The U.S. Census Bureau reported that there were 10.9 million single-parent families with a child under 18 in the United States in 2022. Many of those families manage custody arrangements without conflict, but a significant number of cases become contested.
When parents cannot agree on child custody, an Illinois judge may appoint a third party to independently assess what is in the child’s best interests. That person is called a guardian ad litem, or GAL. If a GAL has been appointed in your case, or if you think one might be, knowing what to expect can help you prepare. If you are dealing with a contested custody case in 2026, a Joliet, IL child custody attorney can help you protect your rights.