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 Wisconsin, when child custody, visitation, or support is contested in a divorce or other legal proceeding, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem, who is usually an attorney with expertise in family law, to represent the best interests of the child. The role of the guardian ad litem 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 to question them during court hearings. The guardian ad litem presents their findings and recommendations to the court, which can include testifying about the investigation's outcomes. The court considers the guardian ad litem's recommendations when making decisions regarding the child's welfare. This process ensures that the child's interests are a primary focus in the legal proceedings, even when the parties involved may have conflicting positions.