Need to know the Ad Litem definition after coming across this weird term?
Ad litem is short for “Guardian Ad Litem” or “Attorney Ad litem”, a legal term that refers to the person appointed by the court to investigate what results would be of best interest to the child (or a grownup that is legally incapacitated of representing himself) in the lawsuit at hand. The Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), then, represents that person and fights for that outcome.
The most common use for it is in divorce lawsuits. But in Real Estate it can also have many uses:
- Say a kid becomes an orphan – a GAL will be appointed to act on his or her behalf in court regarding the kid’s rights to inheritance.
- If a situation arises for a non-verbal person with special needs and no relatives that leads to a Homes for the disabled lawsuit, the court will also appoint a GAL.
- It can even be used in a property litigation: to act on behalf of an estate if the owners are unavailable or unwilling to do so.
Lastly, in case you’re wondering: The root of the Ad Litem definition comes from Latin. The word Ad Litem means “for the suit”, or “for the proceeding”.
Have a Real Estate Agent as your guardian, protecting your best interests at all times!
Popular Real Estate Terms
Insects that destroy the support wood in the structure of a building. Termite inspection should be periodically performed to detect their existence. If an infestation is confirmed, the ...
Accounting statement at the settlement of a real estate transaction that shows each item charged or credited, to whom, and for how much. ...
Difference between cash revenue less cash expenses before taxes associated with rental property or a real estate investment. ...
Correcting depreciation by making improvements at less cost than the value added. For example, the management of an aging strip shopping center makes a decision to refurbish the windows and ...
Multistory, nineteenth-century house featuring turrets, high chimney, and decorative trim. ...
The assessment in real estate definition means the evaluation of a property’s value by an assessor. They are generally required to evaluate the property annually as the assessment is ...
A property title evidencing ownership such as provided in an abstract of title. There are no contingent liabilities or prior unresolved ownership claims. ...
Certificate issued to the buyer at a judicial sale, such as an execution sale. After the time for redemption has expired, the holder of the certificate is entitled to a deed. ...
Second home. The interest and real estate taxes on the second home are tax deductible on the family's 1040 tax return. ...

Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.