An individual appointed only for the purposes of prosecuting or defending a court action or litigation, on behalf of a vulnerable or otherwise undefended interest (such as a child or mentally-challenged person).
In Latin Words and Phrases for Lawyers:
"For the purpose of the suit. Thus in a suit against the estate of a deceased person where no letters of administration or probate have been taken out, the court may appoint an administrator ad litem to protect the interests of the estate."
Also called a guardian ad litem.
REFERENCES:
- Sodhi, D., Latin Words & Phrases for Lawyers (New York: Law and Business Publications inc., 1980), page 23.