Donovan Family Lawyers

About Maksim
Facing criminal charges is always grueling experience. Make sure you have an aggressive and experienced attorney on your side who is ready to fight for you!

Maksim Tikhvinskiy has skills unique to the legal community. He is fluent in English and Russian. He graduated from the best law schools in the United States and Russia and he is licensed to practice both in Illinois and the Russian Federation. He has experience in multiple areas of law.

Attorney Tikhvinskiy provides the highest quality criminal defense legal representation for anyone charged with DUI or other alcohol-related driving offenses, as well as felony crimes...

Lisa M. Nyuli has been a partner since joining the firm of Ariano Hardy Ritt Nyuli Richmond Lytle & Goettel P.C. in 2000. Prior to joining the firm, for the first 10 years of her career, she worked as an attorney in Aurora, Illinois and in Geneva, Illinois. She was licensed in 1989 and focuses her practice primarily in all areas of family law. In 2008, she became a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Ms. Nyuli is also active in the Illinois State Bar Association as a member, having served two terms on the Board of Governors, and...

Donald J. Cosley has practiced law since 1994 and is admitted to practice in Illinois, the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Donald Cosley assisted many clients in divorce and related family law, criminal defense, DUI, traffic violations, and drivers' license reinstatements. He prides himself on his firm's ability to provide aggressive and personable service to clients from all walks of life. Mr. Cosley belongs to several professional associations. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers....

Attorney Charles Canning has represented clients throughout Kane County and across Northern Illinois for over 30 years. He assists clients with cases in the following practice areas:

While working full time, and raising his two children, Justin started college in pursuit of becoming an attorney. His dream has been brought to fruition as he is ready and able to tirelessly represent his clients. He considers his role as an attorney to not only be an advocate for his clients, but also for the community. Justin brings passion and strong ethical fortitude to the practice of law. When not practicing law, Justin enjoys spending time coaching youth football and baseball.

EDUCATION

Northern Illinois University College of Law, J.D. & Certificate in Civil Advocacy, 2016

DePaul University, B.A. Philosophy &...

James J. Laraia is an energetic, well-rounded attorney with knowledge and experience in family law, civil, and criminal matters. He routinely practices in DuPage, Kane, Will, DeKalb, and Kendall counties. After obtaining his B.A. from Illinois Benedictine College in 1997, Mr. Laraia went on to earn his Juris Doctor Degree from Northern Illinois University in 2001. He served as an Assistant State's Attorney and then went into private practice in 2003.

Mr. Laraia focuses his practice in family law and civil litigation and has experience handling matrimonial law, child custody and child support issues, post-decree petitions, adoptions, and parentage cases. He...

Brian J. Banahan has been practicing law in DuPage, Kane and Cook County Illinois for over 20 years. He began his legal career and learned his way around the courtroom in 1997 as a full time 711 prosecutor with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. From there, Mr. Banahan moved to serve as chief legal counsel and Deputy Public Administrator for DuPage County for 17 years. In that job, Mr. Banahan managed, administered, litigated, settled, and closed hundreds of decedent’s estates and an extensive number of related legal matters in nearly every area of the law. In the process, he...

Erlich Law Office, LLC provides legal services for individuals facing personal issues such as family law matters and domestic relations litigation, including divorce, child support, child custody and visitation, paternity, spousal support, co-parenting and post-decree modifications. At Erlich Law Office, LLC, your case will receive the same high level of personal attention from day one through resolution: 1) Your case will not be passed off to an inexperienced associate or paralegal, like most firms do; 2) You will be advised of your legal options so that you can make an informed decision about how to...

Kathryn Whitacre is a Partner at Whitacre & Stefanczuk LTD where she practices in the areas of Real Estate Law, Business Law, Family Law and Estate Planning. Kathryn received her J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2011 and her B.A. in Business from Bowling Green State University in 2006. Kathryn is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association.

Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney and litigator who advocates for his clients in all family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009. Prior to starting the firm, Jonathan worked at another Chicago-based family law practice for many years. Jonathan has a great deal of experience in obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients in multi-million dollar marital estates and contested custody suits. His ability to settle heated divorces and custody disputes has gained him a great deal of respect from fellow attorneys and judges within the Chicagoland...

Mr. Shore is acutely aware that when an individual contacts Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices about a legal problem, that for the client it is also a personal problem. In addition to litigating or negotiating settlements in many major cases, he is a skilled listener who is adept at developing & implementing cost-effective and winning strategies. Mr. Shore represents divorce and parentage clients in settlement negotiations, pre-trials, hearings, and trials. He is also appointed by the Court to represent minors in custody proceedings. As an appointed guardian for the children (referred to as a Guardian Ad Litem or GAL),...

