Family Law Articles
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Guardian ad Litem & Child Representative Attorney in Illinois
A guardian ad litem or child representative is a court-appointed professional who investigates or advocates for your child’s interests, and attorney Deborah Reece serves in both roles across Illinois custody cases. When a judge makes that appointment, it changes the shape of everything that follows, since a third professional now has access to your home,…
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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…
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What 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…
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The 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…
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Collaborative 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…