Reviews

My wife and I are parents to a special needs child. We have a long history of partnering with the administrators in the school district and the special education teachers at the school. Despite this an inexperienced teacher, with little knowledge of the history, filed a DCFS report on us over a story our child told. Although the school district and the experienced teachers supported my wife and I, as required by law, we would have to go through a full DCFS investigation. A friend with knowledge of the DCFS pointed us in the direction of Marie Taraska, whom we hired after an initial consultation. Maire walked us through the entire DCFS process and was there for us from start to finish. Marie’s knowledge of the DCFS law and her experience working in the system not only gave confidence that our case would be resolved positively but also reaffirmed our belief in ourselves as parents. With Marie’s help our case was unfounded in short order. If you find yourself in our situation and facing a DCFS investigation, I highly recommend Marie Taraska. Do not have a friend who happens to be lawyer represent you and do not hire someone who doesn’t specialize in DCFS law. The DCFS is its own entity with its own rules and only a lawyer who knows this system like Marie can work fast and effectively to clear your name and put the matter behind you.

Last April I worked for a school district in the south suburbs and was assigned as a monitor for a special needs child. To no fault of her own, the child was combative and had a flight response and would stop at nothing to get out of her seat belts while the bus was moving. While trying to keep her in her safety restraints, I was falsely accused of slapping the child. Naturally, I was terrified and felt helpless. I hired Marie to represent me through the criminal investigation. She was outstanding in her handling of the situation. Her instincts as a former prosecutor helped her to understand the minds of the people who were trying to form a case against me. She used her former experience to guide me every step of the way. After 4 long months I have been 100% exhonerated from any wrong doing. I can not say enough how much Marie's expertise got me through this nightmare.

In the course of a recent custody dispute, false accusations of emotional abuse to my son were made against me to DFCS. Marie Taraska is an outstanding and professional attorney who not only defended me at trial, but investigated the matter to find evidence to prove my innocence. Marie did an outstanding job questioning and cross examining the witnesses to show the information which was used to indicate me was false. Marie proved in court that the individual who called the hotline was dishonest. Marie won my case. Not only was my indication expunged but so was my character! I would highly recommend Marie Taraska if you have been wrongfully accused by anyone!

This was my first experience with a serious legal matter and I wasn't really sure what to expect. I won't get into the details of my specific case but I will say this....Marie treated me with dignity and respect from day one. She believed in me and fought hard for me and because of this the case ended favorably for me. In addition to this she also saved me money on my fees due to her diligence and efficiency! She was always available to talk when I needed her and she made me feel like I was her only client. I cannot thank her enough!!

Marie Taraska was referred to me from a big firm in downtown Chicago. Marie talked with me right away and explained her expertise for my case. While the case itself took a long time, Marie kept me updated as to where the case is at every juncture. When we finally did have the hearing, her expertise really shined. She new and remembered every conversation we had, but also new every person's involvement and how to speak to each person individually. What she presented on my behalf it was remarkable, but more importantly her cross examinations with others was expert. It is harder for me to explain with out giving too much info of the case. I will say Marie is personable and a consumet professional, and I would recommend her to anyone with concern over children and Illinois DCFS. I believe we became friends and still communicate. Thank you Marie James and Pam Viverito

Imagine my surprise when I get a call from DCFS saying they have just interviewed my children while they are at camp/school on false charges that I didn't supervise my daughter at the park one day a few weeks prior! We all have room to improve but I consider myself a very dedicated Mom who always works hard to keep her kids safe, happy, and healthy. So this claim came as a huge shock to me and resulted in one of the hardest 9 months of my life. I was in the middle of a divorce and my divorce lawyer recommended Marie. I am forever grateful that she did! Marie took charge immediately and helped take the load off my shoulders. She is caring, dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced- about DCFS procedures in particular. That helped me calm down (because I was beyond hysterical) and focus on the task at hand - clearing my name and helping my kids understand the situation (they were and still are frightened by the thought that any random stranger can call DCFS and made false claims). Marie always let me have input in the process at every step along the way. She believed in my innocence. In court, it was immediately clear how much more prepared and skillful Marie was than the DCFS lawyer. When Marie’s cross-examined the one witness (the accuser didn't even show up to testify!), she just destroyed their testimony and proved that they were jumping to conclusions. In the end, my expungement was granted! I can never say enough praise about Marie!

I will forever be grateful for Marie Taraska. This was the first time I had ever been involved in a serious legal matter. Imagine DCFS coming to your home stating they are investigating you for abuse and neglect. I would never harm my children or anyone else's. The fact that someone lied and said I would put a child in harm’s way was hurtful and frightening. DCFS thought they had enough credible evidence to eventually indicate me. I knew immediately this indication would be detrimental to my career as well as my reputation as a mother. After shedding so many tears and praying to God to bless me with a lawyer who was knowledgeable, aggressive and affordable, he led me to Marie Taraska. Not only was she my lawyer, but she was an angel in disguise. I was so hysterical, but Marie told me to have faith that the truth would prevail. When we went to court, Marie showed her skills. She was assertive, intimidating, and sharp! She was able to prove the person who initiated the call and the DCFS investigator were not credible. Marie even left the prosecutor speechless at times. My expungement was GRANTED and my career was saved! Marie did not view me as a dollar sign or just another case, she saw me as an individual who was falsely indicated and made it her mission to prove that.