Mr. Reeb is a partner at Reich, Jumbeck, Stole & Reeb, LLP. As a partner at Reich, Jumbeck, Stole & Reeb, LLP, Mr. Reeb focuses his practice exclusively on family law, representing business owners, executives, professionals, and their spouses. Mr. Reeb concentrates in all areas of family law, including issues of child custody and visitation, child support, maintenance, property division, complex financial matters, tax consequences, pre and post nuptial agreements, restraining orders, orders of protection, as well as family law appeals. Judges also frequently appoint Mr. Reeb to serve as Guardian ad Litem and as Mediator...

Mikal Stole a prominent family law attorney in the Cook, Will, and Grundy Counties. He has successfully represented clients with complex cases involving high net worth estates, child custody disputes (allocation of parental responsibilities), and divorces involving business interests, while also efficiently handling routine matters. Mikal's also writes appellate court briefs on family law matters and is frequently appointed as Guardian ad Litem. Mikal serves as the Co-Chairperson of the Will County Bar Association's Family Law Committee and has been responsible for organizing the annual Family Law Seminar for several years. Mikal presents topics to the Bar Association including...

Christopher J. Maurer is a licensed Illinois attorney with over two decades of litigation experience primarily in the areas of divorce and family law, as well as estate planning. He practices in DuPage County, Cook County, Kane County, and the other collar counties. Chris has focused his practice in the area of family law, including divorce issues (contested and uncontested divorces, complex financial and business divorces), and paternity cases, preparation of prenuptial agreements and postnuptial agreements, custody disputes, establishing visitation schedules, child support calculation and alimony/maintenance determination, grandparent rights, disputes regarding removing children from Illinois, and enforcing court orders. Chris...

Attorney Jaime Barker is a dedicated and personable legal advocate in Cook County, providing thorough guidance for an array of legal matters. Drawing on sharp legal insight and a determined approach, he has successfully represented local residents through issues in family law, criminal defense, and personal injury. Clients rely on him for focused attention and strategic counsel aimed at favorable outcomes. Mr. Barker earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2009, followed by a Doctor of Law degree from the John Marshall Law School in 2013. After gaining hands-on experience...

Attorney Michelle Bugajsky focuses her practice on probate, estate planning, and family law. Whether assisting clients in planning for their futures or helping clients through problems in the here and now, Michelle provides caring and thoughtful legal services. Michelle takes great pride in combining her keen legal expertise of probate and estate planning law with a plan uniquely crafted for each specific client or family.

Michelle attended the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, double majoring in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Thereafter, Michelle accepted an academic scholarship to attend the Illinois Institute of...

Licensed to practice law under the Illinois State Bar since 1973, and the DuPage County Bar since 2003, Attorney John F. Martoccio is now a managing partner at Martoccio and Martoccio in DuPage County, Illinois. The law firm focuses on providing high quality legal advice from a team of caring family law and personal injury lawyers who treat their clients with respect. He was recently named in an article in the Illinois Trial Court Divorce Digest. He represented a stay at home mother of two who was married in 2005 in her divorce. She had no assets and spoke...

I am a Chicago and Miami lawyer practicing family- and employment-based immigration law, and removal and deportation defense and appeals. I also work with criminal and family law issues as they arise in the context of immigration cases.

Mary Beth Szudarek has been a licensed Illinois attorney since 2008 and has practiced exclusively in Family Law. Prior to joining The Law Offices of Janusonis & Szudarek, P.C., Mary worked for Prairie State Legal Services/Will County Legal Assistance Program assisting the less fortunate with their family law issues. Her experience allowed her to counsel hundreds of Family Law clients with legal problems that impacted all areas of their lives. Family law cases so often involve bankruptcy, tax, foreclosure, credit, social security, insurance, and pension issues; Mary's skills and confidence with financial matters brings a unique and aggressive...

Former President of the McDonough County Bar Association, and named as one of the top 40 lawyers under the age of 40 by the American Society of Legal Advocates and the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 under 40. CALI award for excellence winner for trial advocacy. Former First Assistant State's Attorney of the McDonough County Bar Association. Managing Attorney at the Law Office of Ken Wang. Admitted to the Federal Bar of the Northern District of Illinois and the Federal Trial Bar.

Admitted to practice law in Illinois in 2005, Joseph graduated from Ambassador University, Big Sandy, TX, where he was on the Dean's List and received his B.A., and then graduated from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI, where he earned an M.A. in Counseling and was awarded the Nichol Memorial Award for Integrity. Joseph is a graduate of DePaul University College of Law, where he served as a student representative on the Law School's curriculum committee. With several years of experience as a counselor prior to attending law school, Joseph brings unique and valuable experience to the field of domestic relations...

