Divorce & Separation lawyers in Illinois L. Steven to Mark Schondorf

Firm: L. Steven Rakowski Ltd

899 Skokie Blvd Ste 300 , Northbrook , Illinois 60062

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

I am the founder and principal attorney of LSR Family Law Group. When I created the firm I wanted it to embody part of my character and vision for the optimal provision of legal services. Our firm is small enough to provide tailored and personal attention to every file yet, we are large enough to handle even the most complex property and maintenance cases. Our firm policy is to maintain the dignity of the person. We act ethically in all situations and require the same of counterpart counsel. Because of this we enjoy a good reputation amongst family lawyers and judges alike. But, we also realize that not all parties and attorneys share our practice philosophy. For those cases where adversarial action is required, we have the creativity, knowledge and experience to demonstrate to our counterparts why adversariality is seldom profitable or productive. Call us today for a consultation to see how our vision could help you achieve a dignified and expeditious resolution for your family law problems.

Firm: Siddiqui Family Law, LLC

125 S. Wacker Dr., Ste 300 , Chicago , Illinois 60606

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Firm: Kezy & Associates

55 W Monroe, Suite 3550 , Chicago , Illinois 60603

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Mark L. Kezy is the founding attorney of Kezy & Associates, a boutique law firm focused on representing professionals and business owners in difficult and complex divorce,child custody, support and division of property matters.. For Mark L. Kezy, the practice of law is far more than a job. It is a passion. Since 1990, Mark L. Kezy has earned a solid reputation for successfully tackling difficult, complex divorce/family law cases, involving complex tax, estate andprobate questions, bankruptcy and debt concerns and thevaluation and division of businesses.. Attorney Kezy is a compassionate attorney who understands the emotions involved in divorce and family law matters. Mark L. Kezy, who is no stranger to the courtroom focuses on providing straight forward, common senses solutions as an alternative to expensive, protracted litigation, while promising aggressive, uncompromising representation in Court when compromise is no longer an option.

Firm: Serrano Hanson & Hurtado, LLC

433 Williamsburg Ave , Geneva , Illinois 60134

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Marissa’s journey to becoming a family law attorney was shaped by her early life experiences. Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, with parents from diverse backgrounds, her American father and Mexican mother encountered numerous marital challenges. These conflicts, which included intense disputes over various post-divorce issues like visitation rights and child support, left a lasting impression on Marissa. Witnessing these familial struggles from a young age, she quickly understood the significant role that attorneys played in resolving such conflicts, sparking her aspiration to pursue law.. Today, Marissa has established herself as a dedicated advocate for her clients, leveraging her deep understanding and personal experience to guide them through complex family dynamics. Her practice focuses on areas crucial to family law, including divorce, child custody, and support, as well as paternity issues, visitation rights, and adoption. Moreover, she is a certified family mediator and Guardian ad Litem, actively serving in Kane and DeKalb counties. Her skills extend to assisting in foreclosure mediation within Kane County’s sixteenth judicial circuit.. Based in St. Charles, Illinois, Marissa enjoys a balanced personal life with her husband and two beloved dogs, Pickles and Olive. Her interests extend beyond the courtroom; she is passionate about dog training and delights in singing. The comfort of home and family is a cherished part of her daily life.. Marissa’s educational background includes a Juris Doctorate from Northern Illinois University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arizona. She is licensed to practice in Illinois as well as in the Northern District of Illinois. Her linguistic capabilities in Spanish enable her to reach a broader spectrum of clients, providing them with more accessible legal assistance.. Her commitment extends beyond her legal practice; Marissa is an active participant in community service and professional development. She regularly volunteers through the Kane County Bar Association, contributing to initiatives like “Ask a Lawyer Day” and “KCBA Cares.” Her dedication to social causes is further reflected in her role as a volunteer attorney with The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where she advises survivors of abuse and violence.. Marissa’s professional affiliations are extensive. She is an active member of several bar associations including those in Kane County, DeKalb County, DuPage County, and the Illinois State Bar. Additionally, she contributes to the Kane County Family Law Committee, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing her expertise and giving back to the legal community.

Firm: Law Offices of Johnson & Johnson, Ltd.

