In a litigious divorce, if you can't reach an agreement with your spouse over child custody, the court will appoint legal representation for the minor(s). This advocate could be either a law guardian or a guardian ad litem, depending on whether your kids are old enough to express a viewpoint or need an attorney who will make recommendations on their behalf. In a two-part series, matrimonial attorney and law guardian Dawn Cardi sheds light on the guardian's role and how guardians work to assess the best interests of the children. Watch Part 1 for an overview of why and how a guardian comes into play in a divorce. Then, continue to Part 2 to hear real examples of best-case and worst-case scenarios and to get tips on how to avoid dragging your kids into your divorce.

Ms. Cardi is a graduate of Fordham University, Columbia University and the Pace University Law School. She was admitted to the bar in 1980 and is currently a member of the New York City Bar Association's Children and the Law Committee and the New York State Bar Association's Family Law Committee.