Understanding Parenting Coordinators and Illinois Supreme Court Rule 909

Erin M. Wilson | The Law Office of Erin M. Wilsson LLC

Erin M. Wilson founded the firm in 2019, after practicing for 10 years at a preeminent family law firm where she was a partner. Erin focuses exclusively on family law cases, which include divorce, custody/parenting issues (now known as allocation of decision making and parenting time), child support and maintenance, domestic violence and prenuptial agreements. Known as a trusted advisor and skilled advocate, Erin prides herself on successfully tackling tough parenting disputes and complex financial cases.

In addition, Erin is frequently appointed as a Guardian ad Litem or Child Representative. Erin takes these cases very seriously, in meeting with the children and investigating the families, as she advocates for the children’s best interests, while also attempting to help the parents in a child-centric, less conflictual approach. In an effort to keep parties out of court post-judgment, Erin offers Parenting Coordination services to facilitate communication and resolve conflict, all while being mindful of emotions, the history that leads to where the family is, and with a goal to reframe the lens with which parents view each other to benefit their ability to coparent.

Erin is trained in mediation and collaborative law. She counsels clients through the mediation process and is appointed to act as a mediator, allowing clients to make informed decisions while maintaining control of the outcome.

While she believes in and strives toward an amicable and fair settlement out-of-court, Erin has extensive trial experience with a reputation for being kind when appropriate, and aggressive when necessary. She makes every effort to achieve an amicable and fair settlement out-of-court through creative approaches and skillful advocacy.

Clients of diverse backgrounds, from teachers and police officers to corporate executives and stay-at-home parents, rely upon Erin and her team to advocate for their interests. Erin’s experience enables her to brainstorm, negotiate, persuade, and facilitate solutions in her client’s best interests. With a hands-on approach and a no-nonsense demeanor, Erin gives honest, personalized advice, sets reasonable expectations, and provides successful solutions to your goals.

In addition to her work advocating for her clients, Erin is an active member of the legal community. Erin presently sits on the boards of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and Decalogue Society. Erin is further an active member of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois and Illinois State Bar Association. Erin is a founding member of the Illinois Association of Independent Attorneys, the Force of Lawyers Against Sexual Harassment (FLASH), and the Lady Lawyers who Lunch (LLL). Erin has been involved in various other boards in her legal career as well.

Erin has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named a Rising Star, Emerging Leader by Leading Lawyers, and Illinois Super Lawyers for multiple years. Erin received the ISBA Young Lawyer of the Year in 2016, Decalogue Society’s Intra Society Award in 2023, and the WBAI Top Women in Leadership Flexible Employer Award in 2023.

Erin is married to a divorce attorney, and they have two children, Ava and Brecken. Erin is also involved in her children’s public school and Temple Sholom.

Pamela Rak | Pamela Rak LCSW, PC

Pamela Rak is a seasoned professional in the field of behavioral health, with expertise in various areas including mood and anxiety disorders, chronic and terminal illness, women’s issues, phase of life challenges, grief/bereavement, codependence and developmental immaturity, trauma, complex interpersonal relationships, marital/divorce situations, and personality disordered individuals.

Specializing in Parenting Coordination, Reunification Services, Co-Parenting Education, Divorce Counseling, Collaborative Divorce Coaching, and Mediation, Pamela offers comprehensive support to individuals and families navigating through challenging circumstances.

Additionally, Pamela is dedicated to providing leadership education and training seminars to corporations and volunteer organizations, empowering them with the skills needed for effective management and teamwork.

As a preferred provider to insurance companies, managed mental health care, and organizations, including Employee Assistance Program services, Pamela addresses problems in functioning that affect job performance, profitability, and productivity.

Pamela’s expertise extends to Critical Incident Stress Management, where she assists with trauma response services, corporate reorganization, occupational health, and wellness, ensuring comprehensive support during critical moments.

A sought-after speaker and presenter, Pamela has shared her insights and knowledge at various esteemed institutions including the Illinois Institute Continuing Legal Education, Northwest Suburban Bar Association, Illinois Judges Association, DuPage County Bar Association, and Paralegal Studies. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for helping others, Pamela Rak is a trusted resource in the field of behavioral health and counseling.

I. What is a parenting coordinator and differences with a Guardian ad Litem | 11:00am – 11:30am

II. Mental health professionals as parenting coordinators | 11:30am – 12:00pm

Break | 12:00pm – 12:10pm

III. Duty and authority of a parenting coordinator | 12:10pm – 12:40pm

IV. Illinois Supreme Court Rule 909 and local court rules | 12:40pm – 1:10pm