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17 Dec, 2021 by Trini
I believe certain people come into your life for a reason, and Cynthia Lazar certainly is one of my people. Divorce can be a painful and gut-wrenching process. Cynthia was there for me every step of the way. She is reliable, thorough and provided the best legal advice and service I could have asked for, while keeping both my costs and best interests in mind. Her expertise and approach are second to none! Cynthia Lazar has my highest possible recommendation!
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04 Oct, 2021 by Lisa
Cynthia is friendly, easy to work with, thorough and was fair to both sides during our divorce mediation. She was able to accommodate us with a “pay as you go” payment plan, which made things easier financially during this difficult time. I would definitely recommend her to anyone seeking an amicable divorce through mediation.
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03 Aug, 2021 by Paulette
Cynthia is extremely professional and honest. I wanted an amicable divorce and she was there every step of the way to advise me. I couldn't believe how smoothly the process went. I highly recommend Cynthia.
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09 Aug, 2021 by Lee
I hired Jerry Lazar to handle a difficult closing. Jerry went above and beyond to make everything run smoothly and eased much of my stress. Highly recommended.
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25 Jul, 2021 by Adam n.
Jerry helped me with a legal separation. He was very easy to work with and accomplished everything that I asked for. I highly recommend him.
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11 Jul, 2021 by Nick
When I started looking into getting divorced, I was pretty nervous as one would imagine. I did some research and ended up getting in touch with Jerry. He was very professional and quickly found a way to settle my nerves. One thing that struck me was after talking about typical general scenarios, he recommended that my ex and I try to settle as much as possible on our own as it would alleviate needlessly dragging things on, only making both parties lawyers richer. I did retain Jerry to represent me through the divorce and he was absolutely true to his advice. My ex and I were able to quickly agree on things and the divorce was final very quickly. Jerry's legal advice and demeanor instilled in me the confidence I needed to get through such a difficult situation that anyone would dread. I hope to never need his divorce services again, but I will be returning to him to sell the house! Thanks Jerry!!!
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09 May, 2024 by Tal clerman
Simply put…Navy Seals talk about “The line.”
You never call attorneys because things are going well. You call them when things aren’t and you need the help. In Family law, like medicine, the margin of error is zero and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Be it a child custody issue, a financial issue an emergency motion/filing or any other aspect of family law litigation: I’ve put this firm up to the task against some of the largest and most reputable law firms in the state.
They are honest, they are fair, they are prompt and are more than knowledgeable about the ins and outs of Illinois family law, they represent you with integrity compassion and most importantly the understanding that every case is different. When my initial attorney retired he said if I needed help: this is who I’d call.
Deanna and Michael and their team have helped me through the years over a myriad of complex legal issues and at every point at every turn no matter the problem they adapted, they improvised and most importantly: they overcame. Their staff is always knowledgeable about your case, court dates and any updates. They most certainly always have operated “Above the Line.”
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02 May, 2024 by Gary newland
Mike Strauss is one of the the most respected and professional attorneys concentrating in Divorce.
Gary Newland
Past President of the Northwest Suburban Bar
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25 Dec, 2023 by Mike williams
Hire Michael Strauss before you lose the opportunity. He handled my family affairs with passion and conviction. His prompt communication and client-first orientation gave me confidence to believe I was in good hands. He ultimately secured the outcome I needed through quick, decisive actions. His skills and knowledge were on display throughout the process. I highly recommend.
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09 May, 2024 by Tal clerman
Simply put…Navy Seals talk about “The line.”
You never call attorneys because things are going well. You call them when things aren’t and you need the help. In Family law, like medicine, the margin of error is zero and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Be it a child custody issue, a financial issue an emergency motion/filing or any other aspect of family law litigation: I’ve put this firm up to the task against some of the largest and most reputable law firms in the state.
They are honest, they are fair, they are prompt and are more than knowledgeable about the ins and outs of Illinois family law, they represent you with integrity compassion and most importantly the understanding that every case is different. When my initial attorney retired he said if I needed help: this is who I’d call.
