Guardian ad Litem / Attorney for a Child

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If you are involved in a contested custody or parentage case, you should consider the appointment of a guardian ad litem on behalf of your child.   A guardian ad litem, known as a GAL, is appointed by the Judge to investigate the facts of your case and to serve as the eyes and ears of the Judge outside of the courtroom.  

The guardian ad litem may be asked to provide a verbal or a written report to the Judge and to make recommendations on any number of child related issues including parenting time, supervised visitation, decision making responsibilities, removal/relocation as well as holiday and summer parenting schedules. The appointment of a GAL is necessary for many different reasons including:

• One parent suffers from mental health issues;
• One parent has an addiction to alcohol, drugs, or pornography;
• There are allegations of sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse involving the minor child;
•  A child suffers from depression, anxiety or some other mental health issue that requires additional supports not recognized or approved by the other parent.

If you believe that a guardian ad litem is appropriate to investigate the facts of your case, you want to consult with  Kimberly Backman, an experienced advocate who serves as a court approved guardian ad litem in Will and DuPage Counties, as soon as possible.