Guardian Ad Litem Program

The Administrative Office of the Civil Court of the City of New York administers the Housing Court Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Program. This Program recruits, trains, and provides Housing Court judges with a pool of GALs whose goal is to safeguard the rights and prevent the eviction of some of New York City’s most vulnerable people. A Judge will often appoint a GAL when there is concern that a tenant is unable to advocate for him or herself mostly due to mental illness or age. The pool of Housing Court GALs consists of attorneys and non-attorneys alike. In some cases GALs are compensated for their services and in other cases the GAL serves on a volunteer basis.

If you are interested in becoming a GAL, learn more about the application process.

If you are currently a GAL, learn more about the Program including information about payment procedures and resources.

If the Judge appointed a Guardian Ad Litem for you in your case, learn more about what this means.

If the Judge appointed a Guardian Ad Litem on a case where you are an owner, learn more about what this means.