FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is Legal Solutions — Collaborative Family Law, and what areas of law do you practice? Legal Solutions — Collaborative Family Law is a family law firm serving Kane, DeKalb, and DuPage Counties in Northern Illinois. We focus exclusively on divorce, mediation, collaborative law, child custody and support, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, guardianship, adoption, and domestic violence protective orders.

2. Where are your offices located, and what communities do you serve? We have an office at 440 S. 3rd Street, Suite 201, St. Charles, IL 60174. We serve clients throughout the western Chicago suburbs, including Aurora, Geneva, Batavia, Elgin, DeKalb, Algonquin, Carpentersville, and surrounding communities.

3. What is collaborative divorce, and is it right for my family? Collaborative divorce is a process where both spouses and their attorneys commit to resolving all issues — asset division, parenting time, child support — outside of court through structured negotiation. It's ideal for couples who want to protect their co-parenting relationship, reduce conflict, and avoid the cost and stress of litigation.

4. What is mediation, and how does it differ from going to court? Mediation uses a neutral third party to help both spouses reach mutually agreeable solutions without a judge deciding for your family. It's typically faster, more affordable, less adversarial, and gives you far greater control over the outcome than traditional courtroom litigation.

5. What are unbundled or limited scope legal services? Unbundled legal services let you hire us for only the specific tasks you need — drafting an agreement, reviewing documents, coaching you on court procedures, or a single court appearance — rather than full representation. This à la carte approach is offered at flat-fee rates and is perfect for clients who want professional support at key moments without the cost of full representation.

6. How does Illinois determine child custody? Illinois courts apply a "best interests of the child" standard, considering each parent's ability to cooperate, the child's adjustment to home and school, the child's own wishes (depending on age), the mental and physical health of all parties, and each parent's history of involvement in caregiving. Our goal is always to preserve meaningful bonds between children and both parents whenever safe and appropriate.

7. What is a Guardian Ad Litem, and when might one be appointed? A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) is an attorney appointed by the court to represent a child's best interests independently of either parent. A GAL investigates the child's situation, interviews relevant parties, and makes recommendations to the court. One is typically appointed when parents are in serious conflict, there are allegations of abuse or neglect, or the court needs an independent assessment of the child's needs.

8. Do you handle prenuptial and postnuptial agreements? Yes. We draft and review both prenuptial agreements (before marriage) and postnuptial agreements (during marriage). These documents can protect individual assets, define financial roles, safeguard a family business or inheritance, and provide clarity in the event of divorce or death — all properly executed under Illinois law.

9. What is the "Our Family On Purpose" program? "Our Family On Purpose" is a signature program we developed to help co-parents build intentional, healthy family structures after separation or divorce. It promotes proactive communication and parenting planning with a family-first mindset, reducing conflict and supporting children's long-term well-being.

10. How do I schedule a consultation, and what should I expect? Call us at (630) 888-0017 or reach out by email to set up an initial consultation. One of our attorneys will listen to your situation, explain your options — collaborative, mediated, or traditional — and help you identify the path that best fits your family's needs. Every consultation is held in complete confidence and approached with genuine care.