Guardian ad litem Fees

Please refer to your court order to learn about the retainer payment amount and the hourly fee a GAL will charge, it will be included in the GAL appointment order. To start the GAL investigation without delay, parents should prepare and submit the court orderd retainer payment prior to the first meeting with a GAL. Most GAL offices accept credit cards and personal or certified checks. Our office also offers a payment plan through ClientCredit with Affirm. Learn more. 

Illinois Guardian ad litem Hourly Rate

Please note that court ordered hourly rates vary and in Northern Illinois, the GAL rate is on average set between $225 - 275 per hour. Again please refer to the court order for the actual hourly rate assigned by the Judge. Most GAL's will bill in 1/10th hourly increments and will provide you with an invoice for services either monthly or quarterly. Parents will also be billed for fees: any and all court fees, e-file fees, document disclosure fees, photocopies, and the like. 

Is a Court Ordered Retainer a Flat Fee?

No. A Retainer is a "getting started" fee, although most GAL's and the Courts are sensitive to the financial burden it causes parents and attempt to accomplish most if not all of the investigation for the retainer fee. Please know, however, that your fees may increase beyond the retainer and you will still be obligated to pay your court ordered allocation unless a subsequent court order is entered modifying payment allocation between the parties. Invoices due after the retainer is expired are due upon receipt, therefore parents must prepare accordingly or work to find a beneficial compromise with the other parent to end the GAL investigation. 

Contact our GAL and Illinois Family Law Attorney Today

Contact us today to review your family law case and to discuss options for how to either limit your GAL fees or how best to maximize the results of a GAL investigation to assist your family with moving forward.