Consultation fee is $100.00

I invite all clients who are either involved in a family law case or contemplating filing for divorce, Paternity (parentage), or other domestic relations matters to come to my office for a no-hassle, no-obligation consultation.  Consulations are protected by the attorney-client confidentiality so take some time and come in.

In my engagement agreement, I provide you with the specific rights and responsibilities you have as my client.  I even post them HERE so you know them before we even meet.

Since every case is fact specific, an initial consultation is a critical first step.  It is here that I can learn the specifics about you and your case.  It is here that I learn what you need and begin taking measure to meet those needs.  It is at this meeting that I help you take the first steps towards the rest of you life.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE INITIAL CONSULTATION:

Duration: The initial consultation will take between 1 hour and 1.5 hours depending on the specifics of your case.  It is the meet and greet between me and you.    We will discuss the issues you are facing, your goals for resolution, and develop the initial strategy to accomplish your goals.  Next to the meeting to review the final settlement in your case, this is arguably the most important meeting you and I will have.

Hassle Free: During the initial office visit I guarantee you will not be pressured, hassled, “strong-armed”, or intimidated by me or any of my staff to hire my firm.  I am here to serve you and your interests are not served by your own attorney putting the squeeze on you to enter into a contract after having only met that attorney for 1 hour.  Should you choose to retain my firm, you will be provide with an Engagement Agreement to review.  You will have an opportunity to review the Agreement in privacy.  Should you have questions I will be available to answer them for you.  I only ask that you review it in my office.  You will never be pressured to sign it, NEVER.

Fact gathering: Every case is fact specific, meaning that as we take the facts of your case and apply the applicable laws, we will generate a very different result than applying the same laws to a set of slightly different facts.  The initial consultation is not only the time of getting to know each other, but the time where you can tell me your facts, your needs, and your objectives.  It is during this time where I explain how we can take your facts and develop a plan that best serves you and your needs.  We only need the information you already know to get started down the right path for you.  The more you know ahead of time the more effective our meeting will be.  Read my page on Preparing for Divorce.

Predictions: After I have gathered the blueprints of your case (the general facts), I will provide you with a range of probable outcomes given your facts, the laws, your goals, and the county your case will be filed in.  Keep in mind, no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, but having worked many years with the same sets of judges, I have learned how those particular judges apply the laws in different situations.

Procedure: At some point during the consultation, I will explain to you the general procedures and basic time lines for a divorce case.  I will explain the filing process, service of process, the time your spouse (or former spouse) has to retain counsel, basic discovery mandates and timelines, and when/why & how often attorneys have to return to court on your case.  Your issues are always at the forefront of your case, so I make sure to spend as much time as you need answers any questions you have.

Your phone call and the consultation are ALWAYS confidential.

OFFICE DIRECTIONS

My divorce and family law firm is located just south of I-88 on North Farnsworth Ave.  From I-88 take the SOUTH Farnsworth Road exit.  Approximately 1/2 mile is the first stop light, Molitor.  Continue straight.  1444 North Farnsworth Ave., Aurora, IL 60505.  My law office is located in a brown brick building on the West (right) hand side of the road.  Parking is in the rear.

Click HERE for a map.  Your map will appear in a new window.