GAL Pals: Guardians ad litem in the Brave New World of 2026

By Adam StreltzerPublished On: February 6, 2026Categories: Presentations

In this presentation to the members of the Woodland Hills Tax & Estate Planning Council, Adam discusses the impacts of SB1279 (2023) and AB565 (2025) as to the suitability, availability, and necessity of the appointment of a Guardian ad litem (GAL) in the State of California. Important topics analyzed are the importation of the ‘conflict of interest’ standard into the GAL appointment process (as of 2024), as well the new adoption of the ‘Doctrine of Virtual Representation’ (as of January 1, 2026). Adam provides detailed statutory analysis and practical advice for both professionals and laypersons to help understand what is new with GALs in 2026 after the enactment of these revisions to California law.

GAL Pals: Guardians ad litem in the Brave New World of 2026. Woodland Hills Tax & Estate Planning Council (WHT&EP) (February 5, 2026)

About the Author: Adam Streltzer

Adam is a member of the State Bar of California, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association, and Commercial Law League of America. He is admitted to practice before all of the courts of the State of California, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, U.S. District Court for all federal court districts in California (Central, Northern, Southern, and Eastern), and the U.S. Tax Court. He is also an active member of the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s appointed counsel (formerly Probate Volunteer Panel (PVP)) program and volunteers his time at the Los Angeles County Superior Court.

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