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Understanding Guardian Ad Litem in Illinois Child Custody Cases
In Illinois child custody cases, a guardian ad litem (GAL) may be appointed to represent the child and their best interests. A GAL is typically an attorney who is placed by the court to investigate and make recommendations regarding custody, visitation, and other issues related to the child’s welfare.
Understanding the role of GAL in Illinois child custody cases is essential for parents who are going through a divorce or custody dispute.
What is a GAL?
A GAL is a person the court appoints to represent the child’s best interests in a custody case. The GAL is not a party to the case but rather an independent third party that is directed to investigate and make recommendations regarding what is best for the child.
What is the Duty of a GAL?
The role of a GAL is to gather information about the child’s living situation, relationships with each parent, and any other relevant factors that may impact the child’s welfare.
The GAL may interview the child and any other individuals who may have relevant information, such as teachers at school, physicians, or family members. Based on their investigation, the GAL will recommend what they believe to be in the child’s best interests.
How is a GAL Appointed in an Illinois Child Custody Case?
A GAL may be appointed in an Illinois child custody case by the court. The GAL usually submits fee petitions to the court. The court must then decide whether the fees are reasonable. If the fees are found to be reasonable, the cost may be split between the parents or paid for by one parent.
It is important to note that while the GAL’s recommendations are not binding, they are given significant weight by the court when making decisions regarding visitation, custody, and other issues as well.
Contact a Kane County Divorce Attorney
If you are going through a divorce or custody dispute, it is essential to understand the role of a GAL and how it may impact the outcome of your case. Working with an experienced divorce attorney can help you navigate the process. Contact the experienced St. Charles divorce lawyers with MKFM Law for more information. Call 630-665-7300 for a free, limited consultation.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/
Read MoreServing DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will, Cook, and Lake Counties Since 1949
For guidance with your case, contact our attorneys at 630-665-7300. We will answer your questions, explain the process relevant to your case, and advise how best to proceed. Our firm has locations in Wheaton and St. Charles, Illinois, and we work with clients throughout the Chicagoland area, including, DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties.
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From our law offices in Wheaton and St. Charles, the family law and civil litigation law attorneys of Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC represent businesses and individual clients throughout the western suburbs of Chicago, including Wheaton, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, Lombard, Downers Grove, Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Lisle, Elmhurst, Winfield, Woodridge, Warrenville, and throughout DuPage County. We also serve clients in Will County, Kendall County, and Kane County, including St. Charles, Geneva, Batavia, Aurora, North Aurora, Elgin, Algonquin, Barrington Hills, Bartlett, Big Rock, Burlington, Campton Hills, Carpentersville, West Dundee, East Dundee, Elburn, Hampshire, Huntley, Kaneville, Maple Park, Sleepy Hollow, and Wayne.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
1737 South Naperville Road, Suite 100, Wheaton, IL 60189
630-665-7300
