Golden Family Lawyers

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.

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....

I am passionate about helping people in Central Illinois with their legal needs for many reasons. I grew up in Bloomington-Normal and care deeply about the people in my hometown. I also feel called to fight for justice. The lawyers and paralegals in my office are great to work with and share my vision for helping people. We have a very experienced team at Koth Gregory & Nieminski (KGN) and pride ourselves on being able to help the people in Central Illinois with nearly any legal issue they may face. Our hope is that people come see us first for...

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...

Dean Taradash is a lawyer that represents people going through one of life’s most traumatic events … divorce. Since 1999, Dean has focused his entire practice on assisting people through the divorce process. Dean has represented people throughout the state of Illinois and has a reputation for being a zealous advocate for his clients, both in and out of the courtroom. Dean is dedicated to ensuring that his clients obtain the most favorable outcomes while also understanding that not every issue is a fight. If an issue can be resolved amicably and without court intervention, Dean is always happy to...

Benedict Schwarz, II has limited his practice to matrimonial and family law for over 40 years. He is a past director of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and is also a trained divorce mediator; Mr. Schwarz has taught numerous 40-hour divorce mediation training and conflict resolution seminars and has also co-authored chapters on the subject in the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education publications.

In 1992, Mr. Schwarz was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a Commissioner of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). In 2001, Mr. Schwarz was appointed the Chairperson of the Commission from January...

Mr. Shaw attended the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and graduated from Illinois College, Magna Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1983. He continued his education at the Northern Illinois University College of Law, graduating with a Juris Doctorate Degree in 1986, and became a Licensed Attorney in Illinois on November 6, 1986. Having previously practiced in general and family law practices, and having served as the Child Support Attorney for Kane County Circuit Court Clerk from 1987-1995, Mr. Shaw opened his own law practice concentrating in family law in 1991. In 2000 he co-founded the law firm...

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...

Ms. Hicks has been practicing law in St. Clair and Monroe Counties for more than 10 years. She has successfully tried numerous divorce and custody cases. She is also an experienced mediator. Ms. Hicks grew up in a small town in Monroe County and returned to the area to practice law. She resides with her husband and son in Columbia.

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...

Mr. Arnquist is an experienced courtroom litigator who understands what it takes to win your case. Whether you need representation for an issue related to child support, a complicated divorce case, or a contested custody dispute, Mr. Arnquist will aggressively advocate on your behalf. Mr. Arnquist practices in Ogle, Lee, Whiteside, DeKalb and Stephenson Counties. Please call for a free consultation.

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...

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...

Gbenga Longe is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. A former Prosecutor, Gbenga brings inside knowledge and unique insight to her practice. She has a record of both aggressive and effective representation. Gbenga is dedicated to fighting for her clients' rights and interests, focused on obtaining the best possible outcomes.

Gbenga received B.A. from Bethune-Cookman College. In 2010, she earned a J.D. from Indiana University School of Law. Gbenga is a member of the Women's Criminal Defense Bar Association and Cook County Bar Association. She has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for consecutive years.

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...

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...

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...

Blake Behme Gilbreth Links, P.C. has offices in Belleville, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Carlyle and Effingham, Illinois. AREAS OF PRACTICE: Probate Law, Family Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Estate Planning, including Business, Child Custody, Child Support, Collaborative Divorce, Commercial Real Estate, Consume Protection, Debt Settlement, Divorce, Divorce Mediation, Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Breaches of Fiduciary Duty, Family, Foreclosure, Landlord/Tenant, Legal Malpractice, Litigation, Civil Lawsuits, Military Divorce, Nursing Home, Personal Injury, Probate, Estate Settlement, Real Estate, Securities, DCFS, Tax, Internal Revenue Service, Illinois Department of Revenue, Illinois Department of Employment Security and White Collar Crime.

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...

Known for promoting innovative litigation alternatives in family-related legal disputes, Rachel Nicole Hernandez is a collaborative family lawyer & the founder of Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC, a collaborative law & family law firm with offices in St. Charles & Sycamore, Illinois.

Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC helps families resolve legal issues without going to court, whether it be through mediation, collaborative process, uncontested divorce, pre-divorce legal counseling, or limited scope representation. Rachel Nicole Hernandez provides advice to clients regarding their rights with respect to marital/non-marital assets & debts, maintenance, & child custody issues. Rachel Nicole Hernandez solicits the expertise of...

Bill is an Illinois and New York licensed attorney operating a general law practice in Chicago. He represent clients throughout the Chicagoland area on matters ranging from tenant evictions and judgment collections, to divorces and much more. Having grown up on the South Side of Chicago, Bill understands the value and importance of high quality service at a reasonable price. His main goal is to carry that mantra into his law practice and provide excellent and effective representation at an affordable price. By operating a virtual law office, he has been able to operate a more mobile...

