New Training Requirement for Guardians Ad Litem

Alabama Act 2026-488 establishes a new training requirement for attorneys serving as guardians ad litem in guardianship and conservatorship matters, effective January 1, 2027. Attorneys who wish to continue serving in this capacity should complete the required training before the effective date. The Alabama Law Institute will offer an Adult Guardianship webinar on October 16, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Participants who complete the webinar will receive a certificate of completion. With the approval of the county probate judge, the certificate may be entered as an order confirming satisfactory completion of the training requirement. The local Probate Office also plans to offer training soon for attorneys unable to attend the Alabama Law Institute webinar and will distribute appointment-interest forms to current guardians ad litem in the coming weeks.