Elmhurst, Illinois Family Law Attorneys

Divorce Attorney vs. Family Law Attorney

While it may seem as though there is a surplus of divorce lawyers in the Chicago area, it is important to recognize the difference between a divorce attorney and a family law attorney. Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, divorce law is only one of the many issues encompassed by family law.

A divorce attorney may not have the necessary skills or knowledge to represent you in any family law matter other than a divorce, however, a family law attorney can handle divorce litigation as well as any premarital or postmarital family law issue from paternity matters, to prenuptial agreements, to mediation and so forth. Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC practices both family law and collaborative law, so our lawyers have extensive experience in all family law matters and clients consistently benefit from this level of experience.

Easing the Difficulties of Divorce and Other Family Law Issues

At Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC we understand how difficult it is to go through a divorce or other family matter; it can feel like you are on a giant roller coaster that never stops long enough to get off. We take pride in the fact that we shoulder the burden of the legal aspect of your family law issue, allowing you to use your time to heal emotionally and make plans for your future. We understand that communication is the cornerstone of the family law attorney/client relationship.

In addition to divorce and legal separation, our attorneys can effectively assist you with the following family law matters:

• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements (also known as Premarital Agreements and Antenuptial Agreements);
• Adoption;
• Paternity Matters;
• Child Representation;
• Restraining Orders and Orders of Protection;
• Mediation; and
• Same Sex Marriage and Divorce.

When a client comes into our office he or she speaks directly to an attorney rather than to support staff. We make sure the clients’ files are available to them and return phone calls and emails in a timely manner. Our lawyers will clearly communicate with you regarding the strategy, planning, and preparation for your particular family law issue. In short, our clients receive time, caring, patience and an advocate in their corner, as well as experience gained from Maxine Weiss Kunz while working for one of the top family law firms in Chicago.

Highly Trained in Alternative Dispute Resolution

Child custody and visitation issues can get extremely complex quickly. Particularly when the spouses are barely speaking to one another—or yelling rather than speaking—alternative dispute resolution may be beneficial to both parties which in turn benefits the children. Maxine Weiss Kunz is a member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, a certified mediator for all counties through the Center for Conflict Resolution, and on the approved mediator list in the Cook County courts [for both custody and visitation issues, as well as financial issues under new Cook County Rule 13.4(e)].

If there are allegations of physical or emotional abuse or if the other parent is engaging in parental alienation, our law firm has the necessary experience to screen and determine the best course of action for our clients and their children. Resolving joint versus sole legal custody issues such as education, health, extracurricular activities, or holiday decision making can also go much smoother when a skilled negotiator is involved.

Get the Family Law Help You Deserve

As highly skilled family law attorneys, Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC can help when one spouse believes the other is hiding assets (dissipation) and has the necessary professional resources to help clients access such services as child custody evaluators [604(b)s and 604.5s], family and child counselors, forensic accountants, and business valuators. If you need experienced legal assistance with your family law matter, Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC can help. Our lawyers offer every client small firm attention, while bringing large firm experience to the table. Contact Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC to schedule an initial consultation.