When you are dealing with a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) in a family law case, the cost can be hefty. Many times a private GAL who is retained to represent a child in court requires a retainer. The cost of a GAL will depend on many factors, such as their education, experience and the time that is needed in each particular case. Sometimes a GAL may be needed for a few hours and sometimes they may be needed for their time doing their investigation and the time needed to testify in court proceedings. It is difficult for a GAL to give an exact amount of time that is needed in a particular case, because like many things in life, the work of a GAL is fluid and not set in stone.