In re Marriage of Gualandi, 2024 IL App (5th) 240238

Full Case Summary

In In re Marriage of Gualandi, Nicholas Gualandi appealed a Williamson County ruling revising parenting time and responsibilities for his children T.G. (12) and D.G. (8) in favor of their mother, Nikki Mau-Gualandi. They divorced in 2015 and had since modified parenting arrangements multiple times.

1. Background: Father initially got the majority of parenting time. Ongoing disputes arose about mother’s exercise of time and home conditions. A GAL found hygiene/cleanliness issues in father’s home but also mother’s unstable housing and questionable parenting.
2. GAL Recommendation Shift: Mid-hearing, the GAL recommended giving mother primary custody, with relocation to Indiana, concluding it better served the kids’ best interest.
3. Circuit Court Judgment: The court granted mother primary custody and relocation, citing a need for therapy and educational monitoring.
4. Appeal Decision: The appellate court vacated that order, pointing to insufficient investigation of both parents’ homes/abilities and a procedural error claiming parental agreement that never existed. It remanded for more thorough fact-finding and possibly a new GAL.

The ruling highlighted ensuring the children’s best interests and giving them proper representation in any final arrangement.