Chicago Family Law Attorneys

Are You In Need of a Chicago Family Law Lawyer?

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we understand that legal matters involving family are often layered with emotional, financial, and practical complexities, especially for professionals, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. Our firm delivers strong legal guidance with wisdom and discretion, helping clients manage difficult issues like divorce, parenting time, and financial issues with confidence.

Whether you’re facing the end of a marriage or seeking to establish or modify parenting arrangements, our Chicago family law attorneys provide strategic solutions tailored to your needs. We approach each case with the goal of securing lasting outcomes while minimizing unnecessary conflict.

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Reasons to Choose Our Firm

• Over 35 years of experience in Illinois family law, serving clients since 1988
• Listed in the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
• Known for delivering sensitive yet strong representation in high-conflict divorce and parenting matters
• Recognized for working with high-net-worth individuals including professionals, executives, and business owners
• Trusted advocates for same-sex couples navigating complex family law issues
• Respected throughout the Chicago legal community for providing intelligent, strategic legal solutions tailored to each client

Effective Legal Support When It Matters Most

Nottage and Ward, LLP helps clients manage family law issue with discretion and a commitment to your long-term stability. Learn more today by calling (312) 332-2915.

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Marriage Laws in Illinois

Marriage is a contract between two individuals. To get married in Illinois, you must:

• Be 18 or older (or at least 16 with proof of consent from both parents);
• Have received a free health pamphlet from a county clerk containing information about sexually transmitted and inherited metabolic diseases; and
• Submit an application for a marriage license that includes personal information (name, address, sex, date of birth), information about any previous marriages, name, and address of parents or guardians if applicable, disclosing whether the applicants are related and, if so, what the relationship is.

The State of Illinois requires that an official marriage ceremony be performed by an authorized person. It is not required that you take your spouse’s name when you marry in the state. Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States, there are no restrictions for marriage based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

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How a Family Law Attorney in Chicago Can Help

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we understand that issues such as divorce, parenting time, and financial arrangements can have long-lasting effects on both your personal life and your future stability. We help clients manage conflict, reduce unnecessary stress, and pursue solutions that support long-term security for their families. Some of the ways we can assist include:

• Guiding you through the divorce process with discretion and clarity
• Advocating for fair allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time
• Addressing financial issues such as maintenance and property division
• Assisting with modifications of existing court orders when circumstances change
• Providing legal support for pre- and post-nuptial agreements
• Representing same-sex couples in family law matters with sensitivity and respect

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Illinois Family Law Mediation

Before child allocation issues are addressed by a judge in Illinois, mediation is required. Mediation can also be utilized by divorcing couples to resolve issues such as:

• Division of marital assets and debt
• Allocation of parental rights, time, and responsibilities
• Present and future financial agreements

Agreements reached between the spouses in mediation are legally binding. This may be a good option for divorcing spouses who are able to find common ground and control their emotions.

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Illinois Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

In Illinois, child custody is called the allocation of parental responsibilities, and the custodial parent is called the allocated parent. The courts recognize:

Legal custody: This refers to a parent or guardian’s right to make major life decisions for the child, such as schooling or religion.

Physical custody: The parent with physical custody is the parent with whom the child lives.

Joint custody: In Illinois, both parents may have legal and/or physical custody. This arrangement is known as joint custody.

Children ages 14 and older may choose which parent to live with. However, if the judge determines it is not in the child’s best interests, the court may disregard the child’s decision.

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Will You Need Spousal Maintenance or Alimony?

In many cases, when a couple divorces, one spouse may be left with little to no financial assets to support their basic needs. Illinois law permits courts to order temporary, reviewable, or permanent spousal support to help compensate the spouse in need of financial assistance. This support is provided in the form of income and/or property from one spouse to the other. If you believe that spousal maintenance will be a factor in your divorce, consult with a Chicago family law lawyer to build a strong case on your behalf to protect your rights and financial future.

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Strategic Legal Support for Complex Family Law Matters

High-stakes family law cases demand thoughtful solutions. Let Nottage and Ward, LLP advocate for your best interests.

Call (312) 332-2915 to get started.

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Spousal Maintenance in Illinois

Spousal maintenance, referred to as alimony in other states, is subject to the Illinois courts’ discretion. They hold the final decision on whether or not a spouse may be awarded it, how much will be awarded, and how long it can be received. In making these determinations, the courts consider a number of factors, including the length of the marriage, maintenance from previous marriages, child support, and the earning capacity, income, property, and needs of each party.

When determining maintenance, the court will focus on an objective view of the situation and will not consider “marital misconduct” per Illinois Civil Statute 750 § 5/504. When reviewing spousal maintenance, the court will follow these two guidelines:

• Maintenance may include up to 33.3% of the payor’s gross income minus 25% of the payee’s gross income. When maintenance is added to the payee’s gross income, the total amount may not exceed 40% of the combined gross income of both payor and payee.
• The duration that maintenance may be received is based on how long the spouses were married in years multiplied by a decimal amount listed in the statute. This decimal amount is subject to change based on the length of the marriage. However, if the marriage has lasted for 20 years or more, spousal maintenance may be permanent or equal to the length of the marriage, depending on the court’s decision.

