Minor Guardianship

The Probate Division oversees petitions for Guardianship of a Minor (Person) and Guardianship of a Minor Estate. 

Any individual attempting to obtain guardianship of a minor is required to file a petition and a birth certificate of the minor. He or she must also consent to have a background check completed.

Minor Guardianship Help Desk

The Circuit Court of Cook County, through the Office of the Chief Judge, maintains a Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors located at 69 West Washington Street, Suite 1020, Chicago, Illinois. This help desk is intended to assist pro se petitioners seeking to file an action to obtain guardianship of a minor. If you wish to schedule an appointment with the Guardianship Assistance Desk prior to filing a pro se petition, please contact (312) 603-0135.

The Minor Guardianship Help Desk can:

  • Assist with Applications for Guardianship of a Minor
  • Provide Free Assistance in Preparing Court Documents
  • Make Referrals for More Complex Cases

    Help Desk Hours and Location

    69 West Washington Street, Room 1020
    Chicago, IL 60602
    (across the street from the Richard J. Daley Center)

    Phone: (312) 603-0135
    Fax: (312) 603-9766

    By appointment only
    Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, except court holidays

    Additional Information

    For additional information, including links to important forms and how to connect with the Minor Guardianship Estate courtrooms, click on the tabs below. 

      Courtrooms and Judges

      Courtrooms and Judges

      The two minor guardianship courtrooms are:

      Inquiries

      Inquiries

      Courtroom Clerks do not have phone access. 

      For inquiries regarding courtesy copies, scheduling, zoom information, and proposed orders, please first review the assigned judge’s Standing Order. You may contact Joseph Fleming at 312-603-7546 or joseph.fleming@cookcountyil.gov or the Probate Division Staff Attorney at 312-603-7545 or probate.divatty@cookcountyil.gov with administrative or procedural inquiries.

      Court Forms

      Court Forms

      To access forms routinely used in the administration of guardianship estates, click on the links below, or go to Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County website to download all probate forms.