Child Representation

Provisions related to child representation can be found at
750 ILCS 5/506.

In some cases the court may find it necessary to appoint an attorney to represent a child.  This typically occurs when the child’s wishes do not appear to be in the child’s best interest.  The main reasons for such an appointment would be to review the facts of the case and recommend to the court the findings as relative to the particular case.  Below are a few of the facts the attorney would need to explore:

1. The child’s feelings as related to time spent with the non-custodial parent.
2. The positions taken by the parents as related to custody and visitation.
3. History of drug or alcohol abuse by either parent.
4. Living conditions provided by either parent.
5. Abuse of the child by either parent.

See Also:

Reluctance or Refusal to Visit a Parent

Denial of Visitation in Extreme Circumstances

Interference with Contact/Visitation Abuse

Helping Children Deal with Visitation