New South Wales Consolidated Acts

ADOPTION ACT 2000 - SECT 123

123 Guardian ad litem--child

(1) The Court may appoint a guardian ad litem for a child if it is of the opinion that--

(a) there are special circumstances that warrant the appointment, and

(b) the child will benefit from the appointment.

(2) Special circumstances that warrant the appointment of a guardian ad litem may include that the child has special needs because of age, disability or illness.

(3) The functions of a guardian ad litem of a child are--

(a) to safeguard and represent the interests of the child, and

(b) to instruct the Australian legal practitioner representing the child.

(4) An Australian legal practitioner representing a child for whom a guardian ad litem has been appointed is to act on the instructions of the guardian ad litem.