Representation of Incapacitated Persons as a Guardian Ad Litem—2025 Qualifying Course

Why Attend?

• To be appointed as a guardian ad litem for an incapacitated adult in Virginia, members of the bar must meet the standards set forth by the Judicial Council of Virginia. This six-hour course meets the training requirement under these standards. All attorneys who wish to qualify for court appointments as GALs for incapacitated adults in Virginia MUST take this course.

In proceedings where a guardian or conservator is sought for an allegedly incapacitated person, the circuit court appoints a guardian ad litem (GAL). This course will qualify you to accept those appointments.

This course provides procedural and practical information for litigators, trust and estate lawyers, and elder law practitioners involved in proceedings with GALs appointed to represent incapacitated persons.

This course will teach you the basics, including:

• What starts the whole process?
• How is a GAL appointed?
• What are your duties as a GAL?
• What community resources are there to assist you?
• How do you determine if a guardian or conservator is needed?
• Are there alternatives to the appointment of a guardian/conservator?
• What are the duties of the guardian and conservator?
• What ethical rules apply to you as a GAL?

For more information on becoming a GAL for incapacitated persons in Virginia, please contact the Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia, 100 North Ninth Street, Third Floor, Richmond, VA 23219 (804-786-6455) or visit this website:

https://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/cip/programs/gal/home

Registration Deadlines:

Cancellation Policy: Cancellation/transfer requests will be honored until 5:00 p.m. the day preceding the seminar. You will, however, be charged $90 if you cancel or transfer your registration to a different seminar after the link to the materials has been e-mailed by Virginia CLE^®.

Full refunds or transfers are available up to two days after a webcast in the unlikely event that you experience technical difficulties.

Dietary Restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions and are attending the seminar in person, please email deanna.mcglothlin@vacle.org.

Inclement Weather Policy and Updates

MCLE Credit Caveat: The MCLE Board measures credits by the time you spend in attendance. If you enter a seminar late or leave it early, or both, you must reflect those adjustments accurately in the credits you report on your credit reporting form. A code will be given at the end of the seminar, which must be written on your MCLE form.

Private recording of this program is prohibited.

Can’t Attend?

E-mail distance_ed@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program is made available as an online or USB seminar.
E-mail publications@vacle.org to be notified when/if this program’s seminar materials are made available for sale.

Course Schedule

• Q&A will be handled via chat room for Webcast attendees.
• Q&A will be handled via e-mail for telephone seminar attendees.

Faculty

Beth M. Coyne, Court Improvement Program, Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia / Richmond

Ross C. Hart, Hart & Hart Attorneys, Ltd. / Salem

Cecelia C. Little, Hart & Hart Attorneys, Ltd. / Salem

Angela Morehouse, The Irving Law Firm, PC / Manassas

Kimberley Ann Murphy, Hale Ball Murphy PLC / Fairfax

Neal Walters, Scott | Kroner / Charlottesville