Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Will Cnty. 19.02

As amended through September 23, 2024

Rule 19.02 - Qualifications

In order to qualify for either the Family Division or Probate approved Guardian Ad Litem list, each applicant shall meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Each Attorney shall be licensed and in good standing with the Illinois Supreme Court for a minimum of two (2) years.

2. Each Attorney shall have attended the education program created by the Illinois State Bar Association for education of Attorneys appointed in Family, Juvenile and Probate adoption (Family Division); or the Juvenile Court Act, Probate, guardianship, elder law, adoptions, estates and education on the roles and responsibilities of Guardian Ad Litem (Probate Division). Equivalent education programs consisting of a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing legal education credit within the two years prior to the date the Attorney qualifies to be appointed for each list.

3. To remain on the approved list, each Attorney shall attend continuing legal education courses consisting of at least ten (10) hours every two (2) year period and submit verification of attendance to the Office of the respective Presiding Judge at the time of attendance or upon request. The ten (10) hours should include courses in child development, ethics in child custody cases, relevant substantive law in custody, guardianship and visitation issues, domestic violence, family dynamics including substance abuse and mental health issues, and education on the roles and responsibilities of Guardian Ad Litem, Child Representatives and Attorneys for Children. Attendance at programs approved by the Circuit may be included as a portion of this continuing legal education requirement.

4. Each Attorney must complete the Guardian Ad Litem / Child Representative application provided by the 12^th Judicial Circuit Court and return it with a certification of attendance at continuing education. The initial application should also include a copy of the applicant's ARDC card and evidence of a current professional liability insurance coverage.

This rule does not apply to full-time attorneys and part-time attorneys from The Office of the Public Defender who are assigned to the Juvenile Division.

Ill. R. Cir. Ct. Will Cnty. 19.02

Effective 11/30/2015; Revised 10/1/2023.