Panel Attorneys & Guardians Ad Litem

Panel Attorneys

In Juvenile Court, a panel attorney is a private attorney, appointed to represent a parent involved in a dependency case, who does not have the financial means to hire legal counsel. Panel attorneys are paid by the government and are assigned cases on a rotating basis.

Attorneys who wish to join the panel, must complete an application form and return it to the Court. Panel attorneys are required to attend a mandatory, annual panel attorney orientation.

Please fill out the application and request for background check forms below and submit to: PanelApplications@juvcourt.hamilton-co.org

Panel Attorney Application »
Panel Attorney Renewal Application »
Background Check Form (GALs ONLY) »
Wide Area Network (WAN) Agreement »
Vendor Registration »
EFT/Direct Deposit »

Guardians ad Litem

The role of the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is to gather and assess all available relevant information regarding the child(ren) and perform all responsibilities set forth in Rule 48 of The Rules of Superintendence. The GAL develops an ongoing relationship with the child(ren) in order to advocate for their best interest in Court.

Attorneys interested in becoming a Guardian ad Litem for Juvenile Court, must fill out the application and request for background check forms below under “apply to be a GAL” and submit to: rbernhardt@juvcourt.hamilton-co.org. Other forms are for approved GALs.

Apply to be a GAL
GAL Application »
Civil Background Check »
Criminal Background Check »
Helpful Resources »

For Approved GALs
Annual Certification Form »
Wide Area Network (WAN) Agreement »

Billing Information
Delinquency Billing Information »
Vendor Registration »
Authorized Agreement for EFT/Direct Deposit »
Authorized Agreement for Cancellation EFT/Direct Deposit »
Private Custody Billing Information »