In Georgia the courts can appoint and the attorneys can request that a third party individual be appointed to represent the interests of a child during a custody matter. This individual is usually an attorney who is meets certain criteria to represent the children in a custody dispute. Much like a social worker in the juvenile system this person will investigate any allegations in the parties complaints, investigate the living arrangements and speak with all necessary witnesses. After they complete their investigation they will prepare a report for the court and the parties. This report is not absolutely conclusive but does carry a great deal of weight in a contested custody matter.