Top Child Custody Lawyers Near Me in Chicago Area

Second generation family attorney. Classically trained. Also obtained a master's degree in family law.

Sandi Byrd entered private practice in October 2002 following nearly six years working as an attorney in the Kane County Public Defender's Office. Since entering private practice Sandi has represented clients in Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, and Cook Counties. Sandi graduated from the Indiana University School of Law in 1996 and was admitted to practice law in Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois the same year. Since the beginning of her career Sandi has focused her practice almost exclusively in criminal defense. She has successfully tried many jury and bench trials including everything from minor traffic offenses to murder cases. Sandi is an active member of the Kane County Bar Association, currently serving as it General Counsel and as a member of the Criminal Law Committee, and is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Named one of “America’s Best Lawyers” by Forbes Radio™, Jeffery M. Leving is the internationally acclaimed author of two ground-breaking books, Fathers’ Rights and Divorce Wars and was selected by his peers as one of Illinois’ top attorneys.. Jeffery Leving received his Juris Doctor from IIT-Chicago Kent College of Law in 1979. He is licensed to practice law inIllinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, . 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court and is world-renown as a pioneer of the Fathers’ Rights Movement.. His professional associations include the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, the Lake County Bar Association, the DuPage County Bar Association, the McHenry County Bar Association, the Kane County Bar Association, the LaSalle County Bar Association, the Federal Trial Bar, and the Decalogue Society of Lawyers.

Mr. Downs was President of the Illinois State Bar Association in 2005-2006 and was a member of the ISBA task force on attorneys for minority children, which drafted the Illinois revised child representative law.  He also chaired the ISBA Family law Section Council and was Chair of the Chicago Bar Association Matrimonial Law Committee.  He was also one of four recipients of the 1995 American Bar Foundation Family Law Pro Bono Services Award.  Mr. Downs' efforts have also been recognized by the Legal Assistance Foundation of Chicago and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and others.  He did his undergraduate work at Grinnell College, where he was awarded their Distinguished Alumni Award, and he received his J.D. from Stetson University College of Law, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2009.

Morgan Stogsdill focuses her practice in the areas of family law, divorce and child custody cases, as well as prenuptial agreements.  Ms. Stogsdill is highly experienced in litigation.  When litigation is not required, she negotiates with the parties and/or attorneys for an optimal outcome in amicable and contentious cases.  As a Partner at Beermann, Ms. Stogsdill is qualified to handle all types of family law issues and works to individually tailor the strategy to each client, on a case by case, basis.. Ms. Stogsdill counsels clients on the various aspects of dissolution of marriage and paternity proceedings, including child custody, support, visitation, property division and all financial issues related to divorce. She also represents clients in post-dissolution matters and civil litigation related to orders of protection.  In 2013, Ms. Stogsdill spent eight (8) days in Houston, Texas at an elite family law trial seminar, the Houston Family Law Trial Institute.Ms. Stogsdill was recently named a Rising Star in the area of Family Law by Super Lawyers Magazine for many years since 2010; a designation reserved for the top 2.5% of all Illinois attorneys under 40.  In Cook County for the year 2006-2007, the Jury Verdict Reporter listed and published Morgan Stogsdill as an individual attorney who had the third most jury verdicts or jury trials in all of Cook County, including, Chicago, IL.. In addition to being an attorney in the Family Law Department at Beermann Swerdlove; Ms. Stogsdill is a member of the Sports and Entertainment Family Law Division which focuses on celebrities, athletes and other high profile cases.  In addition to her work and charity work, Ms. Stogsdill enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Marcy Newman is recognized as a leading domestic relations attorney in Chicago and across Illinois. She is a skilled counselor with significant experience advising clients as they navigate life-changing events and legal matters crucial to their futures. Since 1979, Ms. Newman has focused exclusively on family law and the issues inherent to divorce, parental allocation, paternity, and separation. She is also a trained mediator, and has been appointed in numerous cases as a Guardian Ad Litem on behalf of minor children.. Representing clients in both traditional and same sex relationships, men and women, she uses her expertise and compassion to guide spouses, life partners and families through the process.  Marcy has extensive experience in all aspects of family law including, but not limited to:  divorce, legal separation, child support modification, division of assets, maintenance awards, modification of maintenance awards, allocation of parental rights and responsibilities (f/k/a custody), and drafting of prenuptial agreements.. Ms. Newman is recognized by her peers for her contributions to family law. Every year since 2006, she has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers, an honor requiring a nomination by fellow attorneys in domestic relations, and available to only 5 percent of the lawyers in the state. In 2013 and 2014 Chicago Magazine recognized her as one of the Top 50 Women Attorneys in the State of Illinois, and she has been named a “Leading Lawyer.”