16536 106th Ct , Orland Park , Illinois 60467

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Marilyn Johnson is a partner at Johnson & Johnson, Ltd. She has been practicing law for over 30 years, concentrating in the areas of divorce, custody, support, and visitation. She has conducted numerous trials and hearings involving large marital estates and complex child custody issues. Prior to practicing law, Marilyn Johnson was a special education teacher who worked with children with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral problems. Her vast experience as a lawyer, teacher, and mother has enabled her to acquire a deep, compassionate understanding of the family unit, which has enabled her to counsel clients through the most difficult times. Serving areas: Orland Park, Mokena, Tinley Park, Frankfort, Palos, Homer Glen...

Firm: Sarantakis Law Group, Ltd.

1220 Kensington Rd., Suite #250 , Oak Brook , Illinois 60523

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Marie Sarantakis is a prominent family law attorney, bestselling author, and nationally recognized divorce coach. She has appeared on the long-running daytime television program “Divorce Court”, Fox News Radio, and in Chicago Magazine.. Marie is licensed to practice law in Illinois, Texas, and Wisconsin. She concentrates her legal practice exclusively in family law. In 2024, Marie received distiction from the Greek America Foundation by being recognized with the prestigious 40 Under Forty Awards and was inducted into Wilmot Union High School's Hall of Fame. In 2023, the Illinois State Bar Association named Marie ‘Young Lawyer of the Year’. She was also recognized as one of the Top Forty Young Attorneys in the United States by the American Bar Association (as a 2023 On the Rise Award recipient). Marie has been named a Rising Star by Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers and featured in Chicago Magazine for five (5) consecutive years. She has earned numerous other recognitions in the legal industry, some of which include, being named one of the Top Ten (10) Family Law Attorneys in Illinois by Attorney & Practice Magazine, Ten (10) Best Attorneys in Illinois by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and a Fellow of the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.. Marie has earned the designation of a Certified Financial Litigator (“CFL”) with the American Academy of Certified Financial Litigators. She is also trained as a mediator (by the Center for Conflict Resolution), arbitrator (by the DuPage County Bar Association), guardian ad litem/child representative (by Chicago Volunteer Legal Services), and collaborative law practitioner (by the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois).. Marie is very active in the legal community having published over thirty (30) articles in legal publications and taught over seventeen (17) continuing education seminars to Illinois attorneys. In addition to her own Amazon best-selling book, “How to Divorce a Narcissist and Win”, she has also authored a chapter on orders of protection for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education’s “Family Law: Dissolutions of Marriage Court Proceedings” instructional handbook for attorneys. Marie has been appointed to numerous bar leadership committee roles, including but not limited to, Vice Chair of the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division Family Law Committee, Chair of the Northwest Suburban Bar Association Ethics Committee, and the Board of Governors of the West Suburban Bar Association.. Prior to starting her own practice, she interned for Justice Thomas Kilbride of the Illinois Supreme Court, the Kenosha County District Attorney’s Office, and the Kenosha County Public Defender’s Office. Marie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree (manga cum laude) from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin and her Juris Doctor degree (cum laude) from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois. During law school she received CALI Excellence for the Future Awards receiving the highest grades in her class for white collar crime, constitutional law, and evidence. She was also recognized with the inaugural Anthony J. Fornelli Emerging Leaders Award from the Justinian Society of Lawyers. During her undergraduate studies, Marie was a Wingspread Fellow of the Johnson Foundation, Clausen Scholar, and received a Patterson Leadership Award from Lake Forest College. Marie attended high school at Wilmot Union High School and in 2024 she was inducted into the Wilmot Hall of Fame.. Outside of work, Marie enjoys automobiles, cooking, and traveling with her German Shepard, Athena.

Firm: VF Law, Ltd.

425 W. Main St. , Saint Charles , Illinois 60174

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Vanessa Favia earned her B.A. from the University of Iowa.  After graduating with honors, she went on to receive her Juris Doctorate from Drake University School of Law in Des Moines, Iowa, where she also received a certification in litigation and dispute resolution.

Firm: Law Offices of Margaret A. Zuleger, P.C.

