Rule 17 Representation by Guardian Ad Litem

When a case involves a child or a vulnerable adult, the judge can appoint a lawyer to look out for that person's interests in court. This lawyer is called a guardian ad litem. Their job is to act on behalf of the child or vulnerable person, including filing a lawsuit for them or defending them in one.

The court can also require that the guardian ad litem's fees and costs be paid as part of the overall court costs in the case. This means the person or people involved in the lawsuit may end up covering these expenses, not just the vulnerable person being represented.

This rule exists to protect people who may not be able to fully protect themselves in a legal case, whether because they are too young or because they have a condition that makes it hard for them to handle their own legal matters. The guardian ad litem's role is to make sure someone is speaking up for their best interests throughout the case.