Additional Resources:
- Guardian Ad Litem and Child Representatives - Family Law (rev. 9/23/2025)
- Guardian Ad Litem and Child Representatives - Juvenile (rev. 9/24/2025)
- Dedicated Juvenile Abuse Guardians ad litem in Winnebago County
- Guardian Ad Litem and Child Representatives - Probate (rev. 9/24/2025)
- Family Law Mediation
- Major Civil Mediation
The 17th Circuit Court maintains a variety of lists for appointing attorneys, including:
- Guardians ad litem for minors in Family, Juvenile or Probate
- Guardians ad litem for adults
- Juvenile conflict counsel
- Juvenile Appeals counsel
- Family Mediators
- Residential Foreclosure Mediators
- Major Civil Mediators
- Small Claims Mediators (volunteer)
- Arbitrators for the Mandatory Arbitration program
Procedures: Local Rules establish eligibility for many of the lists, and reference procedures and form templates that may be required to be used.
Support: The 17th Circuit occasionally provides free opportunities to earn CLE. Area mediators are invited to reserve space at the ADR Center to conduct mediations. Interpretation services may also be available.
Education: Proof of continued education may be requested. Professionals working in family law may wish to pursue SAFeR Model training to earn their SAFeR Model designation, as described in Local Rule 14.06 and 14.08.
Contact: Individuals interested in becoming a court-approved Mediator or Guardian ad litem may contact:
Nikki Ticknor
Deputy Court Administrator
815-319-4806