121 S Wilke Rd Ste 301 , Arlington Heights , Illinois 60005

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Firm: Conniff & Keleher, LLC

224 S. Marion St. , Oak Park , Illinois 60302

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

BACKGROUND. Prior to joining Conniff & Keleher, LLC (formerly Conniff Law Offices) as a partner in March 2022, Marc A. Bangser was an equity partner at two top-rated family law firms in Chicago.  Marc specializes in all areas of divorce and family law in Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry and Will Counties and negotiating and litigating a wide variety of pre-decree divorces, post-decree modifications, child allocation and parentage matters, child support, orders of protection, domestic violence, DCFS and grandparent’s rights cases.  In addition, Marc has extensive experience negotiating and litigating complex marital estates and navigating the often-complicated waters of high-net worth divorces, financial obligations and asset allocation.. Prior to first entering the field of family law in 2013, Marc was an Assistant State’s Attorney in Lake County for over seven years and worked as a government attorney in New York. In addition to extensive work with parentage issues in the Juvenile Division, Marc prosecuted countless numbers of misdemeanors and felonies during his time as an Assistant State’s Attorney, ranging from traffic violations and DUI arrests to homicides. In addition, from July 2021 to March 2022, Marc was an Assistant State's Attorney in Kane County working general felonies, Major Crimes and was also the Supervisor of the Special Victims Unit during his time in the Kane County State's Attorney's Office.. With his vast experience of thousands of combined hearings, bench trials and jury trials during his time as a family law attorney and prosecutor, Marc has earned the highest of accolades regarding his tenacity and prowess in the courtroom. He is also known for his top-notch negotiation skills, high-level writing ability and maintaining excellent relationships with clients, the judiciary and court personnel in numerous courthouses throughout the Chicagoland area.. The primary reason Marc left the world of criminal prosecution was to utilize his advocacy skills and dedication in order to help children. And as a parent of two young children himself, Marc knows first-hand that all parents will do anything to protect and advocate on behalf of their kids – who often are the most affected individuals in divorce or parentage cases. To that end, besides making the children’s safety and best interests his top priority in any divorce or parentage matter, Marc is a certified Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) and Child Representative in Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will Counties. Marc has been often appointed by the Court, in his capacity as a GAL and counted on by numerous judges to investigate and make recommendations concerning the best interests of children of a variety of ages and circumstances. Marc embraces the opportunity to advocate for children on behalf of a client, as well as his role as a GAL, knowing that children need a strong, compassionate and decisive voice to represent their best interests in court.. In addition, Marc was appointed to serve as the Chair of the Child Law Section Council for the Illinois State Bar Association for the 2019-2020 year. Among the many programs completed by Child Law during Marc's successful tenure as Chair was a 10-plus hour Continuing Legal Education program for Domestic Relations/Family Law Guardian Ad Litem’s and Child Representatives, held on October 16-17, 2019 in Springfield – a training that the Section Council got certified as the very first statewide-accepted GAL training of its kind.. LEADERSHIPSince 2014 and due to his exemplary work and reputation in the legal community, in every year that he has been practicing family law, Marc has been named as an Illinois Super Lawyers “Rising Star”, a designation reserved for the Top 2.5% of lawyers in the state under the age of 40, and an honor reserved for those lawyers who “exhibit excellence in practice.” Furthermore, Marc has been named as an Illinois Leading Lawyers “Emerging Lawyer”, a designation reserved for the top two percent of lawyers in the state under the age of 40 and “have proven themselves professional, ethical and experienced at an early point in their legal career.” Moreover, he has been selected as one of the Top 100 Matrimonial & Family Lawyers by National Advocates, named to the Marquis and Global Directory “Who’s Who” Top Attorney List and various other accolades reflecting his high character and skill in the divorce and family law community.. EDUCATIONMarc graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and was awarded a Certificate for his studies in Criminal Justice. He then received his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, where he was selected for multiple competitive trial advocacy teams and was the recipient of five Continuing Student Scholarships, awarded to students who “make a significant contribution to the excellence of John Marshall Law School.” In addition, he was named the school’s first-ever Student Ambassador Coordinator and was recognized by the school for his commitment to acclimating new students and for his recruiting efforts to bring quality students to John Marshall.. PUBLICATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE WORKAn author in various legal publications, Marc recently served as the editor for the Child Law Section Council newsletter and edited and helped finalize numerous articles and submissions for the 2018-2019 calendar year. In addition, he was recently published in the newsletter including an in-depth perspective on the challenges that GAL’s face in family law on a case-by-case basis. Among his many contributions to Lake County during his time as a prosecutor was as a features writer for Seeking Justice, the State’s Attorney’s Office’s newsletter. While authoring several pieces on members of the legal community, Marc was published multiple times in the Lake County Bar Association’s newsletter, The Docket.. He has volunteered his time with several different law-oriented ventures, including recently acting as a guest lecturer and instructor at John Marshall with the Family Law and Domestic Violence Clinic – working with students on contested hearing simulations such as petitions for supervised parenting time with serious endangerment allegations and plenary orders of protections. He has also been heavily involved in the coaching and judging of numerous law school, college and high school trial advocacy competitions and acting as a guest lecturer at Warren Township High School in Gurnee, IL, instructing freshmen and sophomores in a comprehensive introduction to law class. Marc has also been a member of the DuPage County Bar Association’s committee, “Lawyers Lend a Hand”, where he has volunteered his time with judges and other lawyers to work in food banks and community centers throughout DuPage County, as well as contributing his time to “Law Day” by supervising middle school students as they participated in a tour of the courthouse and mock trials in Lake and DuPage Counties.. FAMILYMarc was married to his beautiful wife, Gina, in 2011 and they are the extremely proud parents of two adorable children, Jackson and Camilla [Mimi].

