Essex Family Lawyers

You are getting divorced, and you want to save your kids, your money, and your sanity. We understand your needs. We help smart, successful people get divorced efficiently while helping stay sane during tough times. Satisfied clients have referred us to friends and family since 1994. I'm a divorce lawyer with over 20 years of experience. My bestselling divorce guide, I Just Want This Done, has received rave reviews on Amazon.com and in the media. My law firm, STG Divorce Law, has been in business over 25 years. Our firm has a large team of skilled and empathetic divorce lawyers....

Robert "Bobby" Buchanan is a seasoned practitioner that focuses his practice exclusively on helping parents through divorce and custody matters. He is a 2019 recipient of the "10 Best" award for client satisfaction and a 2023 Illinois SuperLawyer. His team at The Law Offices of Robert B. Buchanan has consistently achieved results for his clients, including: - Secured regular parenting time for father who had not seen his two-year old son in over one year. - Obtained 50-50 parenting time for father who had been marginalized to every other weekend before hiring lawyer and starting court process. - Successfully re-gained custody for a...

Ms. Sarantakis is the Founding Attorney of Sarantakis Law Group, Ltd. in Oak Brook, IL. She concentrates her legal practice in domestic relations. In addition to her work in the courtroom, she is versed in alternative methods of dispute resolution as a mediator, Guardian ad Litem, and Fellow of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois. She was recently recognized by the Illinois State Bar Association as 2023 Young Lawter of the Year, the American Bar Association as one of the 2023 Top 40 Lawyers in the United States with an On the Rise Award, Super Lawyers as a Rising Star,...

My law enforcement background as an investigator, instructor, evidence technician and police officer provides a key advantage to clients of my criminal defense practice. I have practiced law in Illinois for 27 years, helping thousands of clients obtain the best possible outcome when facing criminal charges, from DUI and traffic offenses to serious felonies such as drug charges and sex crimes. Our law firm, serving DuPage, Kane, and Cook counties, also offers strong advocacy in divorce, custody and related issues, as well as and personal injury, real estate, and wills and trusts. For experienced, personalized representation in your legal...

I have sat on the other client side of the lawyer-client table, which gives me a unique insight to the emotions that my clients experience. Divorce and child custody matters are never easy on the people involved. It is important to have a lawyer that you can trust during the most difficult time in your life. At Reidy Law Office, we believe in teaching our clients the relevant law and how it relates to the client’s specific situation. Then, we create the specific strategy for the individual client’s case. Our mission is to help people through the difficult times in...

Dominick Dolci is a family law and criminal defense attorney in DuPage County, IL. Dominick acts as the Managing Partner at the Law Offices of Dolci & Weiland, with offices in Oakbrook Terrace, IL and Chicago, IL.

Tricia knew she wanted to be an attorney when she was 10 years old - being an attorney seemed glamorous and exciting. It was not until college, when Tricia was selected for Eastern Illinois University's mock trial time, that she realized how much she would enjoy litigation and courtroom work. After being accepted to the John Marshall Law School with a Dean's Scholarship, she added excellent writing skills to her love of working in the courtroom, winning the Dean Fred F. Herzog Moot Court Competition. Tricia was awarded a Moot Court Executive Board scholarship and went on to...

As a family law attorney, my primary responsibility is to ensure that at the conclusion of the case, you receive results that are beneficial to you, and all parties involved in the process. With 17 years of experience in the matrimonial and family law field, I know that Collaborative Law and Mediation are the most effective methods to ensure that the most favorable outcome is achieved.

I have seen too many instances of family law issues that have gone to court and on the whim of a judge, the law is ignored and all parties walk away angry and with...

Timothy P. Martin Wheaton, Illinois Managing Partner and Chief Litigator 630-474 -8000 Office 630-480-0692 Fax Email Tim@Timmartinlaw.com Timothy P. Martin, a resident of DuPage County, is a Partner with the LAW OFFICES OF MARTIN & KENT, LLC. Mr. Martin received his Juris Doctorate from the John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois. While in law school, Mr. Martin served as an associate editor of the John Marshall Law Review. His work on the law review lead to a nationally published article in the area of criminal law. In 2009, Tim Martin was elected President of the...

