A Court Representative is a person trained in law, nursing, or social work appointed in a guardianship or protective proceeding. S/he is usually a neutral person who is to assist the court to evaluate the issues in a protective proceeding. S/he is considered as an officer, employee, or special appointee of the court. A court representative should not have any personal interest in the proceeding. A court representative may also be called a court visitor.

The following is an example of a state statute ( Alabama) defining court representative:

According to Code of Ala. § 26-2A-20 (4) a court representative means “a person appointed in a guardianship or protective proceeding who is trained in law, nursing, or social work, is an officer, employee, or special appointee of the court, and has no personal interest in the proceeding.”