian Ad Litem program for children who are neglected or abused, no such program exists for children caught in high-conflict divorce cases. Recognizing the need for a third-party to represent the interests of children of divorcing parents, the 12^th Judicial Circuit’s Family Division recently launched a pilot program aimed at helping judges obtain objective information about the welfare of children in contentious custody disputes. Judges approached the Law Firm of Icard Merrill (http://www.icardmerrill.com/family-law-attorneys.html) to discuss participation in the program and, to date, 23 attorneys have volunteered to contribute their time and resources to this program.

Much like volunteers in the traditional Guardian Ad Litem program, participants chosen to act as Guardians Ad Litem will have wide-ranging powers under Florida statutes to investigate, report and make recommendations on the child’s or children’s wellbeing to family law judges.  A similar program was introduced in Pinellas County in 2011 and is still ongoing. After witnessing the program’s success, Judges Charles E. Williams and Lee E. Haworth decided to introduce a similar program in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“Bitter arguments over child custody and marital assets can have disastrous long-term effects on any kids involved, which is why we were eager to help the 12^th Circuit get this program off the ground,” comments Robert G. Lyons, president of Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A.

Participating attorneys, judges and staff will complete special training for the program. Family law judges will identify cases they feel need the assistance of a Guardian Ad Litem to obtain unbiased information on the wellbeing of any children caught in contentious divorce cases.

To learn more about the program or the firm's family law section, contact either the 12^th Judicial Circuit Family Division or Stacy Dillard-Spahn, Esq. of Icard Merrill, or visit http://www.icardmerrill.com/news/2014-05-15.html and http://www.icardmerrill.com/family-law-attorneys.html.

About Icard Merrill

Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furren & Ginsburg, P.A. was established in 1953 to provide exceptional legal services and representation to individuals and businesses in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Punta Gorda and surrounding communities. The firm offers a wide-range of legal services, including real estate closings and estate planning, as well as dedicated representation in employment, divorce, land-use disputes and much more. For a complete list of case areas or to learn more, visit http://www.icardmerrill.com/.

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