Lucas Figiel is a Polish-speaking divorce and family law attorney who practices in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.  Lucas is the founding and managing partner of Figiel Law Offices, Ltd., a firm dedicated exclusively to the practice of family law.  Mr. Figiel has devoted his entire career to guiding individuals through divorces, paternity proceedings, orders of protection, and guardianship matters.  His practice includes property division, debt allocation, maintenance, child support, allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time.  Mr. Figiel graduated from Northwestern University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English literature and philosophy.  He subsequently earned his law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2003 with a certificate in Litigation and Alternate Dispute Resolution.  Mr. Figiel speaks fluent Polish and proudly represents people of Polish descent in Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, and Kane counties.  Mr. Figiel is well-regarded by his clients, fellow family law practitioners, and judges for his knowledge of family law, distinguished oral advocacy skills, and diligence in seeing matters through to completion.

Joseph R. Napoli II, an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, primarily focuses his practice in all areas of family law. Mr. Napoli counsels clients in a wide range of dissolution of marriage and paternity proceedings, including child custody (allocation of parental responsibilities), child support, maintenance, visitation, removal, division of property, domestic violence, contempt and enforcement proceedings, and pre- and post-nuptial agreements.. In recognition of his work in family law, Mr. Napoli has been named as a Super Lawyer Rising Star - an honor reserved to the top 2.5% of up-and-coming attorneys in Illinois. This selection is based on significant professional achievement and esteemed peer recognition. It is only granted to individuals fewer than 40 years of age, or have been practicing law 10 years or less. In addition, Mr. Napoli received the Client’s Choice Award from Avvo.. Prior to his legal endeavors, Mr. Napoli was a draft pick selection by the Texas Rangers in the 2005 Major League Draft.

John opened The Law Offices of John A. Conniff in 2015 after previously practicing family law at another elite family law litigation firm in Chicago. John graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. He then went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law.. Prior to pursuing family law, John completed a judicial clerkship for the Honorable Paul P. Biebel, Former Presiding Chief Judge of the Cook County Criminal Division.. Prior to becoming an attorney, John served as a law clerk, during which he acquired a wealth of knowledge on the many facets comprising the practice of family law.  During this time John also cultivated a deep appreciation for the value of alternative dispute resolution and mediation in divorce proceedings.. John is a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, and is currenlty the President of the Michigan State University College of Law Alumni Association Chicago Chapter.

John Kay has been practicing law in Illinois for more than 20 years. Since 2001, he has focused his practice on complex family law.  John began practicing family law exclusively as he enjoyed the opportunity to help clients achieve a positive outcome during what can be an extremely difficult time in their lives.. John is known as a powerful litigator and tireless advocate for the interests of his clients.  John has not only earned the respect of clients but that of opposing counsels, and Judges throughout the Chicagoland area. John handles cases for his family law clients in the Chicagoland area that range from complex financial issues and extensive martial estates, to high conflict custody matters. Proficient at negotiating settlement agreements as well as aggressively pursuing litigated outcomes, John also handles straightforward family law cases, post judgment cases, and pre- and post- nuptial agreements.. John uniquely understands the importance of providing clients with compassionate service while handing each case with strong leadership and integrity.  John states, ‘I practice family law because I am dedicated to assisting each client through a turbulent time in their life by providing reliable legal advice and guidance. I recognize that each client’s case must be treated differently and I tailor my approach to those specific needs, taking great care in handling every aspect of the case.’ John prides himself on the positive relationship that he maintains with clients. ‘One of the biggest complaints that I hear from clients is how they are unable to speak with their lawyer and that their lawyer never returns a call. I pride myself in keeping an open line of communication with all clients and that is something we stress at HRK.’. John works to provide clients with positive forward momentum and direction recognizing that he is helping clients to shape a new direction in their lives. ‘Every client needs to find a way to move forward in life once their divorce case is concluded. Clients rely on my skills and experience to help them achieve a hopeful and positive future. I devote considerable energy to making sure each of my clients receives superior legal advice and representation at all times.’. John grew up in the suburbs of Chicago where he continues to reside today with his wife, who is a prominent psychologist in the Northwest suburbs, and two daughters.  He received his undergraduate degree in Communications from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School.

