家事事件中的程序監理人：維護利益的專業角色【楊忠憲律師】
家事事件中，當法院認為有必要保護未成年子女、應受監護宣告之人或其他有程序能力但仍應受保護之人的最佳利益時，便會選任程序監理人。以下整理了有關程序監理人的相關資訊：
1. 程序監理人的選任和人數限制：
程序監理人通常由法院自行選任，名冊中列有具有法律、心理或社會福利專業的人員。當事人也可提名，最終由法院裁定。
實務上，通常由一人擔任程序監理人，但法律並未限制只能選任一人。
2. 程序監理人的工作內容和權限：
主要目標是維護受監理人的最佳利益，通過訪談、觀察和報告向法院提供專業意見。
向受監理人解釋涉及的法律程序，確保其知情權。
與受監理人及其家屬進行會談，協助和解程序。
3. 程序監理人的報酬支付：
程序監理人的報酬原則上歸屬於訴訟費用的一部分。
法院在選任程序監理人時，裁定當事人先行墊付相關費用，程序結束後再決定支付責任和金額。
若當事人經濟困難，法院可考慮由國庫墊付部分或全部程序監理人報酬。
4. 處理程序監理人與受監理人意見不一致的情況：
對於有程序能力的受監理人，法院可能以其意見為主，但也會考慮程序監理人的專業意見。
對於無程序能力的受監理人，法院傾向尊重程序監理人的專業判斷。
總的來說，程序監理人在家事事件中扮演著維護最佳利益的專業角色，其選任、工作內容和報酬支付都受到法院規範，以確保家事事件的公正和當事人權益的保護。
The Role of Guardian ad Litem in Family Law Cases: Safeguarding Best Interests
In family law cases, when the court deems it necessary to protect the best interests of minors, individuals subject to guardianship, or others requiring protection despite possessing legal capacity, a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) may be appointed. Here is a summary of pertinent information regarding the Guardian ad Litem:
1. Appointment and Limitations on Number:
GALs are typically appointed by the court and are chosen from a list featuring individuals with legal, psychological, or social welfare expertise. Parties involved may also make nominations, with the final decision resting with the court.
– In practice, a single individual usually serves as the GAL, although there is no legal restriction limiting the appointment to just one.
2. Roles and Authorities of the GAL:
The primary objective is to safeguard the best interests of the individual under guardianship, achieved through interviews, observations, and reporting to provide professional insights to the court.
– Explanation of legal proceedings to the person under guardianship to ensure their right to information.
– Meetings with the individual under guardianship and their family to aid in the resolution process.
3. Compensation for the GAL:
GAL compensation is generally considered a part of litigation expenses.
When appointing a GAL, the court may order parties to advance related expenses, with a determination on responsibility and amount made after the conclusion of proceedings.
In cases of financial hardship for the parties, the court may consider partial or full reimbursement from the public treasury.
4. Handling Discrepancies in Opinions between GAL and the Individual:
For individuals with legal capacity, the court may lean towards their perspective, taking into account the professional judgment of the GAL.
– For those lacking legal capacity, the court is inclined to respect the professional judgment of the GAL.
In conclusion, the GAL plays a crucial role in family law cases, acting as a professional guardian of best interests. The appointment, responsibilities, and compensation are regulated by the court to ensure fairness and protection of the rights of the parties involved in family law proceedings.