Jessica Sindel has been an accomplished attorney in child guardianship and family law since 2013. Her legal journey began in St. Louis as a Guardian Ad Litem, where she represented foster children. After relocating to Chicago in 2015, Jessica worked on behalf of parents with special needs children, handling special education and disciplinary cases. Eventually, in 2017, she chose to specialize exclusively in family law. In her role as a family law attorney, Jessica is dedicated to helping clients comprehend their legal rights in matters related to marriage and parenthood, especially during critical transitions such as divorce or family restructuring. She...

Genevieve Binnie practiced family law at a boutique firm in the south suburbs of Chicago prior to joining the Anderson Boback & Marshall legal team. Genevieve worked as a summer extern for a highly respected Cook County domestic relations Judge prior to graduating law school, and also volunteered with the DePaul Law Domestic Violence Practicum where she assisted domestic violence victims in obtaining orders of protection. Why Genevieve Binnie is the Family Law Attorney for You: Genevieve understands that every family is different, so every family law case requires its own unique approach. Genevieve is not afraid to think outside of the...

With more than 15 years of experience in bankruptcy, Jessica Holguin provides advice and counsel to clients seeking debt relief. Mrs. Holguin has assisted clients with foreclosures, debt negotiations, adversaries, tax issues, short sales, real estate transactions with a particular emphasis on liquidations, and reorganizations. During her legal career, Mrs. Holguin litigated hundreds of cases and participated in a reported case, in which the Supreme Court of Florida affirmed an award for social security benefits Mrs. Holguin obtained for her dependent client. Mrs. Holguin has years of complex litigation experience. She has tried contested matters – involving issues such as IRS...

Curtis Bennett Ross is a Cook County attorney who concentrates his practice on divorce and family law. Mr. Ross's background is in the business and financial sector. Mr. Ross obtained his CPA (certified public accountant) license in 1977 and is currently registered as a CPA in Illinois. Mr. Ross received his license to practice law in 1980. The combination of financial and legal education has served Mr. Ross well in that he has been recognized by the Court for his specialized business and financial knowledge by appointment of the position of a receiver and expert in family law matters. This...

Paul Henry Millewich graduated from the National Law Center at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and received his B.S. from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Paul's experience in the Coast Guard has allowed him to assist clients with complex mechanical, technical, and engineering cases involving injuries and wrongful death. Mr. Millewich has dedicated his practice to representing injured clients in Product Liability and Medical Malpractice cases. Paul has been a Personal Injury attorney for 33 years, and he is an experienced and skilled litigator. Every case Paul accepts is prepared for trial. He is...

Eric founded Sucharski Law Firm LLC and has dedicated his legal career exclusively to family law. His approach combines trial litigation experience with a proven track record in negotiating settlements in complex family law cases. He employs a strategic, measured approach, leveraging his deep knowledge of the law and a keen understanding of his clients’ needs and the dynamics of their families. The firm’s practice philosophy focuses on managing the often difficult emotional and financial challenges inherent in this sensitive legal area. Eric’s educational background includes graduating from the United States Naval Academy, followed by an 11-year tenure as a U.S....

Alexander Sendlak is a family law / divorce attorney at the Law Offices of Dolci & Weiland, located in Oakbrook Terrace, DuPage County, IL and Chicago, IL. Mr. Sendlak accepts cases regarding: - Divorce - Family Law - Alimony / Divorce Maintenance - Post Decree Issues - Child Custody & Visitation - Child Support - Adoption

Admitted to practice law in 1998, Sean M. McCumber graduated magna cum laude with a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1998 and graduated magna cum laude in 1995 with a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University. Prior to joining the firm, Sean served in the McLean County State's Attorney Office in the juvenile division and then practiced commercial litigation, intellectual property, and advertising law in a large Chicago law firm. Sean concentrates his current practice in family law matters. Sean is a member of the DuPage County Bar Association, which named him 2010...

Stephen R. Botti is a principal in the Law Firm of Botti Marinaccio, LTD. He has received an AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale Hubbell, the highest possible rating. He is recognized as one of the leading trial lawyers in the field of family law and child custody in the Chicago metropolitan area. A former Cook County prosecutor, he has practiced family law for over 33 years and has successfully litigated or negotiated settlements in many high profile Illinois family law cases. Mr. Botti has significant expertise with complex estates that involve multi-million dollar holdings and require sophisticated financial expertise in...

Mr. Boyd graduated from John Marshall Law School in 1975 and immediately began working for the DuPage County Public Defender's Office where he remained as a felony trial attorney for 10 years. During that period of time, Mr. Boyd also established a successful family law practice. In 1995, Mr. Boyd joined The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. as a trial attorney specializing in complex financial matters and custody trials. He has tried more than 150 domestic relations cases involving issues of business valuations, complex financial structures and custody and modification of custody issues.

