Caryn Fennell: A Guardian gone Rogue
About Stop Caryn Fennell
GAL GONE ROGUE: Exposing Caryn S. Fennell’s Abuse of Power in Georgia Family Courts
“The greatest threat to justice in family court isn’t always a parent—it’s a professional who hides behind immunity while violating the very principles they’re sworn to uphold.”
Overview
Caryn S. Fennell, a family law attorney appointed as Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in Georgia custody cases, has developed a troubling pattern of retaliatory, unethical, and manipulative behavior. Her actions not only undermine the fairness of the proceedings but endanger the fundamental due process rights of the parents, witnesses, and—most importantly—the children she is appointed to protect.
The Justin Cawthon Retaliation Incident
In one of the most egregious examples of her misconduct, Ms. Fennell targeted witness Justin Cawthon after he voiced legitimate concerns about her conduct in a child custody matter.
Timeline of Abuse:
- Solicitation of Contact: Fennell requested a private meeting with Mr. Cawthon—a non-party witness—to discuss the case.
- Criticism of Conduct: During the meeting, Mr. Cawthon questioned her professional behavior, expressing concerns over bias, lack of neutrality, and improper tactics.
- Weaponized Withdrawal: Shortly after, Fennell filed a motion to withdraw, claiming—without evidence—that she felt “threatened” and “intimidated” by Mr. Cawthon’s statements.
- Manipulative Framing: She implied that Mr. Cawthon’s unrelated pending legal issues were somehow relevant to his credibility, a tactic that reflects both retaliation and character assassination.
Important Note: Mr. Cawthon was neither hostile nor unlawful. His conduct is protected speech under the First Amendment and the Georgia Constitution, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. V, which guarantees freedom of speech and the right to petition.
Why This Is Dangerous
GALs hold quasi-judicial power, but that power is not absolute.
Fennell’s conduct violates the basic tenets of:
- OCGA § 15-11-104: which requires GALs to act in the best interests of the child, not in furtherance of their own reputational protection.
- Uniform Rules for the Superior Courts of Georgia Rule 24.9(6): requiring GALs to “maintain independence, objectivity, and fairness.”
- State Bar of Georgia Rule 3.3 and Rule 4.4: which prohibit making false statements to the court and using means that serve no substantial purpose other than to embarrass, delay, or burden a third party.
Precedent Case Law:
- Durrance v. Schad, 345 Ga. App. 826 (2018): Courts must award attorney’s fees under OCGA § 9-15-14 when legal proceedings are initiated without a justiciable basis. Fennell’s protective-order-style withdrawal fits that mold.
- Counterman v. Colorado, 600 U.S. ___ (2023): Speech cannot be criminalized—or retaliated against—without a true threat and subjective intent to intimidate. None existed here.
The Bigger Pattern
Fennell’s behavior suggests a repeated tactic:
- Invite or initiate communication.
- Retaliate if criticized.
- File exaggerated pleadings, cloaked in emotional language.
- Use judicial deference to silence accountability.
This is abuse of legal process. And in family court, where GALs hold enormous unchecked influence, it is especially dangerous.
We Demand Accountability
Caryn Fennell must be held accountable—for:
- Retaliating against protected witness speech
- Misusing judicial procedures to shield herself from criticism
- Obstructing transparency in child custody cases
- Violating her duties under court rules and ethical codes
We are compiling documentation, transcripts, and affidavits. This site will expand to include:
- Bar complaints and JQC complaint templates
- PDFs of her withdrawal motion and rebuttals
- Witness statements
- Court orders that expose bias or misconduct
- A community call to remove GALs who abuse their power
You Can Help
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct by GAL Caryn S. Fennell, contact us. Your voice matters. Anonymous submissions welcome.
Let me know if you’d like:
- A logo or slogan for this campaign (e.g. “GALs Aren’t Above the Law”)
- A stylized PDF version for social media sharing
- Embedded links or graphics for the actual filings
- A separate section exposing her broader pattern of conduct
Exposing Misconduct: Guardian ad Litem Caryn S. Fennell
Holding Family Court Officers Accountable for Ethical Violations
Who Is Caryn S. Fennell?
Caryn S. Fennell is an attorney who serves as a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in family law cases in Georgia. As a GAL, she is entrusted with representing the best interests of children—an authority that carries immense power and influence. But with that power comes responsibility, transparency, and integrity.
Unfortunately, Ms. Fennell’s conduct in several cases raises serious questions about her ethical judgment, professional behavior, and willingness to weaponize the legal system against parents and witnesses who challenge her authority.
The Justin Cawthon Incident: A Case Study in Retaliation
In 2024, Justin Cawthon—a witness in a contentious child custody case—experienced firsthand what can happen when a GAL like Caryn Fennell is allowed to operate without oversight or accountability.
Timeline of Events:
Ms. Fennell requested a meeting with Mr. Cawthon, asking to speak with him about matters related to the case in which he was involved as a witness.
Mr. Cawthon complied with this request and participated in the meeting. During the conversation, he expressed concerns about Ms. Fennell’s professional conduct and bias in her role as GAL.
Shortly after, Ms. Fennell filed a dramatic and unfounded motion to withdraw, claiming that she felt threatened and intimidated—despite being the one who invited the meeting.
There was no credible threat or harassment. Mr. Cawthon merely voiced valid concerns about her performance in a manner that was neither unlawful nor inappropriate.
Why This Matters
Caryn Fennell’s behavior in this incident is emblematic of a broader issue:
Weaponizing protective legal mechanisms to shield herself from scrutiny.
Punishing those who speak up about misconduct, chilling witness participation.
Manipulating the court’s perception through emotionally charged but unsupported claims.
If a GAL can invite a witness to meet, then claim intimidation when that witness critiques her, what protection do families and children have from abuse of authority?
Call to Action
This page exists to shine a light on troubling patterns of conduct, including:
Retaliation against witnesses and parties who raise concerns
Frivolous motions that drain judicial resources
Use of protective orders and motions to withdraw to dodge accountability
We invite anyone who has experienced or witnessed misconduct by GAL Caryn Fennell to come forward. You are not alone—and you deserve to be heard.
Coming Soon
Copies of court filings
Complaint templates for the Georgia Bar and Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC)
Legal research and case law on GAL accountability
Testimony from affected parents and witnesses
