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.

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

Years serving Children and Families
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Judicial districts served
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Typical response time
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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.

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.

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.

Structured Outcomes

Parenting Plans & Agreements

Detailed, enforceable schedules and decision-making frameworks built to reduce future conflict not just settle today’s dispute.

Ongoing Support

Co-Parenting Support

Practical facilitation that equips parents to communicate, share decisions, and keep co-parenting working long after the case closes.

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.

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.

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

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.

Trusted by the people responsible for the outcome.

Family Law Counsel

A reliable, well-documented Guardian ad Litem and mediator whose work holds up in court and moves cases toward resolution.

The Court

Neutral, thorough investigation and clear best-interest recommendations the court can act on with confidence.

Parents & Children

A calm, respectful process that keeps children at the center and helps parents build something workable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Email

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

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.