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At Blacha Law Office, located in both Naperville and Joliet, our dedicated team specializes in delivering personalized legal counsel in family law and divorce. We understand the importance of efficiently navigating your legal matters, whether you're undergoing a divorce or expanding your family. Our commitment is to ensure that you are well-prepared to embark on a new chapter of your life with confidence and the best possible outcomes. We also handle various other legal issues, including probate, adoption, juvenile law and DCFS cases, and more.
Details
- RestroomAvailable
- Wheelchair accessible restroomAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.7
375 reviews
5 stars
333
4 stars
18
3 stars2
2 stars3
1 star
19
What are people saying?
AI-generated from customer reviews
Professionalism
Customers consistently praised the professionalism and expertise of the attorneys and staff at Blacha Law Office, highlighting their ability to handle complex legal matters with care and attention.
Communication
Many reviews noted the prompt and clear communication from the team, with clients feeling well-informed and supported throughout their legal processes.
Compassion
Clients appreciated the empathetic approach of the attorneys, who were described as understanding and supportive during emotionally challenging situations.
Efficiency
Several customers mentioned the efficient handling of their cases, with many experiencing quick resolutions and streamlined processes.
Mixed Experiences
While most feedback was positive, some clients expressed dissatisfaction with specific aspects, such as billing practices and responsiveness in certain situations.
- APAngelica Proudfoot3 days ago5.0⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Truly the Best Attorney — Alyana Changed Our Lives! Alyana was absolutely amazing from start to finish. She treated my mom and our entire family like her own — with kindness, patience, and genuine care. Even during such a scary and uncertain time, she made us feel safe, supported, and understood every step of the way. She explained everything clearly, guided us through each part of the process, and always made sure we knew what to expect. What could have been an overwhelming experience turned into something full of hope and reassurance because of her compassion and expertise. We are forever grateful for Alyana and everything she’s done for our family. If you’re looking for an attorney who truly cares, look no further — she’s the one you want by your side!
- COChioma Offor6 days ago5.0I had an excellent experience working with Elizabeth Youakim during my divorce. From the very beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. They took the time to explain every step of the process in a way I could understand it and always made sure I felt supported and informed. Elizabeth was responsive to my questions, thorough in their preparation, and confident in court. Their expertise and attention to detail made all the difference in achieving a successful outcome. I truly appreciate their dedication and compassion throughout what could have been a stressful experience. I highly recommend Elizabeth to anyone in need of skilled and trustworthy attorney. They go above and beyond for their clients and deliver real results.
- DSDerrick S6 days ago5.0After losing our father, my sister and I tried our best to process our father's Will as best we could understand but online resources were confusing and only got us so far. I reached out to Blacha Law Office when we hit a major block and met Kathleen and Johannah who kindly listened to our situation and happily filled in the blanks for what we needed to do. They worked closely with us to make sure we had all of the correct forms filled out for the court to execute the Will correctly and what steps we would need to take to complete the whole process. Every interaction was pleasant and informative. Thanks to their guidance we were able to close the probate case early and can close this chapter in our lives.
- KBKaren BurtOct 29, 20254.0I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the great handling of our probate procedure. When my attorney had to take maternity leave, and Alyana Bruck stepped in, I was initially apprehensive about the transition. However, her professionalism, consideration, and deep knowledge quickly put my mind at ease. Ms. Bruck's expertise and thoughtful approach have been truly appreciated, and I wanted to thank her for the dedication and hard work throughout this process. I would have given this an exceptional rating; except I was dissatisfied with the work performed by Ms. Bruck's law assistant. Corrections to documents had to be made before they were sent out. These mistakes were unnecessary and simple word-perfect spell check would have caught them. Thank you for the opportunity to submit this review.
- BBBridget BakerOct 27, 20255.0Erin O’Connell was referred to me by a friend who had recently gone through a divorce. When I first called her office, I had no idea where to start or what to expect. Erin and her paralegal, Johannah Drerup, guided me through every step from the beginning. My divorce was finalized in about a year, which was incredible, it allowed me to truly start over and begin rebuilding my life. Every time I had questions, they were quick to respond. If Erin was in court or out of the office, Johannah always made sure to let me know and ensured I was taken care of in the meantime. I never once felt unrepresented. Johannah was consistently available by phone or email for quick questions, clarifications, or scheduling. She is extremely organized and truly helped keep everything on track. Erin is a lawyer with so much integrity, and I came to appreciate that deeply through this process. I walked away from this divorce not only with a fair outcome, but also feeling like I handled everything with dignity, and that’s largely because Erin leads with honesty and strong moral character, which is rare in family law. If you want a legal team that will guide you properly, move things forward efficiently, and leave you feeling proud of how you handled a very difficult chapter, I cannot recommend Erin and Johanna enough. They are the best team out there. I would absolutely work with Erin and Johannah again for other family law matters, such as estate planning or setting up a trust. Thank you both so much for getting me across the finish line—I can never thank you enough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blacha Law Office, Ltd.
What locations do you serve?
The firm has offices in Naperville and Joliet. We serve clients in DuPage, Will, Cook, Kane and Kendall counties.
What practice areas do you handle?
We serve clients in a wide variety of matters, including family law and divorce, estate planning and probate, collaborative law and mediation, adoption and fertility law, family immigration and juvenile law.
