Cook County Family Lawyers

Barbara Morton graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication in 1992. Ms. Morton followed her BA with an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Regis University in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1996. Ms. Morton received her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan in 1998. She has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since May 1999. Her practice emphasis is in Family law issues, Real Estate, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Traffic and Personal Injury. She has represented clients in litigation matters before Federal and State Courts, arbitration and...

Joel Patrick Brown was admitted to the practice of law in 2008. In 2009 Joel formed his own law firm and mainly practiced in the areas of criminal law, traffic law, and family law. In 2010 Joel closed his law firm and became an Assistant State's Attorney with the Will County State's Attorney's Office where he prosecuted thousands of DUI cases, hundreds of domestic battery cases, and countless aggravated and petty traffic criminal cases. Joel left the Will County State's Attorney's Office in January 2016. Joel practices in the areas of criminal law, DUI law, family, and divorce law, and...

Christina ("Chrissie") Martell is an experienced family law attorney in Warrenville, Illinois. She represents clients in the areas of divorce, parentage, adoption, and real estate. Chrissie's even-tempered nature serves her well in difficult arguments with opposing parties, in and out of court. Chrissie knows that her clients come to her during times of great difficulty or high stress in their families, and she competently and fairly represents their important needs in court. An effective negotiator, she is able to find creative solutions to her clients' problems, and she works to ensure that opposing parties consider all options before escalating issues...

Cherissa "Reese" Loire Krajniak obtained her undergraduate degree in Sociology from Marquette University before going on to attend Florida Coastal Law School. She graduated with honors in 209 and was active with the school's Pro Bono Clinic, donating more than 200 hours of legal work to underserved members of the community. While taking a full course load and giving her time to the clinic, Reese was still able to complete her Juris Doctorate program in just over two years. She passed the bar exam in 2010 and opened her own practice in downtown Chicago. After medical issues sidetracked her career for...

Richard Ian Conner graduated from Western Illinois University in 2010, where he earned a Bachelor in Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Business. He obtained his law degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 2014. While in law school, he put specific emphasis on assisting low-income and senior residents of central and southern Illinois through the not-for profit corporation Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation and the SIU Self-Help Legal Center.

Ian is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, and he has a strong desire to provide quality legal advocacy and support to all...

I have been practicing law since 2001. I graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in May of 2001 and from DePaul University in June of 1996. My main area of concentration is family law, i.e., divorce, paternity, child support, allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly known as custody) and adoption. As a family law attorney, I understand that my clients have to make difficult decisions while dealing with complex issues and emotions. As such, I believe that the key to successful representation depends not only in understanding the underlying issues, but, also in experience and expertise in the law...

With over 35 years of legal experience, including experience as a Special Municipal Prosecutor, and two years as a Cook County Sheriff's Deputy, lawyer Salvatore C. Miglore has earned a reputation over the last 30 years for being a quick witted and talented advocate for his clients. The Law Offices of Salvatore C. Miglore & Associates, in Wheaton, Illinois, prides itself in counseling clients about all their legal problems.

Our firm focuses on the areas of family law and criminal defense. All clients receive the same personalized counsel about their legal issues. We encourage you to deal proactively with your legal...

Jessica is the founding member of Hensley Sendek Law, a family law firm in Wheaton, Illinois. Jessica practices in DuPage, Cook, Will, and Kane counties. Jessica has extensive experience in all aspects of family law, including divorce, allocation of parenting time and parental responsibilities, removal of children across state lines or internationally, child support, maintenance, property identification and distribution, high asset marital estates, qualified domestic relations orders, post-decree matters, parentage cases, and appellate matters. Jessica has exclusively practiced family law for the entirety of her career. Jessica listens to all of your needs and understands that no two situations are the...

Michelle Dahlquist concentrates her practice in complex family law matters and has extensive experience handling such issues. Ms. Dahlquist provides clients with an explanation of his/her legal rights and applicable law so that a client can make an informed decision on the relevant issue. She recognizes that each case presents different sets of facts and circumstances and that each person may choose to handle their respective issues in a different manner. While some cases may need to proceed to a contested trial, many cases settle amicably with skillful negotiation. Ms. Dahlquist is a Certified Guardian ad Litem with the...

