Guardian ad Litem in Kane County

Experienced Child Advocate Serving Clients in Geneva, Elburn, Aurora, and Elgin

Divorce, child custody, and child visitation issues can be emotionally difficult both for the parents and for the kids involved. Indeed, divorce is challenging for all parties involved, but children often experience these proceedings differently than their parents. As such, it is important for each child to have his or her own advocate in many different types of cases. In Illinois, a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) can act as an advocate for a minor child or children in numerous proceedings. A GAL is an attorney appointed for the best interest of the child.

At OSH Law, we have years of practice acting as advocates for children in Illinois. To be sure, Otto S. Hurtado is a family lawyer with significant GAL experience. He is dedicated to providing professional service for his clients in all family law situations.

Appointing a Guardian Ad Litem in Your Family Law Case

Section 506 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/506) directs Guardian ad Litem work in our state. Under the statute, a GAL can be appointed in a variety of family law cases that involve children, including the following:

• Child support;
• Child custody;
• Child visitation;
• Child education matters;
• Parentage; and
• Questions involving the “general welfare of a minor or dependent child.”

If you are currently in the middle of a divorce that involves issues concerning your children, you likely will have questions about the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem. According to Illinois law, a GAL can be appointed to represent your child in two different ways:

• By the court’s own motion; or
• By the motion of a party.

In other words, the court may appoint a GAL on its own, or one of the parents (or other parties) involved in the case can make a motion to have a GAL appointed. It is important to remember that the Guardian ad Litem will act independently of the interests of both parties involved in a family law issue and will provide independent legal counsel for the child or children. When it comes to attorney fees, the court has the discretion to order either or both parents to pay the GAL.

Dedicated Advocate for Children in Geneva

Illinois law requires a GAL to make recommendations to the court concerning the best interest of the child in the family law case at issue. To be sure, a GAL becomes an advocate for a child’s interests in some of the most complicated family law matters. If you have questions or concerns about a case involving your child or children, a family law attorney can help. When you work with Otto S. Hurtado, you will have a responsible and experienced family law attorney who works tirelessly for his clients.

Contact a skilled family lawyer at OSH Law today to learn more about how we can assist you with your case. You can reach us by calling 331-248-8190. We serve clients throughout Kane County, as well as clients in DeKalb, Kendall, and DuPage Counties.