AB 777

This bill requires a court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) for a minor child

in an action affecting the family where a petition for visitation rights has been filed

by a grandparent, great-grandparent, stepparent, or person who has maintained a

relationship similar to a parent-child relationship with the child and the petitioner

has established standing to file the petition.

Under current law, a court is required to appoint a GAL for a minor child in an

action affecting the family if the court has reason for special concern as to the welfare

of the minor child or, with certain exceptions, if legal custody or physical placement

of the child is contested. Current law also allows appointment of a GAL for a minor

child if legal custody or physical placement is stipulated to be with any person or

agency other than a parent of the child or, if at the time of the action, the child is in

the legal custody of or physically placed with a person or agency other than the child's

parent.