Family Law

When we talk about "family law," we are talking about representing people who are in some kind of disagreement or dispute about the children, property, belongings or money in which they both claim an interest. Sometimes, people can solve their disputes informally, without the use of the court system. However, you cannot obtain a divorce or a custody order without a judge's signature -- so for your particular situation it may be impossible to avoid filing legal documents and going to court.

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When a Chicago Custody and Divorce Attorney can help

I am sometimes contacted by people whose cases have taken a bad turn.  It may be that the other side has obtained a favorable (for them) court order regarding the children, or obtained a money judgment against them, or convinced a judge that the person is in 'contempt of court.'  While I cannot always improve the situation, I welcome the chance to sit down for what I call "an analysis"-- looking over the paperwork, correspondence and court orders, and discussing the history of the case with the person, to determine what can be done. If there has been an unfavorable court order, it is very important to act quickly -- filing a 'motion to reconsider or vacate' within 30 days.  Doing it after 30 days pushes the cases into a different set of rules, and makes it less likely that a court will give serious consideration to overturning its previous ruling.  If I analyze your case, I will not dwell on past actions or strategies.  I don't find that to be productive...
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Fight for language that brings you peace

Language is vitally important. When a custody or divorce judgment is unclear, or requires elaborate interpretation, it can lead to disputes, friction between the parties, and unnecessary court proceedings.  All to the good, if you like being in court and watching your money drain away.  However, most people don't like that , and most people want to avoid wasting time and money in struggles that don't get them anywhere, and that could be avoided through careful writing by the attorneys. For my clients, I try to reduce and where possible,  eliminate  the need for routine communications between separated parents (ex-spouses, ex-partners). Let them save communications for when 'significant' (slow-moving, life-changing) decisions need to be made for a child, or when an emergency arises. There's quite a bit of talk about 'Co-Parenting.'  Books have been written about it.  It's a buzz word. Really, though, co-parenting is just a pipe dream when it...
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Divorce Attorney, Custody Attorney - Interview only with the attorney who will represent you

When you are looking for an attorney to represent you in a custody, divorce, child abduction, parenting interference or other family-law case, you should be sure that the attorney who provides the 'initial consultation' is actually going to represent you -- if you choose that law firm.  If the firm assigns an attorney to interview you, but that attorney is not going to represent you in your case, it's a big problem.  That 'interviewing attorney' could make promises.  But it's easy to make promises, or talk tough, or spout strategy, when you know you're not going to be the attorney responsible for the actual work!  So, ask the attorney interviewing you:  If I hire your firm, will you promise to be the one representing me ?  See what answer you get. If you meet with me, and if we decide to work together, rest assured that I will represent you.  I will not make promises just to secure your business.  I will give you my honest assessment of you...
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