MI HB5975

Establishes that a lawyer-guardian ad litem's duty is to the child, not the court, and must maintain attorney-client privilege with the child.

Requires lawyer-guardians ad litem to conduct independent investigations, review agency case files before disposition and termination of parental rights hearings, and review updated materials provided to court and parties at least 5 business days before hearings.

Mandates in-person meetings or observations with the child before pretrial hearings, initial dispositions (if more than 91 days after petition authorization), dispositional review hearings, permanency planning hearings, post-termination review hearings, and at least once during supplemental petitions.

Allows lawyer-guardians ad litem to advocate for the child's best interests independently from the child's expressed wishes, but requires communicating the child's position to the court if there is inconsistency; courts may appoint a separate attorney for the child in such cases.

Requires participation in trauma-informed training if provided by the state court administrative office and prohibits lawyer-guardians ad litem from being called as witnesses in the case; their case files are not discoverable.