Grand Ridge Family Lawyers

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...

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....

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...

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.

Michael Roe has over 25 years of experience practicing exclusively in the area of complex divorce and child custody litigation. He has successfully managed important cases in Kane County, DuPage County, and in all of the counties of northern Illinois, and his family law expertise was sought out by clients for cases in downstate Illinois and a few complex child custody cases out-of-state. With a strong legal education in both law and graduate-level business school, he is skilled in both the child custody/parenting side as well as the business and financial side of divorce litigation. Michael is one of the...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Anthony Andreano is a divorce lawyer in Will County, Illinois with offices in Joliet. Attorneys at the law firm handle family law cases involving uncontested and contested divorces, custody, parental responsibilities, visitation disputes, legal separation, spousal maintenance, child support, paternity, grandparent rights, civil unions, post judgments proceeding, support arrearage calculations and collection and other family law cases. For more information visit us at www.andreanoandlyons.com or call for an immediate consultation over the phone (815) 727-1937

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...

Attorney Michelle Bugajsky focuses her practice on probate, estate planning, and family law. Whether assisting clients in planning for their futures or helping clients through problems in the here and now, Michelle provides caring and thoughtful legal services. Michelle takes great pride in combining her keen legal expertise of probate and estate planning law with a plan uniquely crafted for each specific client or family.

Michelle attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Thereafter, Michelle accepted an academic scholarship to attend the Illinois Institute of...

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...

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...

Mr. Shore is acutely aware that when an individual contacts Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices about a legal problem, that for the client it is also a personal problem. In addition to litigating or negotiating settlements in many major cases, he is a skilled listener who is adept at developing & implementing cost-effective and winning strategies. Mr. Shore represents divorce and parentage clients in settlement negotiations, pre-trials, hearings, and trials. He is also appointed by the Court to represent minors in custody proceedings. As an appointed guardian for the children (referred to as a Guardian Ad Litem or GAL),...

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...

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...

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...

Robert F. Kramer received his law decree from Northern Illinois University and has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1993. He opened The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. in 1997, in Plainfield, Illinois and now has offices in Will and DuPage Counties. Mr. Kramer has over 20 years of experience representing clients in divorce and family law matters. He is an experienced trial attorney who has litigated numerous child custody cases, complex marital estate and support cases and has helped over one thousand people with their legal matters. He attributes his firm's...

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,...

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...

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...

I'm a trial attorney with extensive courtroom experience. I also teach college classes as an adjunct professor in areas such as criminal law, criminal procedure, business law, business ethics and corrections.

My primary practice focus is family law and domestic relations litigation. My secondary areas of concentration include estate planning and probate.

* 2018 SuperLawyers Top 2.5% Rising Star
* 2018 National Advocates Top 40 Under 40 Attorneys in Illinois in Matrimonial and Family Law
* 2018 Recognized as one of the "Ten Best" Family Law Attorneys in Illinois by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (AIOFLA)

Attorney Sean P. Sullivan earned his Juris Doctor in 2009 from Western Michigan Law School. After graduating from law school, and passing the bar, Sean spent a year working in the General Counsel’s Office for the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation assisting in policy decisions, internal administration, and enforcement of professional licensing. Sean then had the opportunity to work for some of DuPage County’s best-known names in family law before joining a DuPage County general practice firm as its senior family law and litigation counsel.

Sean specializes in highly contested matters, be it divorce cases or business disputes. Sean...

Don B. Pioletti, Jr. has practiced law for over 35 years. He graduated from the George Mason University Law School in Virginia in 1976. He then served as an Assistant Illinois Attorney General and later as an Assistant State's Attorney. He now practices at Pioletti & Pioletti in Eureka, IL doing general practice law.

Angela Henderson received her undergraduate and Juris Doctorate from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1997. During law school, she participated in the mediation clinic at DePaul after taking two semesters of mediation training. She also practiced as a family lawyer during law school through Chicago Volunteer Legal Services under a 711 license. Angela began her career as a family attorney with offices in Hinsdale and Lemont. Nine years ago she decided to limit her practice to one county and now has a single office in Joliet.

Her practice continues to focus on...

Wayne Johnson is a partner at Johnson & Johnson, Ltd. He has been practicing law for over 35 years, and his practice focuses primarily on family law, criminal law, bankruptcy law, estate law, and real estate matters. He has conducted numerous trials and court hearings involving large marital estates and complex child custody issues.

Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, Todd has been surrounded by legal role models his entire life. His father, the Honorable Joseph C. Polito (retired) built a highly successful legal practice in Will County before being appointed as an Associate Judge in the Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Will County, which gave Todd the opportunity to regularly interact with many of his father’s colleagues and fueled his passion for the legal profession at a young age.

Todd served in the United States Navy for four years, earning the prestigious Naval Achievement medal before being honorably discharged. Upon returning to civilian life, Todd built...

John is a former Assistant State's Attorney in the counties of Will and Peoria, Illinois. He has been practicing in the field of family law for 20 years. He is also an accredited mediator in family law, and acts as a guardian ad litem, representing children in family law matters. In addition to family law, he is also an experienced probate lawyer, representing decedent's estates and their families. He has prepared countless Wills and Powers of Attorneys for individuals. In addition, he is a skilled adoption attorney, representing families in both related and unrelated adoptions.

Originally from the south suburbs of...

Gregory Jumbeck was admitted in 2003 to practice law in the State of Illinois. He focuses his practice in the area of domestic relations. Gregory centralizes his practice to Will and Grundy Counties as well as the Illinos appellate courts. Mr. Jumbeck has tried numerous pre and post-decree cases including child custody (aka allocation of parental responsibilities), removal from Illinois, business valuation, child support, and maintenance. Gregory focuses on reaching a favorable and equitable result for all parties involved. Gregory's courtroom presence makes him an effective litigator both in and out of the courtroom. Originally from the southwest suburbs...

Ms. O'Brien graduated with the highest honors from Lewis University in May 2000. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree, double majoring in Criminal / Social Justice and American Studies (History Department). In 2001, Ms. O'Brien worked for Target Corporation as a human resources manager where she recruited new team members and helped run the Orland Park Target store. Ms. O'Brien then attended DePaul University College of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctor in May 2004. While a law student, she was employed at the National Anti-Vivisection Society as a legal analyst helping maintain http://www.AnimalLaw.com. Ms. O'Brien also clerked with...

Mark D. Brent is a native of Aurora. He graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Illinois in 1988, and the University of Illinois College Of Law in 1991. Mark spent several years doing major tort and insurance litigation with Williams and Montgomery in Chicago. He began his focus on Domestic Relations and Family Law in 1997 in Aurora. Mark is well-versed in all areas of family law, and family law is Mark's primary focus. Mark is an aggressive advocate for family law clients, handling all types of cases, with a focus on high-conflict issues, custody...

Joseph K. Janusonis has been a licensed Illinois attorney since 2001 and has been practicing in the areas of family law and divorce law since 2005. His knowledge of family law and the courts help him in assisting you during these difficult and stressful times. Joseph approaches his cases with the goal of helping you to reach a favorable settlement, however, he is experienced and prepared to take your case to trial, should the need arise. Joseph's extensive experience acting as Mediator and a Guardian Ad Litem gives him additional insight into matters of custody, visitation, and issues related to...