How Does Someone Become a Court-Appointed GAL in Illinois?

 Posted on January 20, 2025 in Family Law

A Guardian Ad Litem, or GAL is a person that the court can appoint in cases that involve children, typically when matters like custody are being decided. Their main job is to determine what the child’s best interests are and represent those interests in court on the child’s behalf. 

While some parents might feel intimidated and threatened when a GAL is appointed to their case, the truth is that this person is not there to judge or accuse you but rather to make sure that the child’s well-being remains the top priority in any court proceedings that can impact his or her life. In addition to being an experienced Chicago, IL custody lawyer, Attorney Curtis Bennett Ross is also a court-approved GAL and can answer any questions you may have about the role and its implications in your case.

Required Educational and Professional Background for GALs

To become a court-recognized Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), you must meet specific qualifications. Most GALs in Illinois are lawyers, and they need to be licensed to practice law and meet educational requirements established by the Illinois Supreme Court. They need to have spent at least five of the preceding eight years working on parenting time/decision making, including litigating temporary allocation, and either:

• Have focused on family law, child welfare, or child advocacy for five of the preceding eight years, or

• Have completed Chicago Volunteer Legal Services Pro Bono Program requirements

Training, Qualifications, and Standards for GALs

Illinois does not have uniform statewide certification qualifications for GALs. Instead, the GAL must meet requirements and complete training programs as dictated by the county or circuit court. 

For example, GALs in Cook County need to meet specific guidelines and requirements that include training in child advocacy and development, training in family law and court procedures, and ethics and confidentiality requirements.

GALs must also meet standards of professional conduct and ethics and follow guidelines about impartiality, confidentiality, and reporting to the court, as outlined by the Illinois Supreme Court’s Rule 907.

Application and Appointment Process for GALs

Those who want to become a GAL generally submit an application that describes their relevant education, training, and experience. Applicants are interviewed by a GAL Screening Committee, and if they are accepted, they need to attend a mandatory training run by current GALs before they can be appointed to a case. Some courts also require new GALs to participate in a mentorship program or work under the supervision of a more experienced GAL to ensure they understand the nuances and responsibilities involved in the role.

Speak with a Cook County, IL Guardian Ad Litem

If a GAL was appointed to your case, a qualified Chicago, IL child representation lawyer can explain the implications and what you might expect. Additionally, having a lawyer who is himself a GAL represent you when another GAL is appointed to your case can be extremely helpful as you navigate the process. At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C., we advocate passionately on behalf of children and families to get them the best outcome. Call us at 312-984-1514 to learn more about the services we offer.