Guardians Ad Litem, Child Representatives, and Attorneys for Children
In family cases involving disputes about the best interests of the parties’ minor children, the court may call upon an attorney to act as a Guardian ad litem (GAL), Child Representative, or Attorney for the Children.
A GAL serves as the court’s witness. After conducting an investigation, they provide an opinion to the court with recommendations about the best interests of the minor children. A Child Representative also conducts an investigation, but rather than serve as a witness, they are appointed to participate in the court proceedings and advocate for their position about the best interest of the minor children. An attorney for the child provides independent and confidential representation to a minor child and acts as their advocate in court.
The court may appoint an attorney in these capacities after considering the complexity of the case, the nature and adequacy of other information, and the parties’ resources. Attorneys that serve in these capacities often charge an hourly rate that is apportioned to the parties.
More Information about these attorneys and their appointment can be found in the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act at 750 ILCS 5/506 and in Illinois Supreme Court Rules 906 and 907, as well as the 22nd Judicial Circuit’s local rules.
A list of attorneys approved to serve in this capacity is available here
If you would like to apply to serve as a GAL, Child Representative, or Attorney for Children in family cases in the 22nd Judicial Circuit, please contact Dawn Mitchell to obtain a copy of the application. She can reached at DCMitchell@22ndCircuit.IllinoisCourts.gov.