Deanna and Michael and their team have helped me through the years over a myriad of complex legal issues and at every point at every turn no matter the problem they adapted, they improvised and most importantly: they overcame. Their staff is always knowledgeable about your case, court dates and any updates. They most certainly always have operated “Above the Line.”
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02 May, 2024 by Gary newland
Mike Strauss is one of the the most respected and professional attorneys concentrating in Divorce.
Gary Newland
Past President of the Northwest Suburban Bar
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25 Dec, 2023 by Mike williams
Hire Michael Strauss before you lose the opportunity. He handled my family affairs with passion and conviction. His prompt communication and client-first orientation gave me confidence to believe I was in good hands. He ultimately secured the outcome I needed through quick, decisive actions. His skills and knowledge were on display throughout the process. I highly recommend.
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4.7
6 Reviews
4.8
16 Reviews
25 Dec, 2023 by Kathy dwyer
Professional, timely, efficient communication with the team and Robbin.
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06 Oct, 2023 by C
Robbin and her assistant Lauren were wonderful! They are very caring and thoughtful in their approach during a difficult time. They are very thorough and kept the ball rolling to get through the process in the shortest amount of time possible. Can't say enough good things about them!
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26 Apr, 2022 by Ricky meyer
Robbin represented me on my prenuptial agreement. While the process seemed daunting, Robbin made it very easy on me. She was able to explain everything to me in a manner that I understood, and helped me make sure that my best interests were incorporated. I felt very comfortable and supported throughout the entire process, and could not recommend her more.
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30 Jun, 2024 by Furaha kibukila
26 Feb, 2024 by Jayhawk9877
I’ve been waiting here for too long.
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28 Dec, 2023 by Phil a
Ive used Ted twice for closings and both times everything went extremely smooth. The whole staff is extremley thorough, friendly, and on top of everything! Highly recommended!!
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27 Feb, 2024 by Jp
Marc is the best attorney to work with. He is very professional, keen, and thorough. Marc is highly knowledgeable and adept at explaining complex legal terms in a way that clients can easily understand. He identified all the important issues in the legal documents provided by the opposing attorney, ensuring that our home buying process proceeded as smoothly as possible. I would highly recommend Marc to anyone without any doubt! We could tell he truly cares about his clients. Thank you very much, Marc and the amazing staff at the firm.
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30 Jun, 2021 by Dori hayes
18 Jan, 2021 by Kimberly zeitler
Highly recommend Marc Bergmann if you need an attorney. This is my second time using his service and him and his paralegal Lisa are wonderful.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Child Support Lawyer Can Do for You
A child support lawyer specializes in legal issues related to the financial support that one parent provides to another for the upbringing of their children. These lawyers assist with establishing, enforcing, and modifying child support orders, ensuring that the financial needs of the child are met, including housing, food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. A child support lawyer can also represent parents in disputes over the amount of support, ensure fair calculations based on income, and handle legal proceedings if one parent fails to meet their obligations.
Whether you're seeking to establish child support, modify an existing order, or enforce payments, a child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights and the well-being of your child.
When Should I Hire a Child Support Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a child support lawyer when you need assistance with any of the following child support matters:
- Establishing child support: If you are going through a divorce or separation and need to establish a child support order, a lawyer can help ensure that the support amount is fair and accurately calculated.
- Modifying child support orders: If there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss, income change, or a child's financial needs, a lawyer can help you request a modification to the existing child support order.
- Enforcing child support payments: If the other parent has failed to make court-ordered child support payments, a lawyer can help enforce the order through legal means such as wage garnishment, property liens, or even legal action.
- Disputing child support calculations: If you believe the child support amount has been incorrectly calculated based on your income or expenses, a lawyer can help you challenge the calculation and seek a fair adjustment.
- Paternity disputes: If paternity needs to be established before child support can be ordered, a lawyer can assist with DNA testing and legal proceedings.
- Interstate child support cases: If the parents live in different states, navigating child support laws can be complex. A lawyer can help ensure the proper jurisdiction is established and that child support is enforced across state lines.
