Alabama Ægis News & Information

  How Social Workers Can Help You  Navigate the Court System   The legal system can be overwhelming and complex, especially for individuals facing issues such as family disputes, guardianship and conservatorship, involuntary petitions, child custody battles, criminal charges, or housing and financial instability. Social workers play a critical role in helping individuals navigate the court system by providing emotional support, resources, and advocacy. Let's briefly explore how social workers assist individuals and families in understanding legal processes, preparing for court appearances, and accessing necessary services.   The Role of Social Workers in the Court System Social workers operate in various legal settings, including probate courts, family courts, criminal justice systems, and civil proceedings. Their primary goal is to support individuals in managing legal challenges while addressing the underlying social, emotional, and economic issues that may contrib...

Understanding a Guardian ad Litem:  What They Do and How to Work with One     When a loved one becomes involved in a legal case, whether it’s child custody, elder guardianship, or another sensitive matter, you may hear the term "guardian ad litem" or “GAL”. If a GAL has been appointed by the court, it is essential to understand their role and how to work with them effectively.      What is a Guardian ad Litem? A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed advocate who represents the best interests of an individual who cannot advocate for themselves. This is most often seen in child custody or abuse cases, but GALs are also appointed for vulnerable adults, such as elderly individuals, adults with disabilities, or other incapacitated persons, in guardianship proceedings. GALs are also appointed to those with mental illnesses that have been petitioned through the court for involuntary commitments. The GAL is not the individual's legal guardian, but serves to indep...

Probate Court: Friend or Enemy? What is Probate Court, the Pros & Cons, and how to Avoid It  When someone passes away, their estate—property, assets, and debts—must be sorted out. Enter probate court , the legal process that oversees this transition. This is what most people think about when they hear "probate court," but did you know, there's more to it than that? When an individual becomes incapacitated and he or she is unable to make his or her own decisions or voice his or her wishes and desires, who steps in? In an ideal world, everyone would have advance directives for this very reason. Advance directives detail your wishes and allows you to appoint a person of your choosing to make those decisions. When advance directives do not exist, the probate court is often petitioned to assign someone to make these decisions.    But is probate court your ally in these scenarios or a red-tape nightmare? The answer isn’t always simple.     What is Probate Cou...