A guardian ad litem is a non-professional volunteer or an attorney appointed by a
court for a very specific purpose. Under the Privacy Act, a guardian ad litem is not
a legal guardian and therefore cannot provide consent to disclose SSA records. However,
if the guardian ad litem appointment equates to legal guardianship under a specific
state law (GN 00502.300), we may be able to accept the consent document. Regional and FO components should
consult with the Office of the General Counsel through the regional Privacy Coordinator
for advice on handling consent documents presented by a guardian ad litem. Central
Office components may consult with OPD.