Divorce is already complicated enough—so hearing that the court is adding a guardian ad litem to the case to represent your children is probably less-than-welcome news. However, a guardian ad litem (GAL) can actually make things easier in a difficult divorce. Consider the following information.

The GAL is there to represent the best interests of your children.

This idea might upset you at first because you probably consider it your job to look out for your children. However, your hostile spouse may also consider it his or her job to look out for your children, and the two of you may not agree on what's best. The GAL doesn't "side" with one parent or the other and generally can't be swayed by persuasion and manipulation on your spouse's part.

The GAL can prevent your children from being used as pawns in the divorce.

If your spouse is using visiting time with your children as a pawn in the divorce to get something that he or she wants, making it difficult for you to see your children at all, or trying to turn your children against you, it's the GAL's job to put a stop to all of that. If your spouse is unwilling or unable to cooperate with a parenting agreement that's healthy for the children, the GAL's in-depth exploration into the situation can expose that.

The GAL can prevent your children from trying to play you and your spouse against each other.

Children can sometimes try to take advantage of divorcing parents, especially if they think that they can coax extra privileges out of one parent by demanding to change residences. While the GAL acts as your children's representatives and must consider your children's wishes, his or her primary concern is your children's well-being. If there's a conflict between what your children want and what is in their best interests, the GAL can notify the court. Similarly, if the GAL suspects that your teenager's request to move in with his or her other parent is motivated by a strong desire to be less restricted or even simply nearer a love interest, the GAL can help the court understand the full situation.

This can also be helpful if you have a teenager who is not handling the divorce easily and wants to move out on his or her own. The GAL won't recommend permission for the teen to move out unless he or she is financially self-sufficient. That can alleviate any pressure put on you or your spouse by the teen to agree to something that you don't think is healthy.

The GAL is the only person in the courtroom that will really get to see you parent.

You know that you're a good parent. However, if your spouse is portraying you as absent, inept, or uninterested, the GAL will actually get to see your parenting style personally. Unlike the judge hearing your case, the GAL can visit your residence, talk to other people who know how well you parent, and interview friends, neighbors, and your children's teachers. You'll be able to demonstrate, in real life, exactly how you parent—and that will be reflected in the GAL's report to the court.

Having a GAL appointed for a difficult divorce doesn't have to be a bad experience. For more information on how to handle the situation and turn what sounds like a negative into a positive, talk to your divorce attorney today.