What is the relationship of a guardian ad litem to the court?

A guardian ad litem is specifically appointed by the court to represent the interests of a child or an incapacitated adult in legal proceedings. Their role is usually limited to particular cases where their input is vital for ensuring the court can make informed decisions regarding the well-being and best interests of the individual they represent. This appointment is not general or ongoing; rather, it is context-dependent and occurs within the scope of specific legal actions, such as custody disputes or guardianship cases.

In contrast, the other options reflect misunderstandings of the guardian ad litem's functions. For example, they are not limited to ongoing cases or simply representing the state in juvenile matters, which would suggest a broader continuous role rather than the focused one they play. Additionally, while they do provide information to the court, stating that they inform the court of legal intentions does not accurately capture their primary responsibility to advocate for the best interests of the individuals they represent during designated legal actions.