When a family is changing, you need a lawyer who listens, explains your options clearly and protects what matters most: your relationship with your children and your financial security.
Since 1992, Gardiner Koch Weisberg & Wrona has helped people through divorce, custody and support matters in Chicago, Naperville and the surrounding suburbs. Whenever we can, we resolve issues through good communication, because parents, not a judge who doesn’t know your family, should make the important decisions about their children. When agreement isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to go to court.
Our clients come from every walk of life: business owners, salaried employees, stay-at-home parents and hourly workers. When a case calls for it, we work with appraisers, financial planners, actuaries, psychologists and mediators.
How we can help:
Divorce
Some divorces are cooperative; many are not. We advocate firmly for your share of marital property and your time with your children, from the first filing through later modifications, and we know how to find assets a spouse may be hiding. Other lawyers often refer contested divorces to us.
Child custody and parenting time
We work toward parenting agreements that work for both parents. When that isn’t possible, we fight for the arrangement that is best for our client and the children. Lynn Weisberg is frequently appointed by judges as a child’s representative and guardian ad litem, so we understand how courts look at these questions. We also handle complicated cases, including parents who relocate, travel for work or live in different countries.
Child support and expenses
Illinois guidelines set most child support, but business owners and high earners often need careful analysis. We also help parents resolve disagreements over college costs, support for adult children and planning for children with special needs, including special needs trusts.
Maintenance (alimony)
We push for maintenance that is fair given each spouse’s finances. Either spouse may receive it.
Property division
Illinois requires a “just” division of marital property. We help you understand what is marital and what is separate, what each asset is really worth and what the tax consequences will be. That includes family businesses, retirement accounts, stock options, investment portfolios and second homes. As outside general counsel to many companies, we know how to protect a business while its owner goes through a divorce.
Mediation, arbitration and collaborative divorce
Many families settle their divorce without a trial. Mediation and arbitration are often faster and less expensive than court. Collaborative divorce commits both sides to reaching agreement through negotiation, and three of our lawyers are certified in it.
Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
A prenuptial agreement sets out how property and income will be handled, and it can protect a family business or children from an earlier marriage. A postnuptial agreement does the same after the wedding and can help a couple who are working to save their marriage. Tom Gardiner is the author of The Post-Nup Solution: How to Save a Marriage in Crisis or End It Fairly.
Orders of protection
If you or your children are being abused, your safety comes first. We move quickly to obtain orders of protection and to address custody. We also defend clients against false allegations, which can damage reputations and careers.
Legal separation
Legal separation settles property, custody, parenting time and maintenance without a divorce. Couples choose it for religious reasons, for a cooling-off period, or so one spouse can stay on the other’s health insurance.
Guardianship and adoption
We establish guardianships for children, older adults and people with disabilities, and we help relatives, often grandparents, seek guardianship when parents can’t safely care for their children. We also guide families through every step of adoption.
Talk with us
Call (312) 362-0000 (after hours: (312) 371-6279) or send us a message to schedule a free consultation.
Our family law attorneys
Lynn N. Weisberg, Partner
Leads the firm’s family law practice. Certified in collaborative divorce, on the court-approved list of child’s representatives and frequently appointed as guardian ad litem. Illinois Super Lawyer (2013, 2014) and Leading Lawyer (2016 to present).
Jennifer N. Airato, Partner
Practices exclusively family law, handling divorce, custody, support and related matters. Joined the firm in 2006 and became a partner six years later. Co-author of “Shared Parenting in the Determination of Child Support.”
Thomas G. Gardiner, Partner
Founding partner and author of The Post-Nup Solution. Illinois Super Lawyer (2007 to present) and Leading Lawyer (2016 to present).