Family Division Programs

The 19th Judicial Circuit Family Division has several applications in different areas that open during different times of the year. Here you will be able to find the applications for Family Division Child Representative/Guardian Ad Litem 506 Referral List, Evaluator Referral List, Financial Expert Referral List, Approved Mediators, and Parenting Coordinator and when they are open for submission of applications.

Child Representative/Guardian Ad Litem (bi-annual review even numbered year) 750 ILCS 5/506 & LCR 4-3.07

List opens for 2026-2028 enrollment in Fall 2026, for new applicants and current members. The next update is for the 2026-2028 list. 

• New applicants must submit required documents including: Child Representatives/GAL application, current State of Illinois Professional License (ARDC good standing - https://www.iardc.org/Lawyer/Search), proof of attending the 2-day LCBA training, and current declaration page of malpractice insurance.
• Current Child Representatives/GAL's must submit required documents including: Child Representatives/GAL application, current State of Illinois Professional License (ARDC good standing - https://www.iardc.org/Lawyer/Search), proof of 10 hours continuing education in the past two years, and current declaration page of malpractice insurance.
• The letter from the Presiding Judge with requirements for the 2024-2026 list enrollment is here (PDF). 

Evaluators (bi-annual review odd numbered year) LCR 4-3.08

List opens for 2025-2027 enrollment in Fall 2025 but this list has open enrollment for new applicants and current members. The next update is for the 2025-2027. Enrollment is open now from 10/22/25-11/14/25

• New applicants must submit required documents and interview before a panel of judges, family law attorneys, and a current evaluator 
• The letter from the Presiding Judge with requirements of the 2023-2025 list enrollment is here (PDF).

Financial Experts (opened until filled) LCR 4-3.09

List opens TBA for new applications until filled.  

• New applicants must submit required documents and interview before a panel of judges and family law attorneys.

Mediation (Approved-Volunteer) (bi-annual review even numbered year) LCR 4-3.19

List opens for 2026-2028 enrollment in Spring 2026 for new applicants and current members. This update is for the 2026-2028 list. 

• Current mediators must submit required documents including: mediator application, current State of Illinois Professional License (ARDC good standing - https://www.iardc.org/Lawyer/Search), current liability insurance covering mediation, and documentation of completion of 10 hours of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits in the past 2 years
• New applicants must submit required documents including: mediator application, current State of Illinois Professional License (ARDC good standing - https://www.iardc.org/Lawyer/Search), current liability insurance covering mediation, and 40 hours mediation training certificate (including Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits).
• The letter from the Presiding Judge with requirements of the 2024-2026 list enrollment is here (PDF).

Parenting Coordinator (bi-annual review even numbered year) LCR 4-3.20

List opened for 2026-2028 enrollment in Fall 2026 for new applicants and current members. This update is for the 2026-2028 list. 

• All applicants (current/new) must submit required documents: Parenting Coordinator Application, certificate of completion of the most recent LCBA GAL/PC training OR proof of completion of an alternative Parenting Coordinator training (separate from the LCBA GAL/PC training), current State of Illinois Professional License (ARDC good standing - https://www.iardc.org/Lawyer/Search), and current malpractice insurance.
• The letter from the Presiding Judge with requirements of the 2025-2027 list enrollment is here (PDF).