Henry D. Kass is a partner at MKFM Law, LLC, who focuses primarily in the areas of domestic relations, guardianship, and criminal law. He obtained his bachelor of arts from the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa and also studied abroad at the University of the Basque Country in San Sebastian, Spain. Following his studies overseas, Henry attended the University of Iowa College of Law where he obtained his Juris Doctorate. Thereafter, he became an Assistant State’s Attorney with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office under now Appellate Court Justice, Joseph E. Birkett. There, he prosecuted domestic violence and...

Robert Motta II is the Managing Partner at Motta & Motta LLC. He concentrates his law practice in criminal defense, DUI, divorce & family law. Robert was named 2014 Top 100 National Trial Lawyer and is known in the legal community for his unparalleled pre-trial and trial strategies.

The most gratifying part of practicing matrimonial law is to be able to give guidance and help people through one of, if not the most, difficult times of their lives. My goal in most cases is to help clients resolve their issues in an amicable manner to a positive resolution, as the majority of cases do not proceed to trial. However, there are certain cases that cannot be settled for a multitude of reasons. As such, I am always prepared to litigate the issues. I maintain the mindset of a litigator while always being open to...

Wendy M. Musielak attended DePaul University in Chicago, IL where she graduated with highest honors with a B.S. in Finance and Management. She earned her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in 2003. Wendy is admitted to practice law in the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois. Wendy concentrates her legal practice in family law matters including child custody and visitation, child support, alimony and spousal support, collaborative law, mediation, prenuptial agreements, litigation and appeals and complex litigation. Prior to being a partner with Andrew Cores Family Law Group, Wendy was a Staff Attorney for the...

Masah S. SamForay, has earned national recognition as a force for her clients. Beyond being recognized as a Top 100 Lawyer, Masah SamForay knows the concerns of clients, intimately. She is a divorcee and working mother who understands what it means to fight for her family during a difficult divorce.

Atty. SamForay is a Co-Founder and Past-President of the Black Bar Association of Will County. She is a member of the Black Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater Chicago, Inc. and served on the 2017-2018 Board and as the Co-Chair of the Small and Solo Firm Committee from 2013-2016. She is a...

Experience, integrity and flexibility form the backbone of my client oriented practice in Cook and DuPage Counties. My twelve years of negotiating, mediating, trials and appeals, inform my opinion of your case, and from our initial consultation onward, you always receive an honest assessment of the likely outcome. I strive for innovative solutions to your issues, minimizing expense and grief, strategizing to let you retain control over the results, while always being ready to "go all the way". Throughout, I will always be accessible to you and bill you fairly, tailoring payment options to your circumstances. About Me: ...

Daniel J. Kollias' combination of experience in the real world and in the courtroom sets him apart from other attorneys. He represents clients with the goal of finding practical solutions to complex problems. Prior to starting his firm, Dan successfully owned and managed a restaurant and bar in Elmhurst for a few years before returning to the practice of law. He understands business from the perspectives of both the entrepreneur and the advocate.

Dan is at home both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. Dan gained extensive in-court experience as a prosecutor in the...

Melissa Fernandez (Marin) graduated from DePaul University in 2015 where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Political Science. Melissa went on to receive her law degree from DePaul University College of Law in 2019 with a certificate in Family Law where she graduated Cum Laude and maintained herself on the Dean's list for all three years. From a very young age, Melissa knew that she was passionate about family law. As a child of divorced parents, Melissa brings a unique perspective to the firm having experienced the breakdown of her family at a young age....

