IICLE Family Law Flash Points - November 2023

Guardian ad Litem Statute Amended Effective January 1, 2024

Section 506 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5/101, et seq., is amended effective January 1, 2024, with respect to the specific duties of a guardian ad litem (GAL) as follows: (1) the GAL shall submit to the court and the parties a written report, recommendations, or a proposed parenting plan not less than 30 days before a final hearing or trial, unless the court directs otherwise; (2) the report shall be admitted into evidence without the need for foundation; and (3) the GAL shall be available for a deposition before a final hearing notwithstanding any other discovery cutoff. Further, at the discretion of the court, the GAL (1) may be present for all proceedings, including any in camera examination of the child; (2) may issue subpoenas as part of the investigation; and (3) may file pleadings relating to procedural matters. Section 506 was not amended with respect to