Unless the parties have agreed to all issues prior to meeting with us, it is impossible for us to charge a flat fee for obtaining a dissolution of the marriage. No attorney can estimate the time that will be spent on any case because he/she does not know the strategies or tactics of the other attorney. Our fees vary depending on the complexity of the case though we normally charge $225 an hour, though we will discount our fees based on need. If all issues are agreed to, we will quote a flat fee. Certain charges, such as preparation for a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) or a Deed are charged separately. Our flat fee does not include the filing costs which are presently at:

     a.  Cook - Appearance - $143.00, Petition - $274.00 Total - $417.00

     b.  Lake - Appearance - $130.00, Petition - $245.00 Total - $375.00

     c.  McHenry - Appearance - $111.00, Petition - $216.00 Total - $327.00

     d.  DuPage - Appearance - $142.00, Petition - $257.00 Total - $399.00

     e.  Will - Appearance - $119.00, Petition - $229.00 Total - $348.00

     In most counties, you will have to pay for a court reporter to type out the testimony from the trial. This normally costs between $40-$100.

     If you live in Will, McHenry, Lake or DuPage County, you must attend its parenting class which will cost $30 -$60

Attorneys Fees of the Lower Income Spouse

     Illinois law provides that a party should not be deprived the right to have an attorney because one party earns less income than their spouse. The law envisions that both parties should have an equal amount of attorneys fees that can be spent. Once a case is filed, a party can petition the court and seek that all or a portion of their fees be paid by the other spouse or the other spouse's attorney. A court does not have to and rarely orders that both attorneys receive the same payments.

Representation

     An attorney is prohibited from representing both parties in a dissolution pursuant to the Illinois Code of Professional Conduct since an attorney has a fiduciary duty to a client. An attorney cannot in good faith represent both parties since each party has different goals. Dual representation could subject an attorney to disbarment.

    Though we can only represent one party, it is not unusual for the other spouse in situations where the parties know all assets and have amicably resolved all issues, to agree to allow our firm to represent one spouse in drafting a marital settlement agreement and having it approved by the Court. This should only be done if the other spouse trusts our firm to prepare a document that complies with agreement already reached by the parties.