Guardian ad Litems are typically paid through a court-ordered fee arrangement, where the costs are divided between the involved parents. Usually, the court orders each parent to contribute equally, meaning each pays approximately half of the Guardian ad Litem's fees. However, the court has the discretion to assign the entire fee to one parent based on the circumstances of the case, such as financial ability or the best interests of the child. The fees can be assessed at any point during the proceedings, including at trial, and in some cases, the court may also order one party to pay all or a portion of the Guardian's fees if deemed appropriate. This system ensures that the Guardian ad Litem's role in advocating for the child's best interests is financially supported while considering the financial situations of both parents.