Alex Fawell is a Family Law and Divorce Attorney based in Wheaton, IL. Attorney Fawell can assist with issues ranging from child custody and child support, spousal support, property division, post-divorce enforcement, and more. He takes an honest and straightforward approach to each case he handles, providing his clients with all of the most up-to-date information so they can understand all options. Visit our website or call 630-871-2400 to schedule your free consultation with the Wheaton attorney.

Chuck’s law practice includes both family law and civil litigation. Equally at home in divorce court as he is in front of a jury protecting his clients' rights, Chuck enjoys the challenges which arise from doing both kinds of work.

Chuck is proud of his appointment as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Academy Fellows are widely recognized by judges and attorneys as preeminent family law practitioners with the highest level of knowledge, skill, and integrity.

There is no substitute for preparation, and a great deal of Chuck’s daily schedule includes meetings with clients and staff. Availability to clients...

Naperville, Illinois Divorce and Family Law Attorney
Naperville Family Law Attorney Ronald Hendrix is an accomplished legal professional with more than 30 years of experience as a family lawyer. As the founder and principal of our law firm, he places an exclusive focus on divorce and family law issues. Attorney Hendrix is a court-appointed mediator and, in addition to his law degree, holds a Master's degree in guidance and counseling. He is actively involved in numerous bar and professional associations, many with a focus on alternative dispute resolution.

Attorney Ronald L. Hendrix not only has the legal experience and knowledge to protect...

Admitted to practice law in 1995, Juli A. Gumina graduated with a J.D. from Illinois Institute of Technology-Kent College of Law, where she was on the Dean's List and a member of the Bar & Gavel Society. Juli received her B.A. from Loyola University in Chicago, where she graduate cum laude and was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society. Juli honed her litigation skills for several years as a public defender in DuPage County, prior to joining the firm to focus on family law. Juli is a trained and experienced mediator, and is frequently appointed...

Admitted to practice law in 1982, Maureen Sullivan Taylor graduated with a J.D. from Northern Illinois University Law School. In addition to interning at the United States' Attorneys' Office, Maureen was awarded the American Jurisprudence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Matrimonial Law and also served on the Law Review. Founder of the firm, Maureen is a trained and experienced mediator, and is both a Fellow of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and a member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals. Maureen is admitted to the United States Supreme Court and the Northern District of Illinois Federal Court and...

Judith’s practice is focused in the areas of divorce, custody, paternity, and guardianship proceedings. She is an aggressive trial attorney and persuasive negotiator with extensive experience in negotiating and litigating divorce related issues including custody, visitation, maintenance, child support, the distribution of assets and liabilities, domestic violence and orders of protection.

My law firm represents people in DuPage, Kendall and Kane Counties. For nearly a decade, I have focused entirely on divorce, paternity (parentage), establishment and modification of support, parental rights, enforcement of divorce decrees and other family law related matters. I have litigated numerous divorce and parentage matters and know how to litigate yours. More importantly than that, I focus on keeping your case out of the courthouse as much as possible. That helps keep costs down and can actually expedite many cases.

I have an undergraduate degree in psychology with 5 years' experience working with abused children and adolescents with...

Mikal Stole a prominent family law attorney in the Cook, Will, and Grundy Counties. He has successfully represented clients with complex cases involving high net worth estates, child custody disputes (allocation of parental responsibilities), and divorces involving business interests, while also efficiently handling routine matters. Mikal's also writes appellate court briefs on family law matters and is frequently appointed as Guardian ad Litem. Mikal serves as the Co-Chairperson of the Will County Bar Association's Family Law Committee and has been responsible for organizing the annual Family Law Seminar for several years. Mikal presents topics to the Bar Association including...

Mr. Reeb is a partner at Reich, Jumbeck, Stole & Reeb, LLP. As a partner at Reich, Jumbeck, Stole & Reeb, LLP, Mr. Reeb focuses his practice exclusively on family law, representing business owners, executives, professionals, and their spouses. Mr. Reeb concentrates in all areas of family law, including issues of child custody and visitation, child support, maintenance, property division, complex financial matters, tax consequences, pre and post nuptial agreements, restraining orders, orders of protection, as well as family law appeals. Judges also frequently appoint Mr. Reeb to serve as Guardian ad Litem and as Mediator...

While working full time, and raising his two children, Justin started college in pursuit of becoming an attorney. His dream has been brought to fruition as he is ready and able to tirelessly represent his clients. He considers his role as an attorney to not only be an advocate for his clients, but also for the community. Justin brings passion and strong ethical fortitude to the practice of law. When not practicing law, Justin enjoys spending time coaching youth football and baseball.

