Elmhurst Child Representation Attorneys
Assisting Those in Need of Guardians ad Litem or Parenting Coordinators in Park Ridge, Elmhurst, and Chicago
Child Representative
An attorney for a child generally has significant levels of family law experience. As an example, Cook County requires a minimum of five years’ experience in order for an attorney to be considered an attorney for a child (including child representative and guardian ad litem appointments). A court appointed child representative functions in the same manner as an attorney for one of the child’s parents’ and is an advocate for the child. An Illinois attorney for a child must carefully weigh the child’s maturity, age, intelligence, comprehension, and communication skills to determine what level of assistance the child requires. There are only a very few instances in which the attorney for a child may be compelled to testify, and even then communications between the attorney and child are still considered privileged. In the event of a trial, the child representative may call witnesses, including cross examination of the parents and any collateral or expert witnesses. The attorneys at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC are trained to work cooperatively with Child Representatives and GALs; however, if one of these advocates is not aligned with your case, our team is also skilled at building a case against them, including aggressive cross-examination of these individuals in depositions and/or trials.
Illinois Guardian ad Litem
An Illinois Guardian ad Litem is an attorney appointed to protect children of divorcing parents in contentious situations. He or she is required to investigate the facts of the case, interview the children and both parents, and make a determination as to the best interests of the child. The Guardian ad Litem may also interview other collateral sources, such as teachers, therapists, relatives of the children at issue, and the like. The Guardian ad Litem may be called as a witness for the purpose of cross-examination regarding his or her report or recommendations. The court has discretion to order fees paid to a Guardian ad Litem or child representative, including a retainer fee. These fees may be paid by one or both parents, by the marital estate, or, when applicable, by a child’s separate estate. In many cases, an Illinois Guardian ad Litem may be converted into a Parenting Coordinator, as more fully set forth below. Attorney Maxine Weiss Kunz is on the certified list of child representatives and Guardian ad Litems in Cook County and has the necessary knowledge of Illinois laws as well as the experience gained from working for a top Chicago family law firm to skillfully represent the best interests of a child in an Illinois legal proceeding.
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"I needed an attorney who would fight for me and also keep me focused, and Maxine had my back."Maxine was very professional and worked efficiently to complete our case. Highly recommend!- Gloria B.
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"As a client of WKO, I highly recommend Amanda Oliver."She has extensive experience to address family law issues efficiently and effectively. She is direct, informative, knowledgeable, resourceful and well-respected in the legal community. I love how she anticipates and mitigates potential issues, strategizes next steps, and keeps me informed along the way. If you have to go thru the divorce process, you want Amanda in your corner. HIGHLY recommend!- Angela L.
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"Divorce isn’t always easy but Maxine and her team at WKO make it so."Maxine and her team have exceeded my expectations. Focused on the family and doing the right thing for everyone involved. Most importantly, my children. I’m deeply grateful for her efforts.- Stephen G.
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"I am so glad I chose Amanda & her team."I highly recommend Amanda Oliver & her team at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver. Everyone I dealt with was professional, empathetic & compassionate. They make their clients their priority. Their fee structure was fair & very transparent.- Amy S.
Guardian ad Litem vs. Parenting Coordinator
The Guardian ad Litem is court-appointed and in charge of investigating the facts or evaluating a family, then making recommendations to the court regarding custody and visitation issues. The Guardian ad Litem is more likely to be assessing the family dynamics in order to create a written report to the court with the findings. A parenting coordinator works with the parents in order to implement an existing parenting plan, or to assist the parents in making changes to the plan. PCs usually do not involve themselves in actual litigation, and many will only accept an appointment under the condition that they cannot be used as a witness in any underlying case. This neutrality helps the party’s parent effectively in the most high conflict custody or visitation cases.
Our skilled attorneys have the necessary experience in child representation to ensure proper protection of a child’s best interests. Specifically, Maxine Weiss Kunz has a 10.0 rating on Avvo and is a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
For experienced family law representation in Chicago, DuPage County, Lake County, and throughout the rest of the suburban area, contact Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC at (312) 605-4041.
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Mediation & Collaborative Law ExperienceOur attorneys are committed to helping clients explore alternate dispute resolution options, as we believe it empowers individuals to maintain control over the outcome of their case. This collaborative approach not only reduces conflict but often leads to more satisfying and lasting resolutions, ensuring our clients are happier with both the process and the result.
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Boutique Feel, High-Level ExperienceWe provide a tailored, deeply personal approach to family law, combining years of high-level experience with a commitment to understanding your specific needs. Our goal is to guide you through every stage of divorce with empathy, ensuring your family’s future is protected and your peace of mind restored.
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Personalized Service, Exceptional ValueWe pride ourselves on offering the same high level of expertise and experience as other boutique family law firms in downtown Chicago, Park Ridge, and Elmhurst. Our commitment to providing clients with more reasonable fees and direct access to the founding members of our firm, ensuring personalized attention and a deep, hands-on approach to each case.
