A Chicago family law attorney handles legal matters involving family relationships, including divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, paternity, domestic violence, prenuptial agreements, property division, and post-decree modifications. At Ward Family Law, we manage every stage of these cases from initial filing through final resolution.
Call Us Today: (312) 803-5838
Family & Divorce Law Firm Chicago
Helping People Just Like You Navigate Family Law Issues Every Day.
Family law issues involve more than emotional life transitions; they are complex legal matters with outcomes that impact you long-term. Protecting your rights and interests requires thoughtful guidance from experienced legal professionals. WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, is a practice focused on family law and matrimonial issues, offering personalized solutions and working diligently to secure the best possible outcome for every case.
We assist clients with a wide range of domestic relations matters, including high-value divorce cases, the division of complex assets such as private businesses and retirement accounts, and contentious parental responsibilities issues. Our attorneys bring a wealth of experience in all aspects of Illinois divorce proceedings. Whether you’re seeking the best divorce lawyer in Chicago, need help with child custody matters, or are involved in spousal support litigation, our team is ready to support you.
If you’re looking for a top-rated Chicago family law attorney, you can count on us to deliver focused, effective representation.
Our founder, Jennifer R. Ward, Esquire, has built a team with vast experience in family law negotiation, mediation, and litigation, allowing us to focus on the most effective solution for each case. Our attorneys craft comprehensive and precise legal documents, from prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to detailed, customized parenting plans, designed to minimize conflict and clearly define each party’s rights and responsibilities. Nevertheless, our skilled trial attorneys are fully equipped to advocate decisively when litigation is necessary.
Our Areas OfPractice & Experience
At WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, our team possesses extensive expertise across all facets of family law, offering relentless advocacy, adept problem-solving, and reliable guidance throughout the entire legal process. We are committed to providing exceptional dedication and personalized attention to every client.
We Offer Legal Counsel in Several Areas of Matrimonial and Family Law, Including:
IllinoisThe Typical Divorce Process
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Initial Consultation
Session -
Commencing
a Case -
Compiling Financials,
Discovering Information
& Researching Facts -
Discussing Parenting
Plans & Decision Making -
Discussing Settlement
& Legalities -
Discussing Alternatives
to Litigation: Mediation -
Court Proceedings:
Status,Temp Hearings &
Pre-Trial Conference
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Preparations of
Judgment for Dissolution
of Marriage -
Preparations of
Allocation Judgment
if Minor Children are
Involved -
Prove Up
(Day of Divorce)
or Setting the Case
for Trial
meet the founderCommitted to Excellence
WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC was established to provide clients with exceptional
advocates, negotiators, mediators, and experienced litigators. Ms. Ward, a
skilled Chicago divorce lawyer and the founder of the firm, has exclusively
practiced matrimonial and family law for over 20 years. She has been an
Adjunct Faculty member at University of Illinois – Chicago School of Law (formerly known as The John Marshall Law School) since 2005, teaching
family law legal writing. Notably, the legal writing program is ranked #6 in the
country by US News & World Report (2019).
Ms. Ward has been honored to speak at the “Leaving a Long-Term
Marriage” workshop by The Lilac Tree, an Evanston-based not-for-profit
resource for women contemplating divorce. Additionally, she has provided
matrimonial-related lectures at The Latin School of Chicago Adult Education
Program and has contributed commentary to Chicago Tribune publications
on family law topics.
Her extensive experience in the classroom, lectures, publications, and
courtroom ensures clients receive well-rounded representation. This includes
finesse in settlement negotiations, precise drafting skills, and adept litigation
support. At WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, clients benefit from Ms. Ward’s
comprehensive expertise and commitment to their success.
What Sets Us Apart?
Committed
to Our Values & Your Success
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Effective Execution
A strategic plan for success is vital, and we excel at
executing those plans effectively. -
Making the Law Work for You
Good lawyers know the law, great lawyers know
how to make the law work for you. -
Support During Difficult Times
We help clients keep their lives together when
family dynamics become challenging. -
Reputation for Excellence
At WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC we’ve earned our
reputation for excellence one client at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a family law attorney in Chicago?
If you are facing divorce, a custody dispute, a support modification, a domestic violence situation, or any legal matter involving your family or finances, you should consult a family law attorney. Even in seemingly straightforward situations, an attorney ensures your rights are protected and agreements are legally enforceable under Illinois law.
How much does a family law attorney cost in Chicago?
Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether it is contested or uncontested, and how many issues need to be resolved. At Ward Family Law, we offer a free initial consultation so you can understand the scope of your case and discuss fee arrangements before making any commitment.
How long do family law cases take in Illinois?
Timelines vary significantly. An uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as a few weeks once all paperwork is filed. Contested cases involving custody disputes, business valuations, or complex assets can take 12 to 24 months or more. Your attorney can give you a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your situation.
What court handles family law cases in Chicago?
