Many of our family law cases necessarily involve the appointment by the Court of a GAL or Child’s Representative. Sometimes, there is some question or confusion about the role of the GAL vs. that of the Child’s Rep.
In Illinois family law, under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA), a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and a Child’s Representative are two distinct roles appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in family law proceedings, such as custody (allocation of parental responsibilities) disputes. While both roles focus on the child’s best interests, their functions, authority, and approach differ significantly. Below is a detailed comparison: Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
- Definition: A GAL is an attorney or trained professional appointed by the court to investigate and advocate for the child’s best interests in a family law case. The GAL acts as the “eyes and ears” of the court, gathering information and making recommendations.