ad litem

[ ad lahy-tem ]

adjective

, Law.

1. for the particular action or proceeding:

   a guardian ad litem.

ad litem

/ æd ˈlaɪtɛm /

adjective

1. (formerly, esp of a guardian) appointed for a lawsuit

Word History and Origins

Origin of ad litem¹

1760–70; < Latin; litigate

Example Sentences

She testified at a 2019 hearing in Madison on the need for more training for guardians ad litem and, more recently, shared the story of her marriage for a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article about the rise of domestic abuse during the pandemic.

From ProPublica

Schmidlkofer considered it the best deal he could get for Jennifer, given the position of the guardian ad litem and the social worker and the likely influence this would have on the court.

From ProPublica

A 2021 University of Wisconsin report on family court cases involving domestic abuse described the challenges guardians ad litem face.

From ProPublica

Ryan’s attorney was Theobald, the part-time guardian ad litem for children but in this case serving in her other capacity as a legal advocate for a parent.

From ProPublica

On their website, and in public forums, the women described their frustration with court-appointed evaluators, including guardians ad litem, who recommend parents cooperate in child rearing even when there are accusations of domestic violence.

From ProPublica

A guardian ad litem will have to be appointed to protect your interests, and to bring suit for you.

From Project Gutenberg