The Lake County courts may use guardian ad litem (GAL) reports to assist with determining the “best interests of the child” in contested child custody matters. When it comes to modifying child custody arrangements, in 2026, the courts are increasingly focusing on co-parenting “interference” and digital communication logs, along with other forms of evidence, when determining whether a modification is warranted.
For parents, establishing child custody rights is often among the most contentious aspects of the divorce or separation process. Illinois law requires all custody-related decisions to be made based on the “best interests of the child;” and, if parents cannot agree on what is best for their children going forward, they may have no choice but to ask a judge to make a decision for them.
In these cases, judges in the Lake County courts use various tools to make informed decisions about what is best for the children involved. Judges may use similar tools when evaluating parents’ requests to modify their existing child custody arrangements as well. Two of these tools are: (i) guardian ad litem (GAL) reports; and, (ii) 604.10(b) evaluations.
Role of the GAL
In high-conflict child custody matters, the role of the guardian ad litem is to assist with protecting the best interests of the children involved. As one Illinois court explains:
“The GAL is not your attorney, the other parent’s attorney, or the attorney for your children. . . . The GAL’s job is to gather facts about the case to help the Court decide what is in the “best interests” of the children involved. . . . [and] make[] recommendations to the Court about what parenting time (custody and visitation) arrangements will serve the “best interests” of the children.”
A GAL is not appointed in every case. In contested child custody matters (including contested modification cases), either parent can request the appointment of a GAL, or the judge can choose to appoint a GAL based on the circumstances presented. Once appointed, the GAL must take “reasonable steps” to gather the information needed to determine the best interests of the children involved, and then the GAL will prepare a report for the judge’s consideration.
604.10(b) Evaluations
Another tool judges can use to assist with determining children’s best interests in high-conflict child custody cases is a 604.10(b) evaluation, also commonly referred to as a child custody evaluation. These evaluations are conducted by court personnel who are generally either licensed social workers or psychologists. Similar to a GAL, “[t]he evaluator’s role is to prepare and submit a comprehensive report regarding the best interests of the children.” To prepare their reports and provide recommendations to the court, 604.10(b) evaluators may take steps such as:
- Interviewing the parents separately
- Speaking with the parents together to assess their ability to co-parent
- Interviewing the children separately and with their parents
- Interviewing grandparents, teachers, and other relevant individuals
- Reviewing the children’s school and health records, the parents’ criminal arrest records (if any), and other relevant documentation
For parents who are required to participate in 604.10(b) evaluations, preparation is key. It is important to know what to say, what not to say, and how to behave when an evaluator is present. If you are required to participate in a 604.10(b) evaluation as part of your divorce, separation, or modification request, your Lake County family law attorney should be able to explain everything you need to know in order to make informed decisions and seek the parenting rights you desire.
High-Conflict Evidence
Along with GAL reports and 604.10(b) evaluation reports, judges may consider various other forms of evidence in high-conflict child custody matters as well. Again, the judge’s focus in these cases is on determining what is in the best interests of the children involved—and, to this end, the judge will consider any admissible evidence that provides insight into the children’s home life and the parents’ ability to put their children’s interests first.
One type of evidence that has become increasingly important in recent years is evidence of co-parent “interference.” Co-parent interference involves one parent interfering with the other parent’s parenting time or their relationship with their children. Common examples include:
- Making conflicting plans
- Cancelling or changing plans last-minute
- Making important child-related decisions without consultation
- Making disparaging comments about the other parent
- Attempting to alienate the other parent from their children
If you have evidence of co-parent interference, you will want to share this evidence with your Lake County family law attorney. Your attorney will be able to assess whether the evidence can be used in your custody proceeding—and, if so, your attorney will be able to present the evidence as part of your case for seeking custody in court.
Another type of evidence that has become increasingly important in today’s age is evidence of digital communications. Text messages and other digital communications can be used to prove co-parent interference, violations of existing child support rights or obligations, and other issues that are relevant to Illinois’s “best interests” factors.
Waukegan Court Standards
In Waukegan, judges apply the same standards as applied throughout Lake County and Illinois. In high-conflict custody cases, they focus on the best interests of the children involved, and they use GAL reports, 604.10(b) evaluation reports, digital communications, and various other forms of evidence to determine what is best under the specific circumstances at hand.
Modifying Parenting Time
As a final note, if you need to seek a modification of your existing parenting time arrangement in Lake County, you will want to take action sooner rather than later. Violating your child custody order can have serious consequences; and, if you have grounds to seek a modification, you will need to ensure that you have all of the evidence you need to prove that a modification is warranted. Whether you are expecting a contentious dispute or you are expecting the process to go smoothly, your first step is to consult with an experienced Lake County family law attorney who can guide you through the process.
Request a Free Consultation with Lake County Family Law Attorney Deanna J. Bowen
If you need to know more about protecting your rights as a parent in Illinois, we invite you to get in touch. To request a free consultation with Lake County family law attorney Deanna J. Bowen, give us a call at 847-503-0785 or contact us confidentially online today.