I practice exclusively in family law with experience representing clients across Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will, Kane, and McHenry counties in Illinois.  I provide counsel to clients in a wide range of matters, including the negotiation and litigation of complex financial disputes, business interests, property valuation and division, maintenance (spousal support), child support, custody and parenting plans, and parentage issues.  In addition, I represent clients in the preparation of prenuptial agreements, in post-divorce issues such as enforcement and modifications of Judgments, and in civil litigation related to orders of protection and domestic violence.. I am first and foremost a planner and problem solver.   Those skills allow me to effectively resolve issues outside of court while maximizing my clients’ control over the outcome and divorce process.  Whether through litigation, attorney assisted mediation, or settlement negotiations, I approach cases from multiple angles and lenses and then tailor an individualized strategy for each client.

If you find yourself facing a difficult family situation, you can count on me to help you through it.  I will listen to your priorities and help you make the right decisions about your case.  I will ardently defend you in court, while always looking for a fair agreement.  I promise fair and reasonable attorneys' fees, excellent communication, and efficient services.  Please call me if you would like to discuss your case.

Gloria Block, a founding partner of Hoffenberg and Block LLC, began her legal career under the tutelage of her father, Arnold Block, a distinguished member of the Illinois Bar.. She quickly established her trial skills and soon learned that her love for law related to families. She then gravitated to family law. Although her expertise includes all areas of family law, she has a unique passion for matters concerning children. As a result, she has dedicated a substantial part of her professional practice to cases relating to child custody and visitation.. Over the years, because of her established skills in dealing with children, she has come to be known as a vigorous advocate for children by Judges, lawyers, and mental health professionals who are intimately involved in legal proceedings involving custody and visitation cases. Because of her reputation and expertise, she is often appointed by Judges, and agreed upon by attorneys, to participate in the most difficult custody and visitation cases. Her stated goal is always to protect the best interests of children.. Prior to establishing Hoffenberg & Block, Ms. Block was a principal in the law firm of Block and Block for over 30 years. She received her law degree from Loyola University in June 1980 and holds a B.A. Degree from NorthwesternUniversity. She is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, Decalogue of Society of Lawyers, and Forensic Forum. Ms. Block is admitted to practice to the Illinois State Bar, United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.. Ms. Block has presented at numerous professional seminars and has been a guest speaker on various topics related to family law.. Ms. Block has the honored distinction as a recipient of the Illinois Super Lawyer designation. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.. Ms. Block’s practice is dedicated exclusively to Domestic Relations. She is married and has two wonderful children, ages 22 and 25.

Even at the start of her family law career in 1995 as a fierce litigator at a well-known matrimonial firm in Chicago, deep down Nanette knew she would be most effective at helping families if she led her own firm. Realizing that goal eight years later, she founded what today is Griffin McCarthy & Rice LLP - a highly respected boutique divorce practice in Chicago.. Since then, Nanette has been appointed by the Cook County Court to act as a child's representative and guardian ad litem in custody and visitation proceedings and engages in continuous training to maintain this qualification. She has extensive experience working on cases with complex custody issues, including cases with special needs children, mental health issues and international removal. While Nanette works with clients in alternative dispute resolution settings such as collaborative divorce and mediation, the bulk of her work is in traditional litigation.. Prior to practicing law, Nanette obtained her B.S.B.A. from Lawrence Technological University and her Juris Doctor from DePaul University School of Law in Chicago. Her undergraduate studies focused on accounting and finances, providing strong financial acumen that is critical in the handling of high net-worth divorces. She also received training in negotiation at the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation, which has framed her entire approach to the practice of law.. Nanette is viewed as a leading voice among matrimonial lawyers and has been invited to speak at numerous engagements on the topic. She has also written many briefs for the Appellate Court of Illinois and authored multiple articles on family law topics including one that was published in the ISBA Family Law Newsletter regarding non-customary parentage law cases.

