When child custody, visitation, or support is contested in a divorce or other legal proceeding, courts may appoint a guardian ad litem (often an attorney with experience in family law matters) to investigate and make independent, objective recommendations to the court of what is in the best interest of the child. The guardian ad litem will typically interview the child, the parents, and other people who have contact with the child, and may subpoena witnesses to testify at court hearings, examine and cross-examine witnesses at hearings. The guardian ad litem may also testify regarding her investigation of the circumstances, conclusions, and recommendations to the court.

In Pennsylvania, when child custody, visitation, or support is contested, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the child. This guardian ad litem is often an attorney with expertise in family law. Their role is to conduct an independent investigation, which includes interviewing the child, parents, and others in the child's life. They have the authority to subpoena witnesses and participate in court hearings, where they can examine and cross-examine witnesses. After completing their investigation, the guardian ad litem presents their findings and recommendations to the court, which the court considers when making decisions regarding custody, visitation, or support. The recommendations of the guardian ad litem are taken seriously, but the final decision rests with the court, which is guided by the best interests of the child standard.