EDUCATION

Northern Illinois University College of Law, J.D. & Certificate in Civil Advocacy, 2016

DePaul University, B.A. Philosophy &...

William ("Bill") F. Bochte is a graduate of Fenwick High School, obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary's University (formerly Saint Mary's College) in Winona, Minnesota in 1965. Bill went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School in 1969 and has been in the private practice of law serving his client's needs ever since. Mr. Bochte practiced in the city of Chicago for approximately 10 years before relocating to Kane County and the Fox Valley area. Mr. Bochte has received a United States of America Presidential Commendation in "recognition of exceptional...

I, Tyler Neher, am proud to be part of the VF Law, Ltd. team as an associate attorney. My journey in law began at a family law firm in Lake and DuPage County, where I dedicated my practice to handling family law matters, including divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, and drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Before rejoining the family courts, I served as an Assistant State’s Attorney at the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office within their domestic violence unit. This role provided me with a unique opportunity to acquire substantial trial experience early in my career. I am...

Attorney Charles Canning has represented clients throughout Kane County and across Northern Illinois for over 30 years. He assists clients with cases in the following practice areas:

Maria "Gabby" Antoniolli started her law practice as an Assistant State's Attorney with DuPage County State's Attorney's Office where she gained extensive trial experience in a variety of cases. During her time as a prosecutor, she prosecuted traffic and misdemeanor cases such as: DUIs, Domestic Violence, and Orders of Protection. Gabby was then promoted to the felony juvenile division where she handled hundreds of juvenile abuse & neglect cases from intake through disposition. During her tenure in this division, Gabby worked closely with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and developed a deep understanding of the different aspects...

Mary Beth Szudarek has been a licensed Illinois attorney since 2008 and has practiced exclusively in Family Law. Prior to joining The Law Offices of Janusonis & Szudarek, P.C., Mary worked for Prairie State Legal Services/Will County Legal Assistance Program assisting the less fortunate with their family law issues. Her experience allowed her to counsel hundreds of Family Law clients with legal problems that impacted all areas of their lives. Family law cases so often involve bankruptcy, tax, foreclosure, credit, social security, insurance, and pension issues; Mary's skills and confidence with financial matters brings a unique and aggressive...

Lisa M. Nyuli has been a partner since joining the firm of Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. in 2000. Prior to joining the firm, for the first 10 years of her career, she worked as an attorney in Aurora, Illinois and in Geneva, Illinois. She was licensed in 1989 and focuses her practice primarily in all areas of family law. In 2008, she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Ms. Nyuli is also active in the Illinois State Bar Association as a member, having served two terms on the Board of Governors, and...

David J. Winthers is a lifelong resident of DuPage County having graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1974 and Wheaton College in 1977.

Admitted to practice law in 1998, Sean M. McCumber graduated magna cum laude with a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1998 and graduated magna cum laude in 1995 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University. Prior to joining the firm, Sean served in the McLean County State's Attorney Office in the juvenile division and then practiced commercial litigation, intellectual property, and advertising law in a large Chicago law firm. Sean concentrates his current practice in family law matters. Sean is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association, which named him 2010...

Former President of the McDonough County Bar Association, and named as one of the top 40 lawyers under the age of 40 by the American Society of Legal Advocates and the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40. CALI award for excellence winner for trial advocacy. Former First Assistant State's Attorney of the McDonough County Bar Association. Managing Attorney at the Law Office of Ken Wang. Admitted to the Federal Bar of the Northern District of Illinois and the Federal Trial Bar.

Brian J. Banahan has been practicing law in DuPage, Kane and Cook County Illinois for over 20 years. He began his legal career and learned his way around the courtroom in 1997 as a full time 711 prosecutor with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. From there, Mr. Banahan moved to serve as chief legal counsel and Deputy Public Administrator for DuPage County for 17 years. In that job, Mr. Banahan managed, administered, litigated, settled, and closed hundreds of decedent’s estates and an extensive number of related legal matters in nearly every area of the law. In the process, he...

Admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005, Joseph graduated from Ambassador University, Big Sandy, TX, where he was on the Dean's List and received his B.A., and then graduated from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI, where he earned an M.A. in Counseling and was awarded the Nichol Memorial Award for Integrity. Joseph is a graduate of DePaul University College of Law, where he served as a student representative on the Law School's curriculum committee. With several years of experience as a counselor prior to attending law school, Joseph brings unique and valuable experience to the field of domestic relations...

