Posts by Larry Manassa
Guardian ad Litem vs. Child Representative in Illinois: What’s the Difference?
This mix-up shows up constantly, even among lawyers. Illinois is one of the few states with a distinct statutory Child Representative role, separate from a guardian ad litem, and the two get confused by parents, out-of-state attorneys, and sometimes Illinois practitioners who don’t handle family law daily. The difference isn’t technicality. It changes how the…
Read MoreWhat Does a Guardian ad Litem Do in an Illinois Divorce?
Most parents picture a guardian ad litem (GAL) as another lawyer in the room, arguing a side. That assumption catches people off guard. In a guardian ad litem Illinois divorce case involving children, the GAL investigates the family and tells the judge what arrangement serves the child’s best interests, regardless of what either parent wants…
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Separation vs. Divorce
Legal separation and divorce are two distinct legal processes under Illinois law. A legal separation keeps the marriage intact while spouses live apart under court orders; a divorce legally dissolves the marriage and brings finality. Each path carries real consequences for support, parenting, property, and benefits. We help Illinois spouses weigh the options and choose…
Read MoreCollaborative Divorce vs. Litigation in Barrington, Illinois
Most people facing divorce in Barrington assume they have two choices: fight it out in court or try to handle everything alone. Illinois law actually offers a third option. The Illinois Collaborative Process Act (750 ILCS 90) gives couples a structured way to negotiate a settlement privately, with attorneys present, without ever stepping into a…
Read MoreIs Collaborative Divorce Right for Me in Illinois?
Collaborative divorce sounds appealing on paper. You stay out of court, you keep things private, and you share the decision-making with your spouse. But the process only works when both people show up honestly, and not every marriage ends with that kind of cooperation. Entering a collaborative divorce that does not fit your situation wastes…
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