As an experienced litigator with over 20 years of experience, I have extensive experience handling the following types of cases: divorce, child custody, visitation, child support, alimony (maintenance), property division, modification and support enforcement, QDRO's (division of retirement accounts), criminal law, DUI, traffic tickets, juvenile and expungement.

I believe that representing clients is a great responsibility and privilege. I enjoy helping people through a difficult time. I take a personal approach to each client and to each case. Every client that retains me receives personal attention and knows that their interests truly matters to me. You will...

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...

Drew is originally from Highland, Illinois and is a Partner for Stange Law Firm, PC who manages the Illinois offices of the firm. Drew obtained his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. After college Drew worked as a professional pilot and flight instructor where he worked hand in hand with pilots and student pilots. Drew then went on and earned his Juris Doctorate from Southern Illinois University School of Law in Carbondale, Illinois. After law school, Andrew gained experience working for another law firm in Illinois and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Madison County,...

Jeremy Sackett is a former prosecutor with over 15 years of courtroom intensive experience. He now represents clients in matters of criminal defense, personal injury, traffic violations, DUI's, evictions, orders of protection, and expungements.

Steven N. Peskind has reinvented Illinois Family Law. Mr. Peskind believes that a successful divorce results from the intersection of three competencies: legal skill, positive decision making, and financial analysis. As a result, he has compiled a team of highly trained professionals dedicated to helping our clients achieve that success. The lawyers at Peskind Law Firm are skilled negotiators, legal analysts, problem solvers and courtroom advocates. Mr. Peskind is one of only 100 lawyers in the nation elected as a Diplomate to the American College of Family Trial Lawyers, an honor society reflecting accomplishments in Family...

Stephen M. Komie is the founder of Komie and Associates, and he has over 40 years of experience successfully representing clients in state, federal, and international trials and appeals. Mr. Komie is best known for high profile cases such as his defense of Sandra Fabiano for child abuse and John Carroccia for murder, which were widely reported in the Illinois media. He has helped numerous clients achieve victory in criminal and civil trials across Illinois and the United States.

Mr. Komie provides his clients with dedicated, tenacious defense against criminal charges, and he has won many landmark decisions, including the 1995...

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...

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,...

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...

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.

Attorney Ronald L. Bell has extensive litigation and negotation experience and has held former positions such as the Assistant Illinois Attorney General and Chief Corporate Counsel to a $250 million dollar company. Ronald Bell has argued and/or presented cases before the United States Supreme Court, Illinois Supreme Court, 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and every Illinois appellate court. Attorney Bell has top academic credentials and he was the top student in his law school class at the age of 23, a former editor of the law review and graduated college at the age of 20.

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,...

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,...

Christine’s focus as an attorney is on helping her clients through the most difficult situations life offers. Whether her clients are facing criminal charges, the end of a marriage, issues related to children, or end of life concerns, Christine’s passion for helping them through these issues is evident through her honesty, patience, and ability to make even the most complex legal issues make sense to her clients. Christine attended the Northern Illinois University College of Law, where she graduated cum laude with Juris Doctorate degree. During her tenure at NIU College of Law, she earned a Certificate in Criminal Practice. She...

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...

Jennifer Bunker Skerston has worked in the Illinois Valley legal community for the past seven years handling many litigation related matters including will contests, property tax appeals, breach of contract, and personal injury claims.

Jennifer Bunker Skerston is actively involved in the Illinois State Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section Council. She is the Editor of the Council’s monthly publication distributed to members throughout Illinois. She also assists the Council in providing continuing legal education to attorneys, determining the need for new legislation, and reviewing and suggesting changes to current legislative proposals affecting wills, trusts and estates....

Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney and litigator who advocates for his clients in all family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009. Prior to starting the firm, Jonathan worked at another Chicago-based family law practice for many years. Jonathan has a great deal of experience in obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients in multi-million dollar marital estates and contested custody suits. His ability to settle heated divorces and custody disputes has gained him a great deal of respect from fellow attorneys and judges within the Chicagoland...

About Maksim
Facing criminal charges is always grueling experience. Make sure you have an aggressive and experienced attorney on your side who is ready to fight for you!

Maksim Tikhvinskiy has skills unique to the legal community. He is fluent in English and Russian. He graduated from the best law schools in the United States and Russia and he is licensed to practice both in Illinois and the Russian Federation. He has experience in multiple areas of law.

Attorney Tikhvinskiy provides the highest quality criminal defense legal representation for anyone charged with DUI or other alcohol-related driving offenses, as well as felony crimes...