Do you provide free consultations?
Yes, we provide free consultations. Contact our office at your earliest convenience, and we will be happy to arrange a consultation for you.
Why should I hire Blacha Law Office, LLC?
We provide personalized attention and effective representation in a wide range of legal matters. Our founding attorney, Monika Blacha, has a background in complex litigation dating back to 1999 and is a skilled mediator. We focus on divorce, child custody, post-decree litigation, estate administration, probate, and guardianship. Unlike some attorneys who may become less responsive over time, our team prioritizes your legal matters and keeps you informed throughout the process. We believe in offering personal attention every step of the way, ensuring that your case is handled with care. Additionally, our attorneys have received recognition for their outstanding legal service, including Super Lawyers and Avvo Clients' Choice Awards.
What are the grounds for divorce in Illinois?
Starting from January 1, 2016, Illinois operates as a "no-fault" state, which means the sole grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences. Prior to this date, there were ten "fault" grounds for divorce, including reasons like adultery, physical cruelty, and mental cruelty. In a divorce case, a judge must establish that "efforts at reconciliation have failed" or that future attempts "would be impractical and not in the best interests of the family." To prove irreconcilable differences, one only needs to demonstrate that they have lived apart from their spouse continuously for a minimum of six months. It is possible for parties to share the same residence while leading separate lives.
How long must I reside in Illinois to file for divorce in the state?
At least one party involved in an Illinois divorce must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days before a judgment can be granted. You must also reside in the state for a minimum of 90 days before filing for divorce.
How is custody determined in divorce or the end of a nonmarital relationship?
While many people still use terms like "custody" and "visitation" in divorce, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was updated in 2016 to remove these terms. Instead, decisions about where minor children spend their time are now framed as the "allocation of parenting time and responsibility." This change aimed to reduce disputes and their intensity over the designation of the "custodial parent."
When determining parenting time and responsibility, Illinois courts prioritize the best interests of the child, ideally with the cooperation of the parents. It is expected that parents will negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement regarding parenting time and responsibility. Having a role in creating the agreement often results in better compliance.
If an agreement cannot be reached, and mediation is unsuccessful, the court will decide how to allocate parenting time and parenting responsibility (the latter involving significant decisions like education, medical care, and religious upbringing). Experts may be consulted, and a guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent the child in such situations.
What remedies are available if someone willfully violates an existing court order?
In contentious divorce cases, one party may feel unfairly treated and choose to ignore a court order. In some instances, a person may claim they lack the financial means to comply with a support order. Nevertheless, both parties have a legal obligation to follow all court-ordered decrees. A non-compliant spouse could be held in contempt of court. Seeking legal counsel from a family law attorney can help you take the necessary actions to enforce the order. If a person who is not complying with a court order cites financial hardship, they must file a formal petition to modify the existing order.
What distinguishes physical custody from legal custody?
Physical custody pertains to where the child resides, while legal custody involves decision-making regarding the child's upbringing. In cases of joint physical custody, the child divides their time between both households. On the other hand, joint legal custody grants both parents the authority to make decisions concerning the child's education, health, and religious practices.
What factors does the court examine to determine custody?
The court evaluates a multitude of factors with a focus on the child's best interests. These factors may encompass the children's ages and needs, the parent who has been the primary caregiver, parental work schedules, geographic proximity, the mental health and fitness of each parent, support from extended family, and any history of violence, abuse, or addiction. In contested custody proceedings, our legal team can assist you in presenting a compelling case.
Is it necessary for a judge to determine custody? If parents can reach agreements on physical custody, visitation, and legal custody (decision-making), the courts typically defer to these out-of-court arrangements.
What is the likelihood of one parent receiving full custody?
Illinois courts typically begin with the presumption that both parents will participate in raising the child. They rarely grant "full custody" (sole custody) unless one parent is found to be unfit. While it's common for one parent to be designated as the primary or majority parent, the other parent is usually granted regular visitation (parenting time) as well as shared legal custody.
What makes a parent unfit for custody?
Courts are hesitant to strip custody rights from parents. However, a parent may be considered unfit for physical custody due to abandonment, neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, severe mental health issues, or involvement in criminal activities. If a parent has demonstrated abusive or reckless behavior, the court may limit contact to supervised visitation.
Do mothers have greater rights than fathers?
No, gender does not factor into the criteria used by Illinois courts when determining custody. While it's true that mothers are more frequently granted primary custody, especially for younger children, this often reflects their role as the primary caregiver. Fathers have equal rights under the law but may require effective legal representation to assert these rights.
Can a father obtain sole custody or primary custody?
Absolutely. If the court determines that the father can provide a healthier and more stable environment or has been the primary caregiver, he may receive the majority of parenting time. As previously mentioned, sole custody is awarded to a father only if the court deems the mother unfit.
How is custody decided when parents were never married?
Marital status does not impact custody rights. An unmarried father can be granted primary or even sole custody. If the father was not involved in raising the child, he will need to establish paternity and file for visitation or supervised visitation before seeking a more significant parenting role.
Do children have a say in custody decisions?
The court considers the preferences of older children who express a desire to live with one parent, but this is just one factor in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the judge takes into account the child's age, maturity, and reasoning when making a determination.