Helping Children in Court: The Guardian Ad Litem and Child Representative Program

When families go through tough court cases related to custody, parenting time, or safety, the judge often needs additional perspective to understand what is best for the child. To fulfill this need, CAL offers specially trained attorneys who serve in two independent roles: guardian ad litem and child representatives.

What is a guardian ad litem (GAL)?

A guardian ad litem is the court’s investigator. They’re a neutral third party who acts like the judges’ eyes and ears. They can be a lawyer or a volunteer appointed to the court.

What do they do?

  • They talk to the child, parents, teachers, and other community members to learn about the child’s life.

  • They review important records like school and medical reports.

  • They may visit the child’s home.

  • Once their investigation is complete, they share their recommendations with the judge.

  • A GAL may be required to share their findings and opinions with the court.

The GAL does not take sides for one parent or the other. They focus only on what's best for the child.

What is a child representative?

A child representative is an attorney whose job is to speak up for the child's best interest in court.

What do they do?

  • They meet with the child and the family.

  • They investigate by talking to people and reviewing documents.

  • They go to court, ask questions, and present information to help the judge make decisions.

  • They cannot be called as a witness. Instead, they use legal arguments to explain what's best for the child.

  • Confidentiality: A child representative does not have to reveal private things the child says, unless ordered by the judge.

A child representative may listen to the child’s wishes, but they recommend what they believe is best for the child, even if it’s different from what the child says they want.

How does this help your family?

  • The child's voice is heard in a safe and respectful way.

  • Judges get a clearer picture of what life is like for the child.

  • Decisions are based on the child’s needs, not just the parent’s opinion.

Additional Reading

  • The Cook County (Domestic Relations Division)—Illinois is an official resource that explains the role of guardian ad litem, child representatives, and attorneys for the child. It outlines their functions, how they're appointed, and how fees are handled—particularly in domestic relations cases under Illinois law.

  • The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5) governs the legal process for divorce and related matters in Illinois. It outlines the procedures for dissolution of marriage, which is the legal term for divorce in Illinois, as well as issues like parental responsibilities, parenting time, support, and property/debt division.

Services

The court decides who pays the GAL, Child Representative, or Attorney for the Child.

The judge may:

  • Divide the cost between parents,

  • Assign one parent to pay more, or

  • Or appoint a free GAL or Child rep.

If a parent cannot afford the full fee, the court, GAL, or Child Representative may set up a payment plan or adjust the amount.

Service Costs*

CAL uses a sliding scale to determine service costs, ensuring affordability based on each client’s income and household size.

  • Income Less Than $30k:
    $0–$750 upfront per parent depending on income and availability of grant funds.

    Income $30K-$49K:

    $$1000-$1500 upfront per parent.

    Income $50k+:
    $2,500 upfront per parent

    These fees must be paid in full before services begin.

  • Income Less Than $30k:
    Ongoing fee of $0–$200 per month, per parent depending on income and availability of grant funds.

    Income between $30K-$49K:

    Ongoing monthly fee is $250-$375 per month

    Income $50k+:
    Ongoing fee of $375-$500 per month, per parent

  • For a half-day hearing/trial (4 hours or less), the price ranges from $0–6,000, depending on income and availability of grant funds.

    For a full-day hearing/trial (over 4 hours), the price ranges from $0–10,000, depending on income and availability of grant funds.

  • For home visits, school visits, etc:

    Chicago: $0–275 depending on income and availability of grant funds.

    Cook County: $0–475 depending on income and availability of grant funds.

    Collar Counties: $0–675 depending on income and availability of grant funds.

    Beyond the Collar Counties: $0-675+, depending on income and availability of grant funds.

*These are our fees, unless your case is appointed as pro bono or you are eligible for our GAL-Child Rep Program.

If you have questions about what services are included or how your fees are calculated, please email for clarification. Office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding GAL and Child Representative Roles

  • A GAL is a licensed attorney chosen by the court to investigate and assist in family cases. The GAL is not your attorney, the other parent’s attorney, or the attorney for your children. The GAL’s primary responsibility is to gather facts about the case to help the Court decide what is in the “best interests” of the children involved

  • A Child Representative can question witnesses, present evidence, and make legal arguments. This is similar to how an attorney for a party participates in litigation. Unlike a GAL, the Child Representative does not make recommendations, write a report, or testify.

  • Represents the parties’ children independently, owing them the same duties of undivided loyalty as any attorney would owe their client. The Attorney for the Child advocates for what the child wants, even if it may not align with what others believe is in the child's best interest.

  • When are GALs or Child Representatives appointed?

    Under Section 506(a)(3) of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, Illinois courts may appoint a Child Representative for the minor child in any case where the parties are disputing the custody, visitation, education, parentage, property interest, or general welfare of their child.

    Common situations include:

    • High-conflict custody disputes

    • Allegations of abuse or neglect

    • Cases involving domestic violence

    • Complex parenting time disputes

    • Situations where children have special needs

    • Cases where parents cannot communicate effectively

  • GALs are appointed by the judge handling the case, thus making the GAL an officer of the court. The same process applies to Child Representatives and Attorneys for the Child.

  • The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, but typically:

    • Initial appointment occurs within days of the court order

    • Investigation period can range from 30–90 days

    • Final report is usually submitted within 60–120 days of appointment

    • The GAL remains involved until the case is resolved or they are dismissed by the court

  • Will the GAL talk to my child?

    Yes, speaking with the child is a crucial part of the GAL’s investigation. The GAL will:

    • Interview the child in an age-appropriate manner

    • Consider the child's maturity level and ability to express preferences

    • Ensure the child feels comfortable and safe during interviews

    • Keep the child's statements confidential unless disclosure is necessary for the child’s safety

    Can I communicate directly with the GAL?

    Yes, but communication should be:

    • Professional and factual

    • Documented in writing when possible

    • Focused on information relevant to the child's best interests

    • Not used to badmouth the other parent

    • Respectful of the GAL’s neutrality

    Will the GAL make the final decision about custody?

    No. The GAL provides recommendations to the judge, but the judge makes the final decision. The court considers the GAL’s report along with all other evidence presented in the case.

  • How can I help the GAL process go smoothly?

    • Be honest and forthcoming with information

    • Provide requested documents promptly

    • Keep scheduled appointments

    • Focus on your child's needs rather than conflict with the other parent

    • Follow all court orders

    • Maintain appropriate boundaries with the GAL

    Can I disagree with the GAL's recommendations?

    Yes. The GAL’s report is evidence for the court to consider, but you and your attorney can:

    • Present contrary evidence

    • Cross-examine the GAL if they testify

    • Argue why different arrangements would be better

    • Request additional evaluations if warranted

  • What happens after the GAL submits their report?

    • All parties receive copies of the report

    • The court may schedule a hearing to discuss the recommendations

    • Parties can respond to the report through their attorneys

    • The judge considers the report along with all other evidence

    • The court issues orders based on the child’s best interests

    Can the GAL’s involvement continue after the initial case?

    In some situations, yes:

    • If the court orders ongoing monitoring

    • If significant changes occur that affect the child’s welfare

    • If compliance with court orders becomes an issue

    • If new allegations arise requiring investigation

Please see the additional resources listed on our Helpful Links page to better understand the GAL position, discover family support, and find emergency resources.

Helpful Links

Make an Appointment

Please do not come to the CAL office without an appointment.

Phone: (312) 761-5833 

Email: gal-child.rep@chicagoadvocatelegal.com

Parent Intake Form (ENGLISH)
Formulario de Admisión de Padres (SPANISH)