Best Family Lawyer in Chicago
KRISTINA BUCHTHAL ALKASS
Family Lawyer
I reach the best results for my clients by always being ready to fight hard in court. I find that the more I prepare for hearings and trials, the more likely the opposing party is to settle and avoid having those hearings against me. The result, ideally, is that my clients get the best possible settlement, while avoiding the risk and expense of protracted litigation.
Education
- J.D., DePaul University, College of Law, Chicago, Illinois
- B.S., Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism, Evanston, Illinois, Journalism
Bar Certifications
- Admitted to the Bar of Illinois Supreme Court
- Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Bar Association Memberships
- Northwest Suburban Bar Association
Awards and Recognition
- Super Lawyers Rising Star 2014-2018
- Dean’s Merit Scholarship, DePaul University College of Law
Mario Correa
Family Lawyer
Welcome to Correa Law, a leading Chicago law firm specializing in estate planning, elder law, wills and trusts, and probate matters. With over a quarter century of experience, our attorneys provide personalized solutions that protect your assets and secure your family’s future.
Our estate planning attorneys minimize taxes and court costs while sheltering assets in cases of separation or divorce. We navigate probate effectively and efficiently, protecting your interests throughout the process. Trust administration and education are our specialties, ensuring trustees fulfill their responsibilities.
We implement and administer court-appointed guardianships, safeguarding the well-being of your loved ones. In contested matters, our skilled litigators advocate for your interests. Whether facing illness, disability, or organizing your affairs, we help you be prepared.
Why Choose Correa Law, a Wills and Trust Firm:
Expertise in estate planning, elder law, wills and trusts, and probate matters.
Personalized solutions tailored to your unique requirements.
Exceptional client service with compassion and understanding.
Proactive guidance to safeguard your assets and loved ones’ future.
Results-oriented representation by skilled negotiators and litigators.
Joshua Haid
Family Lawyer
Mr. Joshua P. Haid is one of the founding members of the Women’s Divorce & Family Law Group and is now the Managing Partner. He co-founded the original firm in 2009 after being approached by a lawyer who believed there was a need for a law firm focused on the rights of women and mothers undergoing a divorce. She, herself a corporate lawyer, had just completed and underwent the stress and frustration of a divorce, and believed there was a need for a law firm that was fair and aggressive when necessary, but most of all, honest and straightforward with all their clients about the entire process. With her help, Mr. Haid set up the first law firm in Chicago to focus on Women’s and Mothers’ rights, which has now grown to three offices in downtown Chicago, Lake Forest, and Lisle. After merging with co-partner James Teich in 2014, he has overseen the transition of the firm into one of Chicago’s fastest-growing law firms dedicated solely to the practice of family law.
Mr. Haid has extensive experience litigating complicated divorce and custody cases throughout Illinois, including many cases with multi-jurisdictional parties (e.g. Parties in different states or different countries), and high-net-worth estates. He has been recognized in Super Lawyers publications in both 2017 and 2018 as a Rising Star and a Super Lawyer in 2022 (honoring those exhibiting excellence in the practice of law and only received by 2.5% of lawyers in Illinois), serves on the NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Illinois Board of Directors, and has taught multiple CLEs (continuing legal education) seminars to other lawyers, including, how to litigate against and properly represent parties with mental health issues. He has also worked on many divorces involving the LGBTQ community. Indeed, he filed Illinois’ first same-sex divorce and has been working with members of the LGBTQ to ensure equal rights in divorce and custody cases ever since.
Aaron Korson
Family Lawyer
Aaron Trent Korson is the founding partner and managing attorney of Chicago Family Attorneys, LLC, a premier family law firm serving Chicago, Cook County, Lake County, and DuPage County. With a focus on divorce, child custody, and domestic relations, Korson has established himself as a dedicated advocate for families navigating complex family law challenges.
In addition to assisting families, Mr. Korson has focused on helping entrepreneurs and others in real estate and business transactions to grow their own businesses and reach their professional dreams. By doing so, he has helped many young professionals attain financial security in the local community.
Attorney Aaron Korson’s journey to becoming a respected Chicago divorce lawyer began with his Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Central Michigan University in 2010. He furthered his legal education at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, earning his Juris Doctor in 2015. His comprehensive educational background provides a strong foundation for his practice in Illinois family law.
After passing the bar exam, Attorney Aaron Korson began working in several areas of law including insurance law, personal injury, and immigration law. While working for several law firms in Chicago, Illinois, Attorney Aaron Korson worked on his professional skills and handled multi-million dollar cases while representing doctors, nurses, IT specialists, and customers of various insurance companies in litigation.