Family law cases in Chicago are handled by the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Cases in surrounding suburbs may be heard in DuPage, Lake, Will, or Kane County circuit courts depending on where the parties reside.
Can I handle my own family law case in Illinois without an attorney?
Technically yes, but it is strongly discouraged — especially when children, significant assets, or support obligations are involved. Illinois family law is complex, and mistakes in agreements or court filings can have lasting financial and parental consequences that are difficult or impossible to reverse.
What is the difference between family law and divorce law?
Divorce law is a subset of family law. Family law encompasses all legal matters relating to family relationships, including divorce, custody, support, paternity, adoption, domestic violence, and prenuptial agreements. A family law attorney can assist with all of these matters, not just divorce proceedings.
Does Ward Family Law serve clients outside of Chicago?
Yes. Ward Family Law serves clients throughout the greater Chicagoland area, including Cook County, DuPage County, Lake County, Will County, and Kane County. We appear in domestic relations courts across the region and offer consultations for clients in surrounding communities.
What should I bring to my first family law consultation?
Bring any relevant documents such as marriage certificates, financial records, tax returns, existing court orders, prenuptial agreements, and any correspondence from the other party or their attorney. The more information you provide, the more specific and useful our guidance can be from the very first meeting.
How do I get started with Ward Family Law?
Contact our office by phone or through the website to schedule a free consultation. During that initial meeting, we will listen to your situation, explain your legal options under Illinois law, and outline a strategy tailored to your goals. There is no obligation to retain us after the consultation.
We’re Helping Real People Solve Real Problems Everyday
This Law firm was excellent with communication and follow through, compassionate to my very unique situation and ultimately GOT THE JOB DONE! Thanks to Jennifer Ward you are appreciated! Continued success to you!
Edward A.
Jennifer was absolutely stellar. They helped me navigate a difficult divorce & assisted in managing reduction in further traumatic interactions with the Ex. I am so grateful for her guidance & support!
Brittney C.
I do not tend to write many reviews but I know that when something works you need to pass it along. This team works. For you. For your kids.
Ramesh G.
They are highly skilled at both negotiation and litigation - we were able to settle the financials but had to litigate the kid issues - Jennifer always put my interests first.
Jitendra K.
I'm grateful for the dedication during my child support case. They provided me with the guidance I needed to get me to the end.
Vikas C.
I'm grateful!! Unmatched support and guidance from start to finish in modifying an old child support order.
Oluwafemi O.
Five stars! Jennifer was responsive, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout my divorce proceedings.
Koby B.
Choosing Ward Family Law was the best decision I made during my paternity case. Their dedication to achieving the best outcome for their clients and the kids is unmatched.
B. M.
A big thank you!! The dedication and professionalism throughout my divorce proceedings - truly grateful. I couldn't have asked for a better legal team.
Carlos B.
I appreciated the attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome in my case. Highly recommended!
Lionel C.
Ward Family Law is a dedicated Chicago family law firm offering skilled, compassionate representation across every area of family law. When you need the best divorce attorneys Chicago has to offer, our team brings decades of Illinois family law experience, personalized strategy, and a proven record of results to every case we handle.
Why CHOOSE USWe Pursue the Best Possible Outcome
for Your Case.
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Innovative
We pride ourselves on our advocacy in the field of family law, recognizing the need for tailored, forward-thinking solutions for our clients. Our attorneys are distinguished for their innovative methods that set us apart from other firms.
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Effective
Efficiency is at the heart of our practice. We prioritize your resources and aim to settle disputes swiftly and amicably when possible, leveraging our skills as negotiators both in and out of the courtroom.
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Experienced
When you engage our services, you benefit from the collective skills and insights of our entire legal team. Our decades of experience and deep understanding of the law help ensure a comprehensive approach to each case.
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Distinguished
Our firm is home to seasoned litigators, mediators, and legal writers with a reputation for excellence. Many organizations have relied upon us as speakers and presenters in family law matters, and we regularly contribute to articles and publications in our field.
Latest Blog
What Chicago Parents Should Know About Post-Decree Changes
05 Jun 2026
How Chicago Parents Can Regain Stability After Divorce When you first went through your divorce or parentage case, your life probably looked very different than it does today. Your kids were younger, school and activities were simpler, and your work schedule or…
What Happens to Retirement Accounts in a Chicago Divorce
24 Apr 2026
Protecting Your Future: How Divorce Affects Retirement Retirement accounts are often one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle in a Chicago divorce. For many couples, the money sitting in a 401(k), IRA, or pension is worth as much as, or more…
Signs Your Chicago Custody Order Needs Modification
17 Apr 2026
When Your Parenting Plan No Longer Fits Real Life A parenting plan is supposed to bring structure and calm during a hard time. In Illinois, custody is called allocation of parental responsibilities and that includes both parenting time and decision-making authority, and…
Our dedicated team of lawyers, paralegals, and staff provides reliable guidance and support
every step of the way.
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(312) 803-5838
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The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.