When a Guardian Ad Litem Forgets the Child
- Ryan Alvar
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
In a system that claims to protect the best interests of children, we expect those appointed to speak on their behalf to do just that—speak truthfully, act ethically, and remain neutral. But what happens when the very person charged with protecting a child’s well-being begins to serve someone else’s agenda?
That’s the question I raised in a motion I filed in Minnesota court today: to remove the court-appointed Guardian ad Litem (GAL) from my custody case.
What the Law Requires
Under Rule 904.01 of the Minnesota Rules of Guardian ad Litem Procedure, a GAL must conduct an independent and thorough investigation and base their recommendations on the child’s best interests. The role is not to take sides. It’s not to rubber-stamp one parent's narrative. It’s not to ignore red flags and trauma just because it’s inconvenient.
The GAL is supposed to:
Maintain neutrality and avoid even the appearance of bias;
Disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest;
Support their findings with objective, verifiable evidence;
Avoid conduct that undermines public trust in the legal process.
These aren’t suggestions. They are obligations—rooted in law, ethics, and basic decency.
What Actually Happened
In my case, the Guardian ad Litem has:
Ignored documented evidence of coaching, coercion, and parental alienation;
Possibly maintained personal connections to the other party’s close friend;
Issued a report riddled with omissions, unsupported conclusions, and contradictions—while refusing to acknowledge the trauma my children are actively showing;
Operated in secret, trying to hide behind unfounded confidentiality while silencing a parent trying to protect his kids.
I filed a formal affidavit outlining these concerns and submitted a memorandum of law supporting my right to challenge the GAL’s continued involvement.
This isn’t personal. It’s not political. It’s about accountability—and protecting two young children who have already suffered far too much.
What This Means for Other Parents
I wish I could say this was an isolated incident. But far too many parents—mothers & fathers—have come forward with similar stories: where GALs ignore evidence, pick sides, or dismiss real concerns about a child’s safety and well-being.
If we allow this behavior to continue, we are complicit. We are telling our children that truth doesn’t matter, that integrity is optional, and that the system will protect itself before it protects them.
📅 Hearing Date
Monday, July 21, 2025
10:45 a.m.
Where It Goes From Here
The court will decide whether the Guardian ad Litem remains on this case. But the public deserves to know what’s happening behind closed doors. That’s why I’m publishing the motion, the memorandum of law, and the affidavit—to show exactly how this system operates, and how easy it is for bias to override facts.
This isn’t just about me. It’s about every parent who’s been silenced, every child who’s been dismissed, and every official who’s never been held accountable—until now.
You can read the full documents here:
Additional evidence will be submitted to the court but most of it has already been shared on my home page and associated blog posts at www.ryanalvar.com for your reference.
The truth is visible. They just need to stop ignoring it.
338 days since my children were kidnapped. This isn't over.
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I’ve already heard from parents who’ve lost everything. Some haven’t seen their children in years.
This is real. This is dangerous. And this is why we fight.
Ryan -
