Rule 4 Duties of guardian ad litem

With a view to safeguarding the interests of the child before the court the guardian ad litem shall—

On completing his investigations the guardian ad litem shall make a report in writing to the court, drawing attention to any matters which, in his opinion, may be of assistance to the court in considering the application and shall notify the petitioners that he has done so.

The guardian ad litem shall also perform, at any time before the final determination of the application, such other duties as appear to him to be necessary or as the court may direct.

With a view to obtaining the directions of the court on any matter, the guardian ad litem may at any time make such interim report to the court as appears to him to be necessary and in such a case the chief clerk shall notify the petitioners.

The guardian ad litem shall attend any hearing of the application if so required by the court.

Any report made to the court under this rule shall be confidential.