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ad litem

American  
[ad lahy-tem] / ˈæd ˈlaɪ tɛm /

adjective

Law.
  1. for the particular action or proceeding.

    a guardian ad litem.


ad litem British  
/ æd ˈlaɪtɛm /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ad litem

1760–70; < Latin; cf. litigate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Attorney Martin Singer has been named the trustee of the sub-trust benefiting Garibaldi, the documents said, and Lisa Marie’s ex-husband, Michael Lockwood, will serve as guardian ad litem for the former couple’s twin daughters.

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 3, 2023

Haneman also questioned why the conservatorship didn’t include a medical affidavit showing disability, or the appointment of a guardian ad litem who would protect Oher and provide an “independent set of eyes.”

From Seattle Times Aug. 17, 2023

The hearing took place in the judge’s chambers, with the teenager’s case worker and a guardian ad litem attending alongside her.

From Washington Post Aug. 17, 2022

However, in court documents Foster said that the suit was “brought in bad faith” and that both Hudson and his guardian ad litem had signed off on the accounting.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 27, 2022

“Tandoori, Harrison, and Hugo are all minors. You had no right to interrogate them without a parent or guardian ad litem present.”

From "Confessions of a Murder Suspect" by James Patterson

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