The information below is provided for individuals seeking to become a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem, Child Representative, Attorney for Child, Parenting Coordinator or Court-Certified Mediator.
Guardians ad Litem, Child Representatives and Attorneys for the Child
The Office of the Presiding Judge has prescribed a number of requirements for attorneys seeking admittance on the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) / Child Representative (CR) / Attorney for Child (AFC) active roster in accordance with Local Court Rule 13.9.
First, licensed attorneys who have concentrated a majority of their practice in family law, child welfare, or child advocacy for a minimum of five (5) years out of the previous eight (8) years shall submit an application to become a GAL / CR / AFC for consideration. All requirements listed on the first page of the application must be met. Alternatively, pursuant to Domestic Relations General Administrative Orders 2013 D3 and 2015 D6, attorneys may submit an application to become a court-appointed GAL / CR / AFC after completing the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (“CVLS”) Pro Bono Child Representative Program.
Applications are accepted in January and July. After submitting the application, attorneys will be interviewed by members of the GAL / CR / AFC Screening Committee. Interviews are conducted twice per year on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and August.
After acceptance by the Presiding Judge and the Screening Committee, the attorney shall attend a training session hosted by current GAL / CR / AFC. The training sessions are two days long and held twice per year on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of March and September.
Once all training is complete, the attorney shall be placed on the active GAL / CR / AFC roster, and may begin taking appointments as GAL / CR / AFC. The list is distributed to all Domestic Relations Division judges.
Annual calendar of the GAL / CR / AFC Program Application, Interview and Training
For more information, please contact the Presiding Judge's Office:
Email: drd.gal@cookcountyil.gov
Phone: (312) 603-3025
Office: Domestic Relations Division
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Suite 1901A
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Every Guardian ad Litem (GAL) / Child Representative (CR) / Attorney for Child (AFC) shall complete a minimum of four (4) seminar credit hours through the Office of the Presiding Judge. Every GAL / CR / AFC shall maintain proper errors and omissions (malpractice) insurance.
Every GAL / CR / AFC shall also accept at least one (1) pro bono case per year in Cook County to remain on the active roster. Pro bono appointments must come through the Office of the Presiding Judge to count towards the GAL / CR / AFC's pro bono case for the year.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in removal from the Active GAL / CR / AFC list.
Active Child Representative / GAL / Attorney for Child Roster
Guardian ad Litem (GAL) / Child Representative (CR) / Attorney for Child (AFC) can acquire seminar credit hours by either attending CLE-approved seminars, which are hosted by the Domestic Relations Division. Attending or participating in seminars outside of the Domestic Relations Division may count towards required credit hours, but are subject to the approval of the Presiding Judge.
Current GAL / CR / AFC Continuing Legal Education Seminars List
Parenting Coordinators
Currently accepting applications during the month of February
The Office of the Presiding Judge has prescribed a number of requirements for attorneys and mental health professionals seeking admittance on the parenting coordinator active roster in accordance with Local Court Rule 13.10.
Parenting coordinators appointed by the Office of the Presiding Judge should:
- Possess a Juris Doctor or a Master's Degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling, or an equivalent degree in a related field;
- Have at least five (5) years of experience in family law, mental health, or a related field;
- Complete an approved course on domestic violence; and
- Attend at least four (4) hours per year of continuing education programs, which shall address, at a minimum, psychological issues, the needs of children in cases of family separation, and family dynamics.
Applications to become a Parenting Coordinator are accepted twice per year, in February and August.
After submitting the application, attorneys will be interviewed by members of the Domestic Relations Division Parenting Coordinator Screening Committee. After acceptance by the Presiding Judge and the Screening Committee, the attorney shall attend a training session hosted by current parenting coordinator representatives. The training sessions will include the required domestic violence training.
Once all training is complete, the parenting coordinator will be placed on the active roster, which is distributed to all Domestic Relations Division judges.
For more information, please contact the Presiding Judge’s Office at (312) 603-3025 or email drd.pc@cookcountyil.gov.
Every parenting coordinator must complete a minimum of four (4) seminar credit hours each year. Once appointed, the appointed parenting coordinator must renew their application every two (2) years.
While applicants may be approved to be on the parenting coordinator list, the designation is not permanent. Their designation on the list may be removed based on the parenting coordinator’s conduct, professionalism, and effectiveness after a review by the Steering Committee and decision by the Presiding Judge.
Court-Certified Mediators
Applications are closed until further notice.
Check back soon for future updates regarding mediator applications and upcoming changes to the Mediation Program.
Requirements for court-certified mediators are outlined in Local Court Rule 13.4. Attorneys and mental health professionals shall complete a Domestic Relations Mediator Application, which shall include a supporting affidavit and all necessary supporting documentation. All of the requirements listed on the first page of the application shall be met.
Applicants shall complete an approved 40-hour mediation training program prior to applying.
All court-certified mediators shall also complete a Domestic Violence Continuing Education training within six (6) months of approval or when the program is next offered, whichever date is sooner. The court-approved Domestic Violence training program, “Screening for Domestic Violence in Mediation,” is hosted by Family Court Services. For more information about the training schedule, please contact FCS at (312) 603-1540.
Completed applications shall be submitted to the Presiding Judge’s Office using one of the below methods:
E-mail: drd.mediation@cookcountyil.gov
Mail should be addressed to:
Office of the Presiding Judge
Domestic Relations Division
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington St., Suite 1901A
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Court-certified mediators may be placed on the list for no more than five (5) years before needing to reapply.