Guam § 4212 - Hearing Procedure.

§ 4212. Hearing Procedure.

Cases under this Article shall be heard by the court without a

jury. The hearing may be conducted in an informal manner and

may be adjourned from time to time. Stenographic notes or me-

chanical recording of the hearing shall be required as in other civil

cases in the court, unless all parties waive the right to such a record

and the court so orders. The petitioner, the parent who is the

spouse of a petitioner and the child to be adopted shall attend

unless the court orders otherwise. Only such other persons shall

be admitted to the hearing as the judge shall find to have a direct

interest in the case or the work of the court; provided that persons

so admitted shall not disclose any information secured at the

hearing which would identify an individual child or parent. In

addition, the court may require the presence of witnesses

(including persons making any report, study or examination which

is before the court when such persons are reasonably available)

deemed necessary to the disposition of the petition. The court may

appoint a guardian ad litem for the child if it is deemed necessary

or desirable.

The court’s findings shall be based upon a preponderance of

evidence provided that relevant and material information of any

nature, including that contained in reports, studies or examina-

tions, may be admitted and relied upon to the extent of its

probative value. When information contained in a report, study or

examination is admitted in evidence, the person making such a

report, study or examination shall be subject to both direct and

cross-examination when he is reasonably available.