I feel that my expertise in each of these areas compliment the other. For example, complex divorces often involve real estate or business holdings, with the accompanying valuation and ownership issues. Sometimes, a trust for the benefit of children is appropriate. In doing estate planning, there is often the need to plan appropriately for the second marriage situation. Real estate clients also often need to appropriately plan their estates, and to take title to their home in a manner that is consistent with their ultimate estate desires. I was admitted to practice in the courts...

Liz has presented seminars to divorce recovery groups, counselors, lawyers, hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies and was an instructor for several years for a personal injury trial practice course presented by the Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel and classes for medical practitioners to area hospitals and staff regarding how to respond to legal inquiries and how to avoid malpractice. She has also presented seminars for the Illinois State Bar Association including a recent basic family law seminar.

Liz tried several cases to juries including a case that was decisiv with respect to the use accident reconstruction experts, evidence of...

Ms. Wechter thoroughly enjoys advocating for her clients and uses her caring, yet firm demeanor to obtain optimal results. She is a fierce, knowledgeable, and confident litigant inside the courtroom, while remaining a compassionate and empathetic ear to her clients outside of the courtroom.

Steven H. Mevorah is the founder of Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices and began his practice in 1979. Mr. Mevorah brings significant experience to bear in achieving positive results for his clients. With offices in Lombard, Bloomingdale, and Naperville (by appointment only), Mr. Mevorah makes his practice accessible to all of those in need throughout the Chicagoland area and surrounding counties. Since the firm's inception, Mr. Mevorah has been committed to building a practice made up of attorneys who share his vision and dedication to offering clients the best legal advice and advocacy combined with unparalleled service. Taking an...

I have been a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois since 2003. I began my legal career as a an Assistant State's Attorney in the County of Kendall, State of Illinois. In 2007 I opened my private practice and have successfully represented hundreds of clients in matters ranging from criminal defense to various family law issues, including divorce. I have a unique perspective in criminal defense from my experience in criminal prosecution. I believe that in order to successfully represent client's in criminal and family law matters one must know what the available options are, have a very thorough...

Julia A. Pucci, managing partner with Pucci Pirtle, focuses her practice in the areas of divorce and custody litigation. Ms. Pucci attended Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, Illinois where she received a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Sociology and Political Science. Ms. Pucci subsequently earned her Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri. During her law school career, Julia taught legal research and writing as a teaching assistant and was also active in the mediation clinic where she obtained her mediation certification. As a certified mediator, she mediated court-ordered child custody matters and...

Monica P. Patankar is a partner with the law firm of Patankar Law P.C. Monica takes a compassionate approach to helping clients solve their legal issues. She listens to each story carefully and understands that no two issues are alike. Monica's legal training and experience have prepared her to handle your legal needs. Monica gained her legal knowledge at University of Notre Dame Law School in Notre Dame, Indiana. Upon graduation, Monica worked for a large law firm, Chapman and Cutler LLP in Chicago, Illinois. At Chapman, Monica worked with large municipalities and other governmental entities to raise capital for large...

Mr. Reeder fights for his clients bringing over 15 years of defending persons charged with violating the law to serve his clients. Mr. Reeder is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law and has a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy. Mr. Reeder coached youth football for five years, participated in the American Pool Association, and founded a charity softball games between attorneys and the police department in Joliet which helped raise almost $3000.00 to help feed children in Will County.

Mr. Reeder served five years as an Assistant Public Defender in Will County at the felony,...

When experience counts, count on me. My career as a young attorney began in commercial litigation and quickly grew into Corporate & Business Litigation; with a very strong accounting and tax background I began to do more business and corporate law, estate and trust planning and the garden variety practice from bankruptcy to taking a small company public to heading a group in the successful purchase of a bank, and so on for the first 20 years of my practice. When someone asked me to handle my first divorce, I approached it as a business dissolution: logical and...

Axel R. Cerny grew up in the DuPage County community, attending Wheaton Academy in West Chicago. Following graduation in 2006, Axel attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications/ Journalism studies in 2010. From there, Axel returned to the area to study at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. He earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 2013, and after passing the bar exam was promptly hired to the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State’s Attorney. There he worked for two years under DuPage County State’s Attorney, Bob Berlin, prosecuting...