Evanston Guardian Ad Litem / Child Representative / Parenting Coordinator
Your child's interests should always come first.
Our Evanston GAL / Child Representative & Parenting Coordinator Services Prioritize Clear Communication and Your Child’s Well-Being
847-556-8846North Shore GAL, Child Representative & Parenting Coordinator
A women-led law firm committed to protecting your child’s best interests in every step of the legal process.
Navigating family law disputes, especially those involving parenting time or decision-making, can be overwhelming. When a child’s well-being is at stake, having an experienced, compassionate advocate by your side is essential.
At O. Long Law, LLC, we proudly serve families throughout the North Shore by providing court-appointed Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and Child Representative services.
Founding attorney Olivia St. Clair Long is approved to serve as both a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and a Parenting Coordinator in Cook County, bringing a thoughtful and experienced approach to families navigating high-conflict or emotionally complex parenting matters. Her ability to serve in these court-appointed roles reflects a deep commitment to protecting children’s well-being in and out of the courtroom.
As a court-appointed GAL or Child Representative in Cook County, Olivia offers an independent perspective in family law cases, advocating solely for the best interests of the child in matters involving the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.
In addition, Olivia is a certified Parenting Coordinator in Cook County, providing neutral, ongoing support to co-parents struggling with conflict. In this role, she helps parents implement their parenting plans, resolve day-to-day disputes, and avoid unnecessary returns to court—all with the child’s well-being as the central priority.
Whether through GAL, Child Representative, or Parenting Coordination services, Olivia St. Clair Long delivers child-centered legal guidance designed to reduce conflict, protect emotional stability, and support your family’s long-term well-being.
Our Commitment
- Facilitating the Most Suitable Resolution for Your Child
- Shielding Your Child from Harmful Circumstances
- Diminishing the Impact of Legal Proceedings on Your Child
- Parenting Coordination to Reduce Conflict and Improve Co-Parenting
- Providing Neutral, Court-Appointed Support for Ongoing Parenting Challenges
- Clarifying and Implementing Parenting Plans Effectively
Why Our Firm?
Leaving child-related legal matters to chance can lead to unfavorable outcomes for children and families. Whether you need a Guardian ad Litem (GAL), Child Representative, or a Parenting Coordinator, it’s crucial to work with a dedicated, empathetic professional who understands the complexities of family dynamics. Olivia St. Clair Long offers objective guidance, structured support, and practical strategies to help families move forward, always with the child’s best interests at the forefront.
Attorney Olivia St. Clair Long is qualified to serve in court-appointed roles such as GAL and Parenting Coordinator, offering families additional tools to manage conflict and create stability during difficult transitions.
What Makes Us Different
- Skilled negotiators pushing for the optimal outcome for your child.
- A team-oriented approach to your child representation issue.
- Honest advice and transparent communication about what to expect.
Meet Your Family's Team
FAQs About GAL / Child Rep / Parenting Coordinator
Information is power, especially in challenging times.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A GAL OR CHILD REP?
A GAL or Child Representative is appointed by the court to represent the child's best interests in family law cases. They provide an objective perspective and report back to the court regarding the child's situation and needs.
CAN THE GAL OR CHILD REP BE CHANGED?
In Illinois, a GAL or Child Rep appointment can be modified by the Court if it is in the child's best interests.
HOW IS A GAL OR CHILD REP APPOINTED?
A GAL or Child Rep is typically appointed by the Court in cases involving the allocation of parental responsibilities, including parenitng time and parental decision-making.
DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO MEET WITH THE GAL OR CHILD REP?
Yes. In order to accurately represent the child's best interests, the GAL or Child Representative usually needs to meet and speak with the child.
HOW LONG DOES A GAL OR CHILD REP STAY ON A CASE?
The duration of a GAL or Child Rep's involvement varies case by case. Typically, they remain involved until the court makes a final decision regarding the allocation of parental responsibilities. . However, their role can be extended if the court deems it necessary.
CAN PARENTS COMMUNICATE DIRECTLY WITH THE GAL OR CHILD REP?
All parties to the legal dispute will communicate directly with the GAL or Child Rep assigned to the case. The GAL/Child Rep will also reach out to third parties who may have insight or information about the child, the family, and the dispute at issue.
You can reach us at 847-556-8846. We can set up a 30-minute consultation with one of our attorneys. We'll listen to your needs and offer advice to make an informed decision about moving forward.
Office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm. Currently, we're meeting with clients via telephone or Zoom.
WHAT IS A PARENTING COORDINATOR?
A Parenting Coordinator is a neutral third party (appointed by the court or agreed upon by both parents) who helps resolve day-to-day parenting conflicts outside of the courtroom. Their role is to assist high-conflict co-parents in implementing parenting plans, improving communication, and making child-focused decisions.
WHEN IS A PARENTING COORDINATOR APPOINTED
A Parenting Coordinator is typically appointed in cases where parents struggle with ongoing disagreements regarding parenting time, scheduling, communication, or decision-making, even after a court order or parenting plan is in place.
WHAT DOES A PARENTING COORDINATOR DO?
Parenting Coordinators help parents:
- Clarify and follow existing parenting agreements
- Resolve minor disputes (like holiday schedules or extracurricular activities)
- Improve co-parent communication
- Minimize the child’s exposure to parental conflict
- Recommend or, in some cases, make binding decisions depending on the court’s order
IS A PARENTING COORDINATOR THE SAME AS A GUARDIAN AD LITEM (GAL)?
No. While both are court-appointed and focused on the child’s best interests, a GAL investigates and reports to the court, whereas a Parenting Coordinator works directly with the parents to help resolve disputes and support the ongoing implementation of parenting plans.