- Child support during custody disputes: If child custody and child support are being determined simultaneously, a lawyer can help ensure that both issues are resolved fairly and in the best interest of the child.
Hiring a lawyer early can help ensure that your child support case is handled effectively and that your child's financial needs are met.
What Does a Child Support Lawyer Do?
A child support lawyer provides a variety of legal services to help parents secure, modify, and enforce child support arrangements. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing for child support: A lawyer can help you initiate the legal process to obtain a child support order, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted and deadlines are met.
- Calculating child support: A lawyer can help ensure that child support is calculated fairly based on both parents' incomes, the needs of the child, and other factors such as healthcare and education costs.
- Negotiating child support agreements: If both parents are willing to negotiate, a lawyer can help facilitate an agreement on child support outside of court, which can then be approved by a judge.
- Representing you in court: If negotiations fail or the other parent contests the child support amount, a lawyer will represent you in family court, presenting evidence and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Modifying support orders: A lawyer can help you file a request for modification if circumstances change, such as a loss of income or an increase in the child’s financial needs.
- Enforcing child support: If the other parent is not making court-ordered payments, a lawyer can take legal steps to enforce the order through wage garnishment, property liens, or other measures.
- Handling complex cases: In cases involving high incomes, self-employment, or complicated financial situations, a lawyer can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered in determining child support.
How Are Child Support Lawyers Paid?
Child support lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work required. Common payment methods include:
- Hourly rate: Most child support lawyers charge by the hour, with rates ranging from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location. The total cost will depend on how much time the lawyer spends on your case, including preparation, negotiations, and court appearances.
- Flat fee: For more straightforward cases, such as uncontested child support agreements or basic modifications, some lawyers may offer a flat fee that covers all services related to the case.
- Retainer: Many lawyers require a retainer, which is an upfront payment that is billed against as the lawyer works on your case. The amount of the retainer depends on the expected complexity of the case.
- Sliding scale or pro bono services: Some lawyers offer sliding scale fees based on income or provide pro bono (free) services in cases where clients cannot afford to pay full legal fees, especially when children’s needs are at stake.
It’s important to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will be charged and what services are covered.
How Much Does a Child Support Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a child support lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, whether it's contested or uncontested, and the lawyer’s experience. General cost estimates include:
- Uncontested child support cases: Legal fees may range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the paperwork and the lawyer’s fees.
- Contested child support cases: Legal fees can range from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, especially if the case involves significant court time.
- Hourly rates: Lawyers typically charge between $150 and $500 per hour for child support cases, with higher rates for more experienced attorneys or cases that involve complex financial issues.
- Modification or enforcement: Fees for modifying or enforcing a child support order may range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and the need for court intervention.
Always ask for a detailed cost estimate during your consultation so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Top Questions to Ask a Child Support Lawyer
Before hiring a child support lawyer, it’s important to ask questions to ensure they are the right fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with child support cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it’s establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, offers flat fees, or requires a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case and any potential challenges you may face. -
How long will the process take?
Child support cases can take time, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to last and what factors may cause delays. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be managing your case and representing you in court. -
What documents should I prepare?
Ask the lawyer what financial documents and other information you should bring to help them calculate child support and build your case.
How to Check the Credibility of a Child Support Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable child support lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
- Look for family law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in family law and have successfully handled child support cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on child support matters.
- Check for certifications: Some lawyers may have certifications in family law or membership in organizations like the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), which can indicate their expertise in child support and family law issues.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a child support lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Income documents: Bring pay stubs, tax returns, W-2s, or any other documentation of your income and the other parent’s income, as this will be used to calculate child support.
- Existing child support orders: If there are any existing child support or custody orders, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
- Child-related expenses: Provide documentation of your child’s medical bills, education expenses, daycare costs, and any other expenses that should be factored into the child support calculation.
- Communication with the other parent: Bring any communication between you and the other parent regarding child support, whether through emails, text messages, or written agreements.
- List of questions: Prepare a list of questions about your case, the legal process, and the lawyer’s fees.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your case more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice on how to proceed.