Eva Kogut practices exclusively in the area of family law, including but not limited to, prenuptial agreements, post-nuptial agreements, child support matters, child custody, parenting time/visitation, property division, domestic violence, post-divorce issues such as enforcement and modifications and complex litigation.. With a commitment to helping her clients achieve the best possible results in their personal circumstances, Eva addresses how each client’s unique family challenges may be resolved and what each path may look like by educating her clients on the different approaches available. She helps them understand the benefits, risks, and costs of each approach to best meet their unique needs.. Many of Eva’s clients prefer to stay out of court, and she believes that the collaborative process is a good alternative to the traditional divorce process. Applying her litigation experience, supported by on-going education, she sees a consistent pattern: a less painful settlement process truly helps clients move forward in a way they chose and not in an arrangement imposed upon them by an impartial judge.. As a trained mediator, Eva believes that mediation can be an effective process for resolving divorce and family law issues in a manner that allows clients to maintain control over the process. Additionally, she handles process consultations, designed for those who are considering divorce via mediation.. Eva began her career in the demanding and litigious area of personal injury law. She was instrumental in helping clients negotiate settlements while becoming well versed in the areas of personal injury and medical malpractice.. Eva speaks fluent Polish, serving Chicago’s extensive Polish-speaking community in addressing all their family law issues.. Awards. Eva was recognized by Chicago Daily Law Bulletin on their 2022 Top Women in Law list for her commitment to the advancement of women in the legal field and improving the divorce experience of her clients. The award honors the most inspiring women in Chicago’s legal industry who emphasize mentorship of other women in the field and are successful in the legal community.. Beginning in 2018, Eva has been selected annually by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America list in the areas of family law, mediation and collaborative law. She is also named the 2021 Chicago Lawyer of the Year in Collaborative Law: Family Law and Family Law: Mediation.. Eva is proud to have been named to the Illinois Super Lawyers list since 2017 and the Illinois Leading Lawyer list since 2014. These distinguished lists are reserved for fewer than five percent of the lawyers in Illinois and recognize those who have attained a high degree of recognition and professional achievement.. In 2015, Eva was also recognized by the Chicago Law Bulletin for the “40 Under Forty: 40 Illinois Attorneys Under 40 to Watch.” Each year, the publication evaluates hundreds of peer nominations from the Illinois legal community to identify the most talented and well-respected attorneys working in the industry.

During the few hours I am not working, you may find me sailboat racing, practicing martial arts, watching movies and practicing yoga.

Distinguished as a gifted negotiator and fierce litigator, Sunney Kohlhoss founded SK Law over twelve years ago to provide sophisticated legal representation at a reasonable cost. Sunney has devoted her career to bringing the most complex cases to resolution, having worked on some of Chicago’s most high-profile, contentious cases. With her prior experience at a forensic accounting firm, coupled with her personal experience as a child of a complex divorce proceeding, Sunney has unparalleled perspective and knowledge to simplify even the most complex matters. By understanding her opponents as well as she understands her clients, Sunney is often able to accomplish her client’s goals through negotiation, or through sophisticated litigation aimed to minimize costs.. Sunney studied journalism at the University of Colorado where she learned to study all night and ski all day. She received a scholarship to attend the Chicago-Kent School of Law where she graduated in 2007. Sunney has been a member of the Illinois Bar in good standing since 2007 and is preparing for admission to the California Bar.. Sunney likes loud music, natural wine, and “basic” romantic comedies—to the horror of her husband who makes intelligent independent movies. Sunney is the proud mother of a rambunctious daughter who is the sunshine of her every day.

Chicago, Illinois lawyer providing legal representation in family law matters. Curtis Bennett Ross is a Cook County attorney who concentrates his practice on divorce and family law. Mr. Ross's background is in the business and financial sector. Mr. Ross obtained his CPA (certified public accountant) license in 1977 and is currently registered as a CPA in Illinois. Mr. Ross received his license to practice law in 1980. The combination of financial and legal education has served Mr. Ross well in that he has been recognized by the Court for his specialized business and financial knowledge by appointment as a receiver and as a financial expert in family law matters. This distinction is unique and not one the Court often makes. These appointments are a vote of confidence in Mr. Ross's abilities and set him apart from his peers. Mr. Ross has given back to the community by lecturing on behalf of the Illinois State Bar Association in the area of family law and has also enjoyed full semesters of teaching in the areas of accounting and federal income taxation at the University of Illinois at Urbana. Mr. Ross enjoys a good reputation among his peers and other professionals such as mental health care providers and accountants.. Chicago Family Law Attorney with Many HonorsCurtis Bennett Ross is known for representing a wide variety of clients, with a wide variety of issues. Mr. Ross has a consistent track record for success and works for his clients without compromising his ethical obligations. Mr. Ross enjoys recognition from the judiciary and serves as an officer on several committees. Mr. Ross has been given the highest Avvo rating of 10.0 and has a high level of industry recognition from his peers for his efforts. Mr. Ross's peers find him to be honest and knowledgeable, always staying on top of the latest legal developments. The Law Office of Curtis Bennett Ross, LLC is staffed with friendly professionals and uses up to date technology to meet today's innovative standards.. Using a Respectful Approach to Get Satisfactory ResultsMr. Ross approaches each case from a position of respect; respect for his clients, the Court, and the other side. His years of experience show that treating all the parties fairly yields the best results for his clients. Mr. Ross fights hard for your rights and the rights of your children while maintaining a level of professionalism recognized by his adversaries. Mr. Ross's peers and former clients give him high marks for his honesty and knowledge. Mr. Ross also receives recognition for his specialized financial knowledge, and this allows him to represent clients with a broad range of financial needs and status. Mr. Ross is able to effectively value complex business assets and other property valuations. Outside of the office and in his spare time, Mr. Ross enjoys spending time with his family and friends.. Call today to schedule your appointment with a Chicago family law attorney.. At The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, LLC we value your time; we promptly return your phone calls, give you a free initial phone consultation, and offer flexible appointment schedules. Call us today at or visit us online to schedule your appointment.