Firm: Nagle & Giese, P.C.

400 S. Knoll, Suite AB , Wheaton , Illinois 60187

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Lisa M. Giese is a licensed attorney concentrating in domestic relations and bankruptcy matters in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Will and surrounding collar counties.  Within the field of family law, Ms. Giese has handled a variety of uncontested and contested cases including pre-decree and post-decree divorce, child support enforcement, paternity and visitation matters, custody and removal cases, DCFS appeals, orders of protection, and disabled adult guardianships.  Ms. Giese is a zealous advocate for her clients and knows when a case should be settled and when it requires aggressive representation and litigation.. As a trained Guardian ad Litem with the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit Court, Ms. Giese has been appointed by the Court on numerous occasions to serve in that capacity and to make recommendations relating to custody, parenting time, and removal in accordance with the best interests of the minor children.  Ms. Giese has also served many years as a volunteer for the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Cook and DuPage County assisting the Court in complex abuse and neglect cases within the juvenile court system.  While in law school, Ms. Giese focused her studies in family law and earned her Certificate in Child and Family Law upon graduation.  Ms. Giese is an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association and Illinois State Bar Association and serves as a director for the DuPage Association of Women Lawyers.. Ms. Giese is also an experienced debtor’s rights attorney and is a regular advocate in bankruptcy, small claims and foreclosure court for families suffering due to the current economic state.  Ms. Giese helps homeowners analyze their current situation and determine whether a loan modification or bankruptcy can help them avoid losing their home in foreclosure.  Ms. Giese is also experienced in negotiating unsecured debts, including credit card, medical and IRS debt.. Ms. Giese’s experience with bankruptcy and foreclosure regularly aids her in her practice of family law, where the two fields often become intertwined.  If your current or ex-spouse has filed bankruptcy while you are in the midst of a pre or post-decree divorce case, or you yourself are considering filing, contact Ms. Giese immediately to determine what your rights and obligations are.

Firm: Law Office of Laura A. Holwell

115 S La Salle St Ste 2600 , Chicago , Illinois 60603

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Laura A. Holwell is the founding Partner of the Law Offices of Laura A. Holwell. Laura obtained her bachelor's degree in Finance and Business from Western Illinois in 1983. From there, Laura obtained her Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois in 1987. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1988. Prior to opening her own practice, Laura practiced Insurance Defense for a premier Chicago-based law firm until 1995. Laura then began working as General Counsel to Safeway Insurance Company in 1995, and continued her position there until she opened her own practice in 2002.

