Guardianships for minors shall be governed by Section 11-13 of the "Probate Act of 1975", as amended.
2-502.Guardians for minors.
Article II. Civil Practice · Part 5. Appointment of Guardians · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceSection 2-502 doesn't set its own procedure for appointing a guardian for a minor in a civil case — it defers that subject entirely to Section 11-13 of the Probate Act of 1975, as amended.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/2-502
Plain-English Summary
Unlike the guardian ad litem procedure this Code sets out for people not yet in being, this section doesn't establish its own rules for guardianships involving minors. It instead points to Section 11-13 of the "Probate Act of 1975," as amended, and leaves the governing procedure there.
Because the section incorporates that Probate Act provision as it stands from time to time — "as amended" — the applicable rule is whatever Section 11-13 currently provides, rather than a rule frozen to the Probate Act's original 1975 text.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Section 2-502 itself say about appointing a guardian for a minor?
Not much — it states only that guardianships for minors are governed by Section 11-13 of the Probate Act of 1975, as amended.
Where should someone look for the actual rules on appointing a guardian for a minor?
In Section 11-13 of the Probate Act of 1975, as amended, since that is where this section sends the reader.
How does this section differ from Section 2-501's guardian ad litem provision?
Section 2-501 sets out this Code's own procedure for appointing a guardian ad litem for persons not yet in being. Section 2-502 sets out no comparable procedure of its own for minors and instead defers entirely to the Probate Act.
Is the cross-reference in this section tied to the Probate Act as it read in 1975?
No. The section refers to Section 11-13 of the Probate Act of 1975 "as amended," meaning the current version of that provision governs, not necessarily its original 1975 text.
Does this section set any deadline or procedure of its own for guardian appointments for minors?
No. It contains no separate deadline or procedure — it incorporates by reference whatever Section 11-13 of the Probate Act provides.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 82-280.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: guardian for a minor illinois lawsuitprobate act guardian minor civil caseguardianships for minors illinoisProbate Act Section 11-13 reference