Whenever a legal proceeding involves a child, such as a divorce or child custody case, a court can appoint a guardian ad litem. A guardian ad litem (GAL), which is Latin for “a guardian for the lawsuit,” is a person who advocates for a child’s interests in any court proceeding that involves an underage or mentally incompetent child. In Illinois, GALs are attorneys who have gone through extra training.
If you have questions about appointing a GAL for your child, it is best to consult with a family law attorney who can advise you.
This article will discuss what a GAL does, when one is appointed, and whether you can change your child’s GAL.
What Does a GAL Do?
A GAL’s job is to make sure the child’s interests are protected during court proceedings. Once appointed, the GAL will usually launch an investigation into the child’s history, needs, living environment, relatives, and other life elements. By Illinois law, a GAL must do the following: