WREG 3
MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- WREG has the story of a Bartlett mom who spent time behind bars, not because she committed a crime, but because she didn't pay a lawyer.
Guardians ad litem are often appointed in divorce cases to look out for the best interest of the children, but some parents are sounding the alarm on what they call a pattern of problems and pricey fees that have little to do with protecting kids.
"I was put in shackles as though I was some sort of violent criminal," said Angela Gilmore.
"I had to walk with handcuffs and shackles on my legs into a van and out on the street. I was marched through the courthouse."
Except Gilmore hadn't committed a crime. She got locked up for not paying a lawyer. One she didn't even hire.
"She went into court and demanded over and over to have me incarcerated," said Gilmore of the attorney.
Gilmore had sole custody of her children until last year.
A bitter custody battle led to Judge Donna Fields appointing Guardian ad Litem Shari Myers to the case.
Attorney Sam Blaiss says appointing a GAL is a move often necessary to cut through the "he said, she said" in divorce cases.
Full story: WREG 3
Related stories:
TN - Shelby County Woman Jailed for Failing to Pay Guardian ad Litem
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