Nick Nelson was admitted to the Illinois bar in 2008. Since then he has focused on serving his clients and offering practical legal advice that accomplishes the goals of his clients and serves their best interest. Nick's personality, knowledge, and skills have proven beneficial for clients in legal disputes ranging from divorce, civil litigation, business guidance, and negotiations. Nick has won numerous awards and recognition from the legal community, including AVVO Excellent Rating, AVVO Featured Attorney Divorce, AVVO Top Contributor, AVVO Clients' Choice, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys 10 Best for Client Satisfaction, The National Advocates Top 40 Under...

Over the last two decades, Lisa has handled thousands of uncontested and contested family law cases, including pre and post-decree divorce cases, support modification and enforcement proceedings, paternity and parenting time (visitation) matters, allocation of parental responsibilities (custody) and removal (relocation) cases, DCFS appeals, orders of protection, and guardianship cases. Lisa 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 of DuPage County, as well as Cook, Kane and Will County, Lisa has been appointed...

Don is a passionate and enthusiastic problem solver who loves the intellectual challenges of family law from the initial consultation to the final agreement or judicial ruling. As an experienced divorce and family law attorney, Don handles every type of case from the simple agreement to the most intricate and delicate situations with precision, persistence and care. Don takes pride in his ability to communicate with clients. Don gives clients one-on-one attention every step of the way. He thoroughly explains the legal process from the first action to the last. Don always makes it his goal...

Andrew P. Cores is a graduate of John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio. Andrew earned his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from Northwestern University School of Law in 1993. He is admitted to practice law in the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois. Andrew concentrates his family law practice in divorce, alimony and spousal support, child support, collaborative law, custody, prenuptial agreements, litigation and appeals, complex litigation, federal trial practice, state appellate practice, state trial practice, business law and mediation. Andrew has been recognized as an Illinois Super Lawyer since 2012. He is a member of the DuPage County...

Courtney Mehta graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2011. During law school Courtney spent her summers clerking for a Family Law firm. After passing the bar, Courtney began her career working for Mitchell Law Group in Joliet, Illinois. In 2016, Courtney joined Henderson Law & Mediation Center. At Henderson Law & Mediation Center, Courtney concentrates her practice in the areas of Divorce, Separation, Parental Allocation (formerly known as Custody), Guardianship, and Adoption. Courtney is also on the Will County Mediation and Guardian ad Litem lists. She is frequently appointed in those capacities. Courtney is currently a member of the...

James T. Reilly has been practicing since 1979. He is an experienced trial lawyer with over fifty jury cases tried to verdict. He concentrates his practice in both civil and criminal litigation. Jury awards include medical malpractice, wrongful death, fraud prosecution and various types of personal injuries. He has defended cases in criminal courts ranging from fitness trials in murder cases to DUI’s. In addition to these, he has successfully defended persons charged with arson, aggravated battery, drug offenses and other felonies and misdemeanors.

Reilly has served as a LaSalle County Assistant Public Defender since 2000. He represents clients before the...

Wakenight Divorce Lawyers serve clients in these counties, in no particular order: Will, Cook, Grundy, Kendall, Kane, DuPage, DeKalb, Winnebago, Boone and McHenry. Covid has forced the courts to use Zoom and there is no going back. Whichever county you live in . . . we can help you! Free Telephone or Zoom Consultation Available. Mark T. Wakenight, J.D.

Monika M. Blacha provides knowledgeable and experienced legal counsel in the full range of family law matters, including divorce and the difficult decisions that must be made when ending a relationship. Because she understands how stressful resolving divorce issues can be, Monika emphasizes a personal approach with every client, tailoring her legal strategies to each individual’s unique needs. She provides clear communication throughout so her clients understand their options and are always informed on the status of their case.

In addition to family law issues, Monika helps clients navigate the Illinois probate process if a loved one has died. Whether you...

Attorney Dion U. Davi has extensive experience in family, real estate and estate planning throughout Illinois. DuPage family law attorney Dion U. Davi is a skilled negotiator who seeks to resolve legal disputes with a favorable settlement whenever possible. When needed, however, he has the skills and experience to effectively and zealously advocate for his clients in court.

