A family solicitor at Higgins Hollywood Deazley has been accredited to work on the prestigious Northern Ireland Guardian Ad Litem Agency Panel (NIGALA).

Jenna Boyce, assistant solicitor at the Belfast-based firm, can now work on the Panel, which represents children via a Guardian Ad Litem in Public Law Proceedings under the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.

The Guardian Ad Litem is an independent officer of the Court who is experienced with working with children and families.

The Court will appoint a Guardian Ad Litem to give an independent view of what they think is best for a child and to advise the Court of a child’s wishes and feelings.

The Guardian Ad Litem appoints a Solicitor for a child. This is to make sure that a child’s legal rights have been fully considered.

The Court has to consider appointing a Guardian Ad Litem if it is dealing with any of various public law and adoption proceedings, including care or supervision orders and the placement of young people in secure accommodation.