Family Law Attorneys in Chicago, IL

Divorce, custody, and support cases for Chicago families are heard in Cook County, and the process can feel overwhelming. A licensed Illinois family law attorney who practices in Chicago will review your situation for free.

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How we match your Chicago family law case

When you submit a Chicago family law matter, we route it through a national network of independent partner firms and put it in front of the one that fits best — based on the kind of case it is, what it is likely to involve, where it has to be handled, and who has capacity to take it on now.

Case type

A family law matter needs someone who handles family law work day to day, not a generalist. Practice area is the first filter.

Size and complexity

Some firms are built for catastrophic injury and multi-party litigation; others resolve straightforward claims quickly. We weigh what your matter is likely to involve against how each firm actually works.

Jurisdiction and licensing

Your matter is decided under Illinois law, so it goes to an attorney licensed in Illinois who regularly appears where your case would be heard.

Capacity and fit

Availability, conflicts of interest and language all matter. If the best-fit firm cannot take your case, we route it to the next one that can — or tell you plainly when no one in the network is the right answer.

Every partner reviews your case for free. Injury and workers’ compensation matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless you win. Other matters are quoted upfront, before you commit to anything.

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DearLegal provides marketing and matching services and is not a law firm. Submitting a case does not create an attorney-client relationship. Matches depend on case type, jurisdiction and firm availability.

Family Law cases in Chicago

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Family cases in Chicago involve everything from divorces with condos and pensions to divide to custody disputes between parents in different neighborhoods or suburbs, and support matters for families at every income level. Illinois divides marital property equitably and uses the term parenting time and allocation of responsibilities rather than custody. Cook County’s domestic relations courts are busy, and mediation is commonly used for parenting disputes. Patience and preparation matter. DearLegal matches you with an Illinois-licensed attorney who handles family law cases in Chicago, with a free review.

Chicago divorces and parenting cases are heard in Cook County’s domestic relations courts.
Illinois divides marital property equitably rather than equally, based on factors like contributions and need.
Cook County commonly sends contested parenting disputes to mediation before a trial.

Illinois family law rules at a glance

Chicago cases run under Illinois law. The full walkthrough — timeline, when to call, case types, and what a recovery can include — is on the Illinois page.

Read the full Illinois family law guide →

Residency Requirement: 90 days
90 days for petitioner or respondent (750 ILCS 5/401)
Property Division System: Equitable distribution
Equitable distribution — just proportions (750 ILCS 5/503)
Custody Standard: Allocation
Allocation of parental responsibilities (decision-making and parenting time) under 750 ILCS 5/602.5 and 602.7
Child Support Guidelines: Income Shares
Income Shares model (effective July 1, 2017) under 750 ILCS 5/505
Spousal Support Framework: 33.3%
Maintenance under 750 ILCS 5/504 — statutory guideline formula (33.3% of payor’s net minus 25% of payee’s net, capped at 40% of combined); duration tied to marriage length
Typical attorney fee: Hourly
Hourly / Flat Fee

Exhibit D

How much do Chicago family law attorneys cost?

Typical fee schedule

Illinois · Family Law

Fee modelHourly / Flat Fee

Feequoted per petition or matter

Filing costsitemized upfront

Case reviewFree

Illustrative only. Your fee terms are set in a written agreement with your attorney and may include costs and expenses regardless of outcome.

Family Law matters in Illinois are usually a flat fee per filing — quoted before you commit, not billed by the hour.

Family law cases in Illinois are not handled on contingency. Illinois Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d)(1) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of maintenance, support, or property settlement. Illinois family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under 750 ILCS 5/501(c-1) and 5/503(j).

A good attorney walks through every number at your free consultation — before you sign anything.

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Exhibit F

Chicago family law questions, answered

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In Cook County, which has domestic relations courts handling divorce, parenting, and support matters. The court’s caseload is large, so cases can take time. An attorney files correctly, manages disclosures, and guides you through mediation or hearings as the case requires.

Illinois uses equitable distribution, meaning marital property is divided fairly based on factors like each spouse’s contributions, income, and needs, not necessarily fifty-fifty. Property owned before marriage generally stays separate. An attorney helps identify, value, and argue for a fair division.

Illinois uses the terms parenting time and decision-making responsibilities instead of custody. Parents submit a parenting plan, and Cook County often requires mediation if they disagree. An attorney helps you prepare a plan focused on the child’s best interests and represents you if disputes remain.

Illinois has no mandatory waiting period (since 2016). Uncontested divorces typically finalize 60–120 days after filing. Contested cases generally take 9–18 months, with high-conflict cases extending well beyond.

Yes — and as of 2016, no-fault is the only basis for divorce in Illinois. Irreconcilable differences must be established under 750 ILCS 5/401, which the parties can prove by 6 months of separation (presumed) or stipulation.