- Guardian ad Litem · Connecticut
The Guardian ad Litem who moves cases toward resolution.
Court-appointed GAL work supported by skilled mediation that protects the child, earns the confidence of counsel and the court, and drives toward an agreement everyone can live with.
- Court-appointed, clinically trained, and neutral by design.
Best Interests First
“A good outcome isn't the parent who argues best it's the child who is protected, heard, and stable.”
Carlos Marrero, LCSW, EdD
Founder · Guardian ad Litem
- Why counsel & the court choose me
A Guardian ad Litem the bench and bar can rely on.
Appointing the right GAL protects the child and moves the case. Here is what you can count on in every appointment.
Strictly neutral
Independent of both parents and answerable only to the child's best interests never an advocate for a side.
Clinically trained
An LCSW's insight into family dynamics, trauma, and risk not just a checklist, but real understanding of the child.
Timely, thorough reports
Well-documented findings delivered on schedule, written to be clear, defensible, and easy for the court to act on.
Resolution-focused
I work to settle, not to prolong. Every appointment is aimed at an agreement that closes the case for good.
Court-tested testimony
Clear, measured, and credible on the stand testimony that holds up under cross-examination.
Responsive to counsel
Accessible throughout the case, with prompt communication that keeps attorneys and their clients informed.
- What I do
Clarity for the court. Stability for the child.
Every engagement is neutral, evidence-based, and centered on one question: what arrangement genuinely serves this child’s safety, development, and relationships?
Best Interests First
Guardian ad Litem
Court-appointed, independent advocacy for a child’s best interests thorough, well-documented, and always working toward an agreement the family can live with and the court can adopt.
- Independent investigation & interviews
- Clear written findings & recommendations
- Credible testimony when the case requires it
Best Interests First
Family & Divorce Mediation
Neutral, structured facilitation that helps parents reach their own agreement faster, calmer, and far less costly than litigating every decision.
- Custody, schedules & parenting decisions
- Impartial, respectful sessions
- Written agreements ready for court
Structured Outcomes
Parenting Plans & Agreements
Detailed, enforceable schedules and decision-making frameworks built to reduce future conflict not just settle today’s dispute.
- Precise schedules, holidays & exchanges
- Step-up plans & safeguards
- Self-executing, loophole-resistant terms
Ongoing Support
Co-Parenting Support
Practical facilitation that equips parents to communicate, share decisions, and keep co-parenting working long after the case closes.
- Communication protocols
- Conflict de-escalation tools
- Transitions that protect the child
- How it works
A clear process, from appointment to resolution.
No surprises for the family, no ambiguity for the court. Each stage is documented and paced to the child’s needs.
01
Appointment
Referral from counsel or the court, scope defined, and roles clearly explained to everyone involved.
02
Investigation
Interviews, home context, records, and collateral sources gathered methodically and without bias.
03
Findings
A written, best-interest analysis with concrete, enforceable recommendations the court can rely on.
04
Resolution
Support toward settlement or testimony at trial plus a plan built to hold up long after.
- In their words
Respected by the attorneys who work with me.
“His reports are thorough and genuinely even-handed. Judges trust them, and more of my cases settle because of it.”
Vincent Provenzano,
Esq.
“Carlos keeps the child at the center and the temperature down. He moves high-conflict matters toward resolution.”
Janice Mack,
Esq.
“Responsive, prepared, and credible on the stand. Exactly the GAL you want appointed on a difficult file.”
Nilda Negron,
Esq.
- About
Dr. Carlos Marrero, GAL, LCSW, EdD
For fifteen years I have worked at the intersection of clinical practice, education, and the courts. I’m a licensed clinical social worker and doctoral-level educator (EdD), and I served for fourteen years as the Former Multi-Specialty Clinic CEO of an integrated clinic providing behavioral health, school-based, primary care, and dental services — leadership that shapes the discipline and judgment I bring to every appointment.
My role is not to take sides. It is to understand a child’s world clearly, name what is actually happening, and give the court recommendations that are both humane and enforceable. The goal is always a resolution the child can live inside safely — one that closes loopholes, reduces conflict, and lasts.
Clinician, executive, school administrator, and education consultant — that range lets me read a child’s world from every angle: home, school, health, and the family system. I hold Connecticut’s Intermediate Administrator (092) certification alongside my clinical license and doctorate, and it’s why courts and counsel trust my recommendations to be thorough, balanced, and workable.
Credential chips:
GAL · §25-62A Trained
LCSW · Clinical Social Work
EdD · Doctorate in Education
CT Intermediate Administrator (092)
Former Behavioral Health CEO
Education Consultant
Conservator
Mediator
University & College Professor
Published Author
- AUTHORED BY DR. MARRERO
Two Homes, One Heart
A Children's Activity Book for Navigating Divorce, Separation, and Family Change
When families change, children feel it first. Through a heartwarming story, coloring pages, and coping tools, Dr. Marrero’s activity book helps kids understand family transitions, express big feelings safely, identify trusted adults, and remember how deeply they are loved – a resource created for the very families the courts ask me to serve.
Written for children ages 6-10 – and for the parents, therapists, school counselors, mediators, and child advocates who support them.
- Who I help
Trusted by the people responsible for the outcome.
- For Attorneys
Family Law Counsel
A reliable, well-documented Guardian ad Litem and mediator whose work holds up in court and moves cases toward resolution.
- For the Bench
The Court
Neutral, thorough investigation and clear best-interest recommendations the court can act on with confidence.
- For Families
Parents & Children
A calm, respectful process that keeps children at the center and helps parents build something workable.
- Statewide coverage
Serving families across Connecticut.
Available for Guardian ad Litem appointment and mediation throughout the state’s judicial districts — in person where the case sits, and by secure video when that serves the family and the schedule.
- Accepting new appointments and referrals now.
- Hartford
- New Britain
- New Haven
- Waterbury
- Stamford–Norwalk
- Bridgeport
- Danbury
- Middletown
- New London
- Litchfield
- Tolland
- Windham
- Common questions
What attorneys and parents ask.
What does a Guardian ad Litem do?
A GAL is appointed by the court to investigate and represent a child’s best interests — independently of either parent. That means interviewing the family and relevant collateral sources, reviewing records, and giving the court clear, documented recommendations on custody and parenting.
How are you appointed to a case?
Appointment is made by the Superior Court, typically at the request of counsel or on the court’s own motion. Once appointed, the scope of the role is defined by the court’s order and the family’s circumstances.
Do you also serve as a mediator?
Appointment is made by the Superior Court, typically at the request of counsel or on the court’s own motion. Once appointed, the scope of the role is defined by the court’s order and the family’s circumstances.
What are your fees and retainer?
Fees are set by the court’s order in GAL matters and disclosed in writing for mediation engagements. Please contact the office for the current retainer and hourly rate.
How quickly can you take a new matter?
Typical response time is within 48 hours. Availability for new appointments varies by district and case complexity — please reach out with the specifics of the matter.
- Get in touch
Request a consultation
Tell me a little about the matter and I’ll follow up to
discuss scope, timing, and whether I’m the right fit for the case.
cmarrero@empowerresolve.com
Office
475-400-9477
Mobile
860-956-6307
Fax
860-507-9267
Mailing Address
602 New Britain Ave., Suite 101, Hartford, CT
Office Locations
Hartford | New Haven | Glastonbury
- Existing Clients
Scheduling and payment are for existing clients – retainers, mediation, consulting and trainings. New matters begin with a consultation, and court-ordered GAL/Conservator fees are handled as the court directs.