A court appointment like this can change who gets heard, what facts reach the judge, and sometimes how money is handled for a child or an incapacitated adult. That can affect custody, visitation, settlement approval, or whether a proposed agreement is accepted at all. In cases involving a minor's injury claim, a guardian ad litem may also influence whether a settlement is found fair and in the child's best interest.

A guardian ad litem is a person appointed by a court to represent the best interests of someone who cannot fully protect those interests in the case, most often a child, but sometimes an incapacitated adult. The role is case-specific and usually temporary. Unlike an ordinary attorney, a guardian ad litem is not simply required to argue for what the child says he or she wants; the job is to investigate, review records, speak with relevant people, and advise the court about what outcome best protects the person at issue.

In Texas, courts may appoint a guardian ad litem under the Texas Family Code, including in SAPCR cases and some adoption or termination matters, and under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 173 in certain civil cases involving minors or incapacitated persons. Fees for the guardian ad litem can be taxed as court costs or allocated between parties, so the appointment can have a direct financial impact as well as a major effect on the final order or approved settlement.