At Balancing the Scales Law Firm, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal solutions for families in Chicago. As a DePaul University College of Law graduate and a lifelong Chicago resident, I have deep roots in this community and a strong understanding of the unique challenges families face in the city.. Our firm specializes in family law, handling a wide range of cases, including divorce, child custody, adoption, guardianship, and more. We understand that family matters can be emotional and complex, and our goal is to guide you through every step of the process with care and attention to detail.. I take a client-centered approach, offering personalized legal counsel to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you're navigating a divorce, dealing with child support, or seeking to adopt, I’m here to provide knowledgeable, trusted legal guidance. My commitment is to protect your rights and ensure a positive resolution for you and your family.. With years of experience and a passion for family law, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients. Let me help you balance the scales and secure a brighter future for you and your loved ones.

Appeared on two episodes of Celebrity Justice in September of 2004; Two live interview with the news program which aired world wide relating to a highly contested divorce case involving a celebrity rapper in September of 2004. Radio interivew with Man Cow discussing prenuptial agreements in January 2012. Radio inteview on WGN 720 AM Radio regarding Military Divorce in 2012. Quoted in in an article about prenuptial agreements. Quoted in Reuters online edition / divorce and finance. Janice L. Boback has been certifed as a memberof the Lawyers of Distincion.  The Lawyers of Distinction is recognized as the fastest growing community of distninguished lawyers in the United States.  Membershiph is limited to the top 10% of attorneys in the United States.  Members are accepted based upon objective evalutaion of an attorney's qualifications, license, reputation, experience, and disciplinary history.

Aggressive litigation, strategic negotiation.. Mr. McSurley's courtroom successes have impacted families from Illinois to California, reuniting children with their parents. His tireless efforts in all areas of family law have won challenging cases to keep children safe. Such cases center on custody, and have frequently resulted in him expeditiously securing emergency orders of protection, safeguarding children from abuse.. Mr. McSurley graduated at the top of his class at University of Illinois, Chicago, first earning the summa cum laude distinction with his bachelor's degree and later magna cum laude with his Juris Doctorate from the university's College of Law. He earned Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society's distinctive gold key and was voted president of the law school's Family Law Society. Mr. McSurley excelled as a member of the Family Advocacy Clinic, where he passionately represented parents and children. His stellar work in abuse and neglect proceedings eventually earned him a leadership role, mentoring law students in emotionally charged child-centered litigation.. Mr. McSurley's intellectual rigor and work ethic earned him coveted internships with judges across the nation, allowing him to develop keen insight into their decision-making process. In law school he won a prestigious internship with the U.S. Department of Justice and drafted decisions for the judges of the Executive Office of Immigration Review. He also interned with the judges of the Juvenile Court of Denver, Colorado and the family law division of the Circuit Court of Will County, Illinois.. As a judicial intern with the family law division of Will County, Mr. McSurley aided judges and worked closely with Judge Dinah L. Archambeault throughout all stages of divorce and custody proceedings.

A representative of the common man and woman to enforce your legal rights.. Matthew Katz is someone who for years has been committed to fighting for the rights of poor and minority communities, and now for his clients. Since 1989, he has been an organizer and participant in various projects and forms of social activism to improve the human condition and work to ensure that the civil rights to which we are all entitled are protected. Here, we delineate the various activities and accomplishments of his student, political and professional life.