Bill > SB2711

This bill requires the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to conduct a comprehensive study on guardian ad litem (GAL) services in family law proceedings. A guardian ad litem is a court-appointed representative who investigates and makes recommendations about the best interests of a child in legal proceedings. The study will examine the costs, accessibility, and impact of GAL services, with a specific focus on how these services affect low-income families. The research will explore whether current GAL practices promote fairness and access to justice, and will include reviewing average service costs across Illinois counties, analyzing potential financial barriers to participation in family law cases, and evaluating how GAL appointments represent children's interests. The study will gather input from various stakeholders, including litigants, judges, lawyers, and child welfare experts. By December 31, 2026, the Administrative Office must submit a detailed report to the state legislature and governor, including findings, analyses, and recommendations for potential legal reforms. The provisions of this study will automatically expire on January 1, 2028, making it a time-limited initiative designed to comprehensively assess and potentially improve the GAL system in Illinois.