Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors
 
Circuit Court of Cook County
69 West Washington Street, Room 1020
Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 603-0135
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

The Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors offers pro se (self represented) litigants who are seeking to petition the Probate Division to become the guardian of a minor free assistance with filling out court-required documents. The Desk is a joint project of Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS), the Circuit Court of Cook County, and the Chicago Bar Foundation.

The Desk is staffed by court personnel. Additional support and supervision is provided by off-site CVLS attorneys.

The following services are provided at the Guardianship Assistance Desk for Minors:
  • consultation with a guardianship counselor to assess eligibility to file a petition seeking guardianship;
  • explanation of court procedures and filing costs;
  • assistance in completing court-required documents and forms; and
  • access to "Do it Yourself" Guardianship Information packets for those who do not want or require assistance.
Please note the Desk does not offer legal advice.

Appointments with guardianship counselors must be made in advance by calling (312) 603-0135. Please allow a minimum of three (3) hours for the consultation and the completing and filing of the petition.

Some important facts to consider before seeking guardianship of a minor:
  • The Probate Act states a guardian must be at least 18 years old and be of sound mind.
  • A minor cannot have a guardian appointed in the Probate Division if he or she is the subject of juvenile, divorce or parentage proceedings, or involved with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
  • A guardian is appointed by the court and is given legal responsibility for the care of the child until removed by the court or until the child turns 18 years old.
  • Seeking the guardianship of a child is a serious legal proceeding that involves court costs and can be time-consuming.

To download the brochure, "Guardianship for Minors: What Prospective Guardians Need to Know", click here.

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©2000-2006 Office of the Chief Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County