Debra Finch serves as a Guardian Ad Litem in high conflict custody cases out of Superior Court. She has been qualified and testified as an expert in the area of child custody in numerous Superior Courts throughout the State of Georgia. Her role as a Guardian Ad Litem is to represent the best interests of the children involved in the case.
Debra Finch conducts a thorough investigation – interviewing the parties and witnesses (such as, teachers, doctors, mental health professionals, social workers, family members). She visits the caregivers’ homes and meets with the children. She also reviews extensive educational, medical, and legal records. She works closely with Attorneys, Psychologists, Parenting Coordinators, and Therapists involved with the children and the family. She attends all hearings and legal proceedings in the case.
At the conclusion of her investigation, Debra Finch issues a comprehensive, and often lengthy, report to the presiding judge, outlining her investigation and her recommendations as to and custody and parenting time.
Often the case will settle after the GAL report is issued. In the event it does not, Debra Finch will attend the final trial of the case and testify as to her investigation and findings, subject to examination by counsel and the Court.
Debra Finch is a member of the National and Georgia Association of Counsel for Children and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. She often speaks to other legal professionals on topics related to her work as a Guardian Ad Litem. Debra is currently working on a handbook and guide for Guardian Ad Litems, which she anticipates releasing in early 2019.