Whitney Cameron was the first of her family to go to college and she got her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Economics at Augustana College. She received her Juris Doctorate from The John Marshall Law School in 2017, with honors. Whitney was an editor for The John Marshall Law Review and a member of the The John Marshall Moot Court Honors Program. While studying for her legal degree Whitney devoted over eight credit hours to pro bono and volunteer work. She spent an entire summer in 2016 at the Will County Court House in the Externship Program where...

Megan C. Harris joined Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella in July 2013, where she focuses on all areas of family law, including divorce, paternity, child custody, and child support. Prior to that, Ms. Harris worked as an attorney and Guardian ad Litem at the Cook County Public Guardian’s Office, representing children in abuse and neglect cases. Ms. Harris is a DuPage County Court-Appointed Guardian ad Litem and presented at the 2013 DuPage Guardian ad Litem training as well as the 2014 National Business Institute training on challenges in family law. She practices in DuPage, Kane, Kendall,...

At Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, our attorneys believe that an informed client is better able to make effective decisions. Many of our clients come to us facing the most difficult time in their lives. Our experience has shown us that divorce, custody battles, sexual harassment, employment discrimination and injury cases should be handled to minimize stress and cost. We take the time to fully educate our clients about the legal process and develop a strategy tailored to our clients’ goals and objectives.

Ms. Bartik has extensive experience in all aspects of family law, including, divorce, parentage, allocation of parental responsibilities, visitation, complex and high asset marital estates, business valuations, relocation, appeals, and post-decree matters. Ms. Bartik recognizes that family law matters are complex and that every family’s situation is different and unique. Ms. Bartik strives to communicate effectively with her clients and develop strategies and goals to meet the individual needs of her clients.

Ms. Bartik practices in DuPage, Kane, Will, Cook and Kendall Counties and is a member of the DuPage County and Illinois State Bar Associations.

Ms. Bartik earned her J.D. from...

Todd. D. Scalzo has been practicing law since 2004, handling all matters of family law, such as divorce, paternity, child support, maintenance, relocation, allocation of parental responsibilities, and parenting plans. He has argued before the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Appellate Court. Mr. Scalzo is a court-approved guardian ad litem (GAL) and mediator.

Mr. Scalzo is an active member of the DuPage County Bar Association, the DuPage Justinian Society of (Italian-American) Lawyers, and his hometown of Wheaton.

George S. Frederick is the managing partner at the law firm of Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC. Mr. Frederick’s practice focuses on all aspects of divorce and related family law matters, including parental allocation, parenting time, child support, maintenance, and enforcement proceedings. Mr. Frederick also counsels and litigates on behalf of his clients on a wide range of employment matters involving sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliatory discharge, and wage and hour claims. In addition, he assists and counsels clients on their employment policies and procedures, contracts, and other employment-related agreements. Mr. Frederick handles cases in both state and...

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...

Kira N. Albrecht joined MKFM in 2020 after working as an associate attorney at a large Chicago based family law firm. She concentrates her practice in all aspects of family law and civil appellate litigation, with a specific focus on prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, parenting time disputes, the financial issues attendant to divorce such as maintenance, child support, and the division of the marital estate, and has worked on a number of complex and high net worth cases involving business valuations, asset tracing, and forensic accounting. Kira is passionate about family law and understands that no two cases are alike. At...

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.

Lindsay C. Stella is a Partner at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC, and a highly respected attorney in the legal community. Ms. Stella’s practice is exclusively devoted to Family Law matters. Ms. Stella represents clients in all aspects of Family Law, with particular focus on Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements, complex financial situations including maintenance and child support, contested custody and parenting time matters, cases involving mental health issues, marital business interests, and high-net worth cases. Ms. Stella has handled all types of cases from non-contested divorces to complicated high-profile disputes involving multi-million dollar estates.

Ms. Stella is a seasoned litigator,...

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.

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...