The Wisconsin Statement of Guardian ad Item (Chapters 48 and 938) is a legal document issued by the state of Wisconsin. It is used to appoint a Guardian ad Item (GAL) for a minor child or a protected adult. The GAL is an independent party, typically an attorney, who is appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the child or protected adult in legal proceedings. The Wisconsin Statement of Guardian ad Item outlines the duties and powers of the GAL, the scope of the GAL’s representation, and the compensation for the GAL. There are two types of Wisconsin Statement of Guardian ad Item: one for minor children (Chapter 48) and one for protected adults (Chapter 938). The Statement for minor children outlines the role of the GAL, including the GAL’s duty to investigate the best interests of the child and to advocate for the child in family court proceedings. The Statement for protected adults outlines the role of the GAL, including the GAL’s duty to investigate the best interests of the protected adult and to advocate for the protected adult in guardianship proceedings.