The information below is provided for individuals seeking to become a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem, Child Representative, Attorney for Child, or Court-Certified Mediator.
Guardian ad Litem / Child Representative / Attorney for Child
NOTICE:
Applications for the Court-Certified Guardian ad Litem / Child Representative / Attorney for Child program are OPEN FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY.
How to Become a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) / Child Representative / Attorney for Child
The Office of the Presiding Judge has prescribed a number of requirements for attorneys seeking admittance on the GAL/Child Representative/Attorney for Child 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 a Child Representative / GAL / Attorney for Child Application 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/Child Representative/Attorney for Child after completing the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (“CVLS”) Pro Bono Child Representative Program. Applications are accepted in January and June.
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/Child Representatives/Attorneys for Children. 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/Child Representative/Attorney for Child List, and may begin taking appointments as GAL/Child Representative/Attorney for Child. 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
50 W. Washington St., Suite 1901A
Chicago, Illinois 60602
Remaining on the Guardian ad Litem / Child Representative / Attorney for Child Roster
Every GAL/Child Representative/Attorney for Child shall complete a minimum of four (4) seminar credit hours through the Office of the Presiding Judge. Every GAL/Child Representative/Attorney for Child shall maintain proper errors and omissions (malpractice) insurance.
Every GAL/Child Representative/Attorney for Child 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/Child Representative/Attorney for Child's pro bono case for the year.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in removal from the Active GAL/Child Representative/Attorney for Child list.
Active Child Representative / GAL / Attorney for Child Roster
2025 Seminar Schedule
GAL / Child Representatives / Attorneys for Child 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 Child Representative Continuing Legal Education Seminars List
Court-Certified Mediators
NOTICE:
Applications for the Court-Certified Mediator program are closed until further notice. Check back soon for future updates regarding mediator applications and upcoming changes to the Mediation Program.
How to Become a Court-Certified Mediator
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
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.