Thirty-five years of being an effective litigator and dogged...

I have been a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois since 2003. I began my legal career as a an Assistant State's Attorney in the County of Kendall, State of Illinois. In 2007 I opened my private practice and have successfully represented hundreds of clients in matters ranging from criminal defense to various family law issues, including divorce. I have a unique perspective in criminal defense from my experience in criminal prosecution. I believe that in order to successfully represent client's in criminal and family law matters one must know what the available options are, have a very thorough...

Attorney Peter Sullivan is a quiet fighter. He grew up on some pretty mean streets but, since being accepted into private high school in Jersey City, he has had a passion for intellectual pursuits, including languages, arts, world history and the law. He joined the business of the law as a proofreader for some of the best antitrust lawyers in America. Based on his insatiable engagement with content, he graduated to paralegal (without the need for paralegal training) and wound up managing their antitrust litigation office. Needing to be convinced that lawyers can actually do good, before attending law school...

Monica P. Patankar is a partner with the law firm of Patankar Law P.C. Monica takes a compassionate approach to helping clients solve their legal issues. She listens to each story carefully and understands that no two issues are alike. Monica's legal training and experience have prepared her to handle your legal needs. Monica gained her legal knowledge at University of Notre Dame Law School in Notre Dame, Indiana. Upon graduation, Monica worked for a large law firm, Chapman and Cutler LLP in Chicago, Illinois. At Chapman, Monica worked with large municipalities and other governmental entities to raise capital for large...

Michael T. Sanderson joined Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC in August of 2021, where he practices in the areas of family law, civil litigation, employment law, personal injury law, including medical malpractice cases, and Veteran’s rights. Prior to joining MKFM, Michael worked as an Assistant Regional Counsel for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, where he defended the agency in claims of employment discrimination and medical malpractice as well as administrative actions involving nursing homes and medical providers/suppliers. Michael began working in family law while still attending law school through his work with several Chicago-based law firms. He...

A trusted and highly experienced attorney, Joseph M. Laraia is a representative in the courts of DuPage, Kane, and Will Counties in Illinois. Mr. Laraia has been a trial attorney for more than 48 years and takes pride in serving clients in both criminal and civil cases. When Mr. Laraia first started our law firm back in 1966, attorneys had to be versatile enough to represent clients in all types of legal cases. Because of this experience, he has been successful in cases ranging from traffic violations to capital murder, as well as in family law and business litigation.
Experience Makes...

Since joining The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. in 2000, Mr. Smit has remained committed to providing his clients with the client first attention to detail along with the knowledge and experience required to accomplish the client's desired outcome. Mr. Smit approaches each individual client with the understanding that it is very important to actually listen to the client and reach a consensus as to what they can expect from the given situation.

Mr. Smit obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement Administration from Western Illinois University in 1994. Mr. Smit then went on to graduate from the John Marshall...

Christopher J. Zaruba joined The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. in June of 2014. Prior to that, Chris was an Assistant State's Attorney at the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office from 2009-2014. Chris began his career at the State's Attorney's office handling traffic and misdemeanor offenses, including DUI's, orders of protection, and domestic batteries. In 2012, Chris received the Outstanding Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year award. He was promoted to the Felony Juvenile Division where he worked closely with DCFS in handling cases involving abused or neglected children. After working in the Juvenile Division, Chris was again promoted to the Felony...

Mr. Estes, partner at Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. is a trial attorney who has successfully tried several custody cases in parentage and dissolution proceedings that ultimately resulted in the award of sole custody of minors to the parent which Mr. Estes represented. He has successfully vacated several Judgments for Dissolution of Marriage due to fraud, unconscionability, and coercion. Mr. Estes vigorously advocates the position of his clients in complicated custody and visitation cases. Mr. Estes also adeptly untangles complex financial facts to maximize the benefits for his clients both at trial and in settlement negotiations. Mr. Estes has tried successfully...

Since joining The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. in 2006, Mr. Williamson has worked exclusively in the field of matrimonial law. Mr. Williamson is dedicated to providing his clients, no matter the issue, with the experience and knowledge necessary to bring their case to a positive resolution. Mr. Williamson has successfully negotiated settlements and/or litigated issues involving complex financial matters, custody, support, and division of property. Mr. Williamson has also successfully negotiated custody/financial settlements as they relate to paternity actions.

Mr. Williamson is also the general counsel and associate board president of Griffith Tutoring. Griffith Tutoring is a non-profit organization preparing at-risk...