Firm: Lisa L. Dunn PC

4256 N Arlington Heights Road , Arlington Heights , Illinois 60004

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

I am a graduate of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. I then attended DePaul University College of Law and earned a Juris Doctor.. While in college and law school, I worked for the Lake County Planning Department, assisting the county planners in the future plans for Lake County, Illinois. During law school, I performed an externship at the United States Attorneys’ Office in Chicago where I prosecuted petty offenses and assisted in the prosecution of federal crimes. I also served pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 711 while in law school with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office Criminal Division where I prosecuted traffic and ordinance violations and misdemeanor offenses as well as in the Civil Division.. After graduation from law school, I worked as an associate with the law offices of Block and Block in Chicago, Illinois, where my practice was primarily in the area of family law.. I was also the assistant Village Prosecutor for the Village of Wheeling, Illinois. As the Prosecutor, I appeared in court to prosecute all the traffic and ordinance violations and various misdemeanor charges on behalf of the Village of Wheeling. I prosecuted numerous driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drug (DUI) cases as well as driving while suspended or revoked, theft, retail theft, battery and various other criminal offenses.. From 1995 to 2011, I worked as a contractual Hearing Representative, and from 1996 to 2011, as Hearing Officer for the Illinois Secretary of State, Administrative Hearings Department.. In 1999, I became associated with Sidney H. Mathias, P.C. There I handled a wide variety of matters including divorce/paternity/custody related matters, traffic and misdemeanor offenses, DUI, driving while suspended of revoked, residential real estate matters and general litigation matters. I ran the law office while Sidney H. Mathias was in Springfield serving as a State Representative in the Illinois House of Representatives.. In 2005, I opened my own law office: Lisa L. Dunn, Attorney at Law.. In 2009, I qualified and finished the Boston Marathon, and did so for the 2010, 2012, and 2013 marathons.. I was a partner with Massucci, Blomquist, Anderson & Dunn in Arlington Heights, Illinois until 2022.. I currently manage my own practice, Lisa L. Dunn PC in Arlington Heights. I am an active member of several associations and participate in litigation workshops, event and conferences.

Firm: Kollias, P.C.

1N141 County Farm Road , Winfield , Illinois 60190

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Firm: BEERMANN LLP

161 N. CLARK STREET, SUITE 3000 , Chicago , Illinois 60601

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

I practice in the areas of divorce and family law including premarital and postnuptial agreements, child support, child custody, visitation, maintenance, property valuation and division, orders of protection, adoption, grandparent visitation rights, parentage matters, and post-divorce issues such as enforcement and modification of judgments.. Read more about me on our firm's website at:

Firm: Watson Law

333 Main St. , Peoria , Illinois 61602

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Firm: The Law Offices of David R. Del Re, P.C.

200 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, 2nd Floor , Waukegan , Illinois 60085

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Firm: Zeidman & Carpenter PLLC

4711 Golf Rd. , Skokie , Illinois 60076

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Attorney Lee R. Zeidman has been practicing law since 2008, initially working for a general practice firm in Chicago. Lee established his own thriving practice in 2010 with the litigation and transactional needs of his clients. Fine tuning the focus of his practice, Lee primarily works on family law, real estate and general litigation matters, while guiding countless business clients through their business needs.. Lee has been recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star for 2015-2021, nominated by peers as one of Illinois’ best lawyers, based upon the successes of his representations and experiences. This award is limited to just 2.5% of lawyers in the State of Illinois.. Additionally, Lee is one of the few attorneys on with more than 115 5-star reviews and counting!. Lee earned his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School and his Political Science B.A. from DePaul.

Firm: Mandas Law

238 George Street , Barrington , Illinois 60010

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Founding Attorney Leah Mandas Pablecas established her own family law practice to provide personal, compassionate services that she felt were lacking from larger law firms. Mrs. Pablecas has successfully represented hundreds of clients throughout the Chicago area and believes that the key to an effective attorney/client relationship is clear and consistent communication. She is dedicated to the real problems that affect her clients’ lives and is committed to affordable, effective, and personal resolution of their legal issues. Mrs. Pablecas values every attorney/client relationship and promises to maintain clear and consistent communication to achieve every individual’s legal needs.

Firm: Mahoney, Silverman & Cross, LLC

822 N 129th Infantry Dr Ste 100 , Joliet , Illinois 60435

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

Firm: Hecht Schondorf, LLC

900 Skokie Blvd. , Northbrook , Illinois 60062

Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation

I have counseled clients in over a hundred divorce, paternity, child custody and child support cases, including trials and contested hearings. I gained my divorce experience at a large divorce firm in downtown Chicago, representing business owners, professionals, and high income/high net worth individuals. I graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in finance, which makes me different than almost all other divorce attorneys because I understands complicated financial matters. Most divorce attorneys will not understand business valuations, close corporations, unique investment structures, and retirement assets. I understand tax returns, income statements, balance sheets, and business appraisals that leave most family law attorneys confused.. I moved to Illinois in 2011 to raise a family of my own. As a father and husband, I understand how important it is for a parent to have a close relationship with his or her children, and how a divorce can and will change ever aspect of a person's life.