Legal Definitions - ad litem

Definition: Ad litem is a Latin term that means "for the suit." It refers to a person appointed by a court to represent someone's interests in a legal proceeding.

• Guardian ad litem: A guardian ad litem is a lawyer appointed by the court to manage the affairs of a ward during a legal proceeding. For example, if a child is involved in a custody battle, a guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent the child's interests.
• Attorney ad litem: An attorney ad litem is a court-appointed lawyer who represents a child during a legal action, such as a divorce, termination, or child-abuse case. The attorney owes to the child the duties of loyalty, confidentiality, and competent representation.
• Administrator ad litem: An administrator ad litem is appointed by the court of probate to represent an estate during a lawsuit when there is no existing executor or administrator of the estate, or if the executor or administrator has conflicting interests.

These examples illustrate how ad litem is used to appoint someone to represent the interests of a person or entity during a legal proceeding. The appointed person has a duty to act in the best interests of the person or entity they represent.