The skills that Mr. Korson gained helped draft his basis for pursuing cases on behalf of family law and divorce clients during Covid-19.
Kourosh Arami, Esq.
Family Lawyer
Family and matrimonial law cases require a level of compassion and dedication that some attorneys simply don’t understand. A process like navigating a contested family law matter, for example, can be complex and difficult even in the best of times, and it can feel almost impossible to manage when you are emotionally distraught. While there are a great number of Chicago family and matrimonial law attorneys to choose from, few of them truly appreciate the needs of families like Kourosh Arami. Arami Law, Inc. was founded in March 2004 as a solo practitioner, with the simple, but clear, desire to provide quality representation to people facing tough legal challenges. Attorney Arami’s skill in litigating multi-faceted and complex family and matrimonial law matters helped quickly establish the firm as a leader in this area. He gained a reputation in the legal community for being a fierce advocate for clients, while maintaining the highest level of professionalism, allowing him to build productive relationships with all parties involved. He has successfully litigated thousands of contested family and matrimonial law cases, including many highly contested cases, involving issues such as allocation of parental responsibilities (formerly known as custody), allocation of parenting time (formerly known as visitation), child support, maintenance (formerly known as alimony), disposition of marital property and debts, the contribution of attorneys’ fees, and premarital agreements, just to name a few.
Kourosh Arami received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University in Economics, his M.B.A. degree from Loyola University School of Business in marketing and finance, and his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law. His roots in the Chicago community run deep, and he is proud to utilize his skills and experience to help people in this community. With degrees in both economics and finance, Attorney Arami is uniquely capable of understanding the significant impact of the provisions of a marital settlement agreement or child support agreement on a family’s finances for years to come, and he appreciates the importance of fiercely advocating for the best interests of his clients.
Robert “Bobby” Buchanan
Family Lawyer
Robert “Bobby” Buchanan is the founder and owner of Buchanan Law Group. He resides in Clarendon Hills, Illinois, with his wife Kathleen, and two young children, Luke and Nora.
Originally from a small coastal town in Northern California, Bobby spent his twenties earning his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and traveling throughout Europe and South America. Of note, he taught English in Brazil for a year while learning Portuguese.
In 2009, Bobby moved to Chicago to attend Chicago-Kent College of Law on scholarship. After graduating in 2012 and earning his license, he began working for a boutique firm that focused on criminal defense and family law issues. His litigation skills developed quickly, representing clients at every major courthouse in the Chicagoland area.
In 2017, Buchanan Law Group was founded with the core values of compassion, integrity, and teamwork.
Bobby set out to build a firm that was client-focused and on the cutting edge of legal representation. Utilizing his managerial skills, love of technology, and desire to help people change their lives for the better, Bobby has built a massively successful team of litigators and support personnel.
In his spare time, Bobby spends as much time as possible with his family. He likes to go running along the train tracks while pushing Luke in the stroller, helping Nora with tummy time, and cooking his wife a delicious meal.
Erik B. Diggs
Family Lawyer
I have a vision of building community and offering high quality legal services to working people. Starting the firm from the ground up, I have continued to develop and build upon the dream of providing Chicagoans with an opportunity to have their voices heard.
If you or a loved one is currently unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, there are options to apply for unemployment benefits through the State of Illinois.
Individuals who have been temporarily laid off due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, have been forced to leave work to take care of a child as a result of school closings or are confined to their home due to having COVID-19, may qualify for unemployment benefits.
To learn if you qualify for unemployment benefits, visit the Illinois Department of Employment Security’s (IDES) website. Information on the Federal Stimulus Package for Unemployment Benefits is also available on the IDES website.
To apply for unemployment benefits click here. Please note, due to the influx of applications, IDES has created a schedule for when to apply based on an individual’s last name.
Visit the IDES website for more information about when you should apply and to get the latest updates on the unemployment benefit process.
Nicole M. Scott
Family Lawyer
Attorney Nicole M. Scott is a Family Law Practitioner, currently servicing the Chicagoland area. Nicole has dedicated her career to family law. Nicole focuses on providing her clients with results through zealous advocacy and passionate representation. Nicole prides herself on offering her clients practical expectations while understanding their needs and desired goals. As a child who was the center of a strenuous custody battle, Nicole understands the need for stability and security within the familial transition process.
She also understands the need to have a transparent listening ear and empathetic heart during difficult times, and as such, is willing to be that person for her clients. Nicole uses her personal experiences as the foundation on which she practices law. With a number years of experience, both personally and professional, in the field of family law under her belt, Nicole is able to provide her clients with realistic advice about how to achieve the overall objective.