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Reasons to Call a Chicago Family Law Attorney Right Away

When family challenges arise, reaching out to a family law attorney early can make all the difference in how your case is handled. At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we understand that divorce, parenting time disputes, and financial concerns are not just legal matters; they are life-changing events.

By calling an attorney right away, you can avoid costly mistakes, better understand your rights, and begin building a strategy that reflects both your personal goals and your child’s best interests. Acting quickly ensures you are not caught off guard by deadlines or decisions made without your input.

Some of the most important reasons to call a family law attorney immediately include:

• Avoiding missteps that could affect property, parenting time, or financial outcomes
• Gaining a clear understanding of your legal rights and responsibilities
• Protecting your child’s best interests from the start
• Ensuring temporary agreements don’t become permanent disadvantages
• Reducing stress by having steady, informed legal guidance during uncertain times

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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

An awesome attorney! - Laura (5-Star Avvo Review)

Jeffrey is an awesome attorney! He was a very strong, thorough, tough advocate for me at a very difficult time in my life. Not only was Jeffrey terrific at handling the current issues in my case, he also helped me think about and plan for my future life after the case. Jeffrey is truly a great advocate.

I cannot recommend this firm enough -Alissa R. (5-Star Yelp Review)

Jeff Knipmeyer handled my case with total professionalism and negotiated a great settlement, all within a quick time frame. I cannot recommend this firm enough for your family legal needs. It’s tough enough to have to go through a divorce, but If you are looking for an attorney who knows the law and is working in your best interests, you found it.

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Speak With a Trusted Chicago Family Lawyer Today

At Nottage and Ward, LLP, we combine deep legal knowledge with real-world understanding. We know that family law cases aren’t just about statutes and courtrooms; they’re about people, futures, and protecting what matters most.

Whether you're starting the divorce process, preparing for a parenting dispute, or dealing with post-divorce concerns, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

Contact us today at (312) 332-2915 to schedule a consultation with an attorney who will protect your family and your future.

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Family Law FAQs

What types of cases fall under family law?

Family law includes divorce, the allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly custody), parenting time, maintenance (formerly alimony), division of property and debts, civil union dissolution, and post-divorce modifications. At Nottage and Ward, we focus exclusively on these areas to provide the highest level of service.

What’s the difference between “custody” and “allocation of parental responsibilities”?

Illinois no longer uses the term “custody.” Instead, courts allocate two things:

• Decision-making responsibilities (education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities)
• Parenting time (the schedule each parent spends with the child)

Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?

Even in an uncontested divorce, it’s important to have legal counsel review your agreements to ensure your rights are protected, especially in cases involving property, children, or retirement assets. Our attorneys can draft or review all documents to ensure accuracy and fairness.

How is property divided in a divorce in Illinois?

Illinois follows equitable distribution, which means assets and debts are divided fairly, not necessarily equally. The court considers each spouse’s contributions, financial circumstances, and the length of the marriage. Complex assets like businesses or investment accounts often require expert valuation.

Can we create our own parenting plan?

Yes, and courts often encourage it. However, parenting plans must meet legal standards and be in the child’s best interests. We help clients draft detailed, enforceable parenting plans that address day-to-day logistics and long-term goals.

How is maintenance (alimony) decided in Illinois?

Maintenance is based on multiple factors, including each spouse’s income, the duration of the marriage, and the standard of living during the marriage. Illinois uses statutory guidelines, but courts can deviate when necessary. Our firm advocates for fair, practical outcomes—whether you’re seeking or opposing maintenance.

What happens if I want to change my parenting plan or maintenance order?

Changes may be made if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. We help clients seek or defend against modification requests, always focused on protecting the stability of the family and the best interests of the child.

What can I do if my spouse is hiding income or assets?

Our firm frequently works with forensic accountants and valuation experts to uncover concealed income, hidden accounts, or underreported business income. We take aggressive steps to ensure full financial disclosure and fair distribution.

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Meet Our Attorneys

Leslie Fineberg

Leslie Fineberg is a seasoned family law attorney and partner at Nottage and Ward, LLP. With over three decades of experience, she represents clients in complex divorce cases involving the allocation of parental responsibilities, maintenance, and division of high-value assets. Leslie is known for her calm, strategic approach and her ability to guide clients through emotionally and financially challenging transitions with clarity and confidence.

She has extensive experience representing professionals, business owners, and individuals in high-conflict family law matters, as well as non-traditional and same-sex families navigating parental and partnership rights.

Leslie Fineberg is licensed to practice law in Illinois.

Jeffrey Knipmeyer

Jeffrey Knipmeyer is the managing partner at Nottage and Ward, LLP, where he focuses exclusively on family law. He has built a respected practice representing professionals, executives, business owners, and individuals in high-asset and high-conflict divorce cases.

Jeff is particularly skilled in matters involving the allocation of parental responsibilities, complex property division, and maintenance. He also has extensive experience advising same-sex couples and non-traditional families in matters of divorce, civil union dissolution, and parentage.

Known for his practical, solution-oriented approach, Jeff helps clients navigate emotionally charged legal challenges while protecting their rights and long-term interests.

Jeffrey Knipmeyer is licensed to practice law in Illinois.

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