LEGAL PHILOSOPHY

My Family Law philosophy is essentially governed by the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have done unto yourself.

This philosophy governs my actions in all walks of life, but it is in my legal practice where I make a conscious effort to consider my actions under the scrutiny of the rule.

Often times, Family Law cases involve a dispute over custody and care of children, or at the very least, financial matters.

Now, it is almost certain that the parents of a child, or spouses at the end of a marriage, at one time cared a great deal for each other. There was probably a time when those individuals would have felt compelled to do everything in their power to protect the other. I believe it should be the goal of all people coming to the end of a relationship to remember the road they've traveled that brought them there.

Just because a marriage is ending doesn't mean a family has to. Even if a family is ending, that doesn't mean one's humanity has to.

Regardless of what area of law I'm involved in, I take these beliefs with me. That doesn't make me soft or weak by any means. Opposing counsel should know better than to mistake my kindness for weakness.

There are all different kinds of lawyers out there for clients to choose from. It's easy to see why someone might be impressed by a blustering, bullying, blathering lawyer. If that's what a client desires, then they've probably already stopped reading this and have moved on to a "tougher" advocate. However, if civility and honor is a priority in a client's life, then they would do well to consider retaining me as their counsel.

The bottom line is, favorable settlements don't come through bullying, they come through thoughtful negotiation.

Favorable judgments certainly don't come by means of agressive posturing in the courtroom, they come through equitable considerations.

It only makes sense that a lawyer who behaves equitably, treats others equitably and advocates for an equitable decision from the court is most likely to secure such judgments.

If you are someone who appreciates these virtues and is in need of legal assistance, then I look forward to meeting you.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Representing a child who may or may not become a complete adult, a husband who is also a father, or a wife who is also a mother, is not a transaction of the marketplace.  The family lawyer is held to a higher standard.  His representation is a trusteeship.  His mind is bent to fairness.  He steadfastly advances the cause of this client while exercising care not to destroy the other participants.  He works as a craftsman whose product governs fragile relationships for substantial periods of time.  The lawyer's own concerns have no place until the case is completed.  A family is at stake, and, projected from there, so is society.

--Muller Davis [Illinois Practice Series, tm; the Illinois Practice of Family Law]

HOURLY RATE

All Family Law Cases: including Divorce, Legal Separation, Child Custody, Child Support, Spousal Maintenance - Support - Alimony, Paternity, and Adoption are billed at an hourly rate of $200 per hour for attorney time, and $100 per hour for legal assistant time.

A retainer, in an amount to be determined during your free initial consultation, is required to be paid upfront, prior to the beginning of work on your case.

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