Education
- The John Marshall Law School, J.D. cum laude
- Philadelphia University, B.S. Law and Society, Minor in Psychology
Bar Admissions
- Illinois
Memberships
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Black Women Lawyer’s Association
- Cook County Bar Association
What is the role of a lawyer in the family court?
The role of a lawyer in family court is multifaceted, as they serve as both advocates and advisors for their clients. Family court deals with issues that are often emotionally charged and deeply personal, such as divorce, child custody, and domestic violence. A lawyer’s responsibilities in this setting include the following:
1. Providing Legal Advice
- Understanding the Law: Family lawyers are responsible for helping clients understand their legal rights and obligations under family law. This includes explaining how the law applies to their specific situation, what outcomes they can reasonably expect, and what legal strategies might be most effective.
- Guiding Decision-Making: Family law cases often involve significant decisions, such as whether to settle or go to trial, how to approach negotiations, or what legal actions to take. A family lawyer provides guidance on these decisions, ensuring that their clients make informed choices.
2. Representation in Court
- Advocating for the Client: In family court, a lawyer represents their client’s interests before the judge. This includes presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making legal arguments. The lawyer’s goal is to persuade the court to rule in favor of their client on issues such as custody arrangements, property division, or spousal support.
- Managing Court Proceedings: Family lawyers manage all aspects of court proceedings, from filing the necessary documents to ensuring that deadlines are met. They also prepare clients for court appearances, helping them understand what to expect and how to present themselves.
3. Negotiating Settlements
- Mediation and Negotiation: Many family law cases are resolved through negotiation rather than trial. A lawyer plays a key role in negotiating settlements on behalf of their client, whether it’s reaching a divorce agreement, settling custody disputes, or agreeing on child support. Effective negotiation can save time, reduce costs, and minimize conflict.
- Drafting Settlement Agreements: Once an agreement is reached, the lawyer will draft the legal documents that formalize the settlement. These documents must be clear, enforceable, and in the best interest of the client.
4. Protecting Client Rights
- Ensuring Fair Treatment: A family lawyer’s role is to ensure that their client is treated fairly throughout the legal process. This includes protecting their rights, advocating for their best interests, and challenging any unfair or unlawful actions by the opposing party.
- Enforcing Court Orders: After a court issues a judgment or order, such as a custody arrangement or spousal support payment, the lawyer helps ensure that these orders are enforced. If the other party fails to comply, the lawyer can take legal action to enforce the court’s decision.
5. Providing Emotional Support and Stability
- Empathy and Understanding: Family law cases are often stressful and emotionally draining. A family lawyer provides not just legal support but also emotional support, helping clients navigate the emotional challenges of the legal process. While they are not therapists, lawyers often provide a steadying influence during difficult times.
- Maintaining Objectivity: Lawyers help clients maintain objectivity and focus on the legal aspects of their case, even when emotions run high. This can be crucial in making sound decisions that protect the client’s long-term interests.
6. Managing Paperwork and Documentation
- Filing Legal Documents: Family court cases involve a significant amount of paperwork, from initial filings to final judgments. A family lawyer handles all aspects of document preparation and filing, ensuring that everything is completed accurately and on time.
- Gathering and Organizing Evidence: Whether it’s financial records, communication logs, or witness statements, a family lawyer collects and organizes the evidence needed to support their client’s case. Proper documentation is key to building a strong legal argument.
7. Child Welfare Advocacy
- Best Interests of the Child: In cases involving children, such as custody disputes or adoption, a family lawyer advocates for the best interests of the child. This may involve working with child welfare professionals, psychologists, or social workers to ensure that the child’s needs are prioritized.
- Custody and Visitation Rights: Lawyers help clients understand and advocate for their rights regarding custody and visitation, whether they are seeking primary custody, joint custody, or specific visitation schedules.
8. Handling Appeals
- Challenging Court Decisions: If a client is dissatisfied with the outcome of a family court case, a lawyer may assist in filing an appeal. This involves reviewing the court’s decision, identifying any legal errors, and arguing for a reversal or modification of the ruling.
Conclusion
The role of a lawyer in family court is to provide comprehensive legal representation and support to clients facing complex and emotionally charged issues. From advising clients and representing them in court to negotiating settlements and ensuring their rights are protected, family lawyers play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the family court system. Their expertise, advocacy, and guidance are essential in achieving fair and just outcomes for their clients.