WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC

WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC We provide clients with personal, customized representation that facilitates a client’s accessibility to their counsel with informed participation. Ms.
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Ward Family Law, LLC was established to provide clients with access to excellent advocates, negotiators, mediators and experienced litigators. Ward, the founder of Ward Family Law, LLC, has exclusively practiced matrimonial and family law for over 20 years and continues as Adjunct Faculty at The John Marshall Law School teaching family law legal writing to law students since 2005; the legal writin

g program remains one of the top 5 law school writing programs in the Country. Ward also had the honor of speaking at the “Leaving a Long-Term Marriage” workshop produced by The Lilac Tree, an Evanston-based not-for-profit resource for women contemplating divorce. She has also provided a matrimonial-related lecture series at The Latin School of Chicago Adult Education Program and on more than one occasion has lent her commentary to Chicago Tribune related publications on family law articles and topics of interest. The classroom, lecturing, publishing and courtroom experience provides clients with well-rounded representation, finesse at settlement negotiation, precise drafting skills and litigation expertise. Ward Family Law, LLC provides clients with personal, customized representation that facilitates a client’s accessibility to their counsel with informed participation in all aspects of the case. Whether it is settlement negotiation or litigation of the issues, Ward Family Law, LLC has the experience and knowledge to meet any client’s needs. In fact, Ward Family Law, LLC’s client base is primarily from referrals made by former clients and colleagues, reflecting the firm’s ability to meet and exceed client expectations and needs. Ward Family Law, LLC has a five-star rating across multiple online platforms, which also reflects the stellar reputation of the firm. In keeping up with available technologies and cost-effective representation of clients, Ward Family Law, LLC provides clients with in-person meetings, telephone conferences, secure facsimile transmissions and same-day email replies but further expanded and grew this communication experience for clients that wish to live chat, video teleconference or utilize online court filing. This expansion in how we communicate will allow us to customize the experience for each and every client so that they feel connected to their counsel in whatever communication platform they feel most comfortable, informed and participatory. No matter what communication platforms they choose to utilize, clients will have input and accessibility to their counsel coupled with stellar, cost-effective legal representation, which is invaluable when tackling a very personal and difficult life transition. Ward Family Law, LLC strives for ethical excellence, with sensitivity and effective representation of the client’s needs, while ensuring that a client’s goals and best interests remain the primary objective in reaching the best resolution of the case.

The parenting plan or support order that worked a few years ago may not fit your family’s needs today.As children grow, ...
06/10/2026

The parenting plan or support order that worked a few years ago may not fit your family’s needs today.

As children grow, schedules change, parents change jobs, and new financial or educational needs arise. When that happens, it may be time to review your existing court orders.

Common reasons parents seek post-decree modifications include:
• Changes to parenting time schedules
• New work hours or employment changes
• Child support adjustments
• College expense planning
• Relocation requests
• Enforcement of existing court orders

One important thing to remember: even if both parents agree to a change, the original court order remains in effect until a judge signs a new order.

Understanding your rights and options can help you avoid unnecessary conflict and create more stability for your family moving forward.

Read our latest blog, “What Chicago Parents Should Know About Post-Decree Changes,” to learn when modifications may be appropriate and how the process works in Illinois.

📖 Read the full article on our website.

A high-net-worth divorce involves more than determining who keeps what. When substantial assets are involved, the proces...
06/05/2026

A high-net-worth divorce involves more than determining who keeps what. When substantial assets are involved, the process often requires detailed financial analysis, asset valuation, and careful planning to protect your long-term financial interests.

Complex assets may include:
• Business ownership or professional practices
• Investment portfolios, stocks, and bonds
• Retirement accounts and pensions
• Commercial, residential, or vacation properties
• Trusts and inheritances
• Valuable personal property such as artwork, jewelry, or luxury vehicles

In Illinois, marital assets are divided according to the principle of equitable distribution. This means the court seeks a fair division of assets—not necessarily an equal one. Determining what is marital property, what may be considered non-marital property, and whether assets have become commingled can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

High-net-worth divorces often require collaboration with business valuation experts, forensic accountants, and other financial professionals to accurately assess the marital estate.

Whether you are seeking to protect a business, preserve inherited assets, or navigate complex financial issues, understanding your rights and options is an important first step.

DivorceSupport

What Happens to Retirement Accounts in a Chicago Divorce?Retirement accounts are often among the most valuable assets in...
06/04/2026

What Happens to Retirement Accounts in a Chicago Divorce?

Retirement accounts are often among the most valuable assets involved in a divorce. Whether you have a 401(k), IRA, pension, or other retirement investments, understanding how these assets may be divided is essential to protecting your long-term financial security.

Under Illinois law, retirement savings accumulated during the marriage are often considered marital property and may be subject to division. However, the timing of contributions, account growth, tax consequences, and plan-specific rules can significantly affect the outcome.

Many individuals are surprised to learn that retirement accounts held in only one spouse’s name may still be partially marital property. In addition, dividing employer-sponsored retirement plans often requires a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to ensure benefits are transferred correctly and without unnecessary taxes or penalties.

In our latest article, we discuss:
• How Illinois courts distinguish marital and non-marital retirement assets
• The division of 401(k)s, pensions, and IRAs in divorce
• The role of QDROs and other transfer mechanisms
• Common mistakes that can jeopardize retirement savings
• Strategies for protecting complex and high-value retirement portfolios

The decisions made during divorce can affect your financial future for decades. Understanding your options and obtaining experienced legal guidance can help ensure your retirement interests are protected.

Read the full article to learn more.

When a parenting plan no longer reflects real life, it may be time to revisit the custody arrangement. Changes in schedu...
05/27/2026

When a parenting plan no longer reflects real life, it may be time to revisit the custody arrangement. Changes in schedules, relocation, communication issues, or concerns about a child’s well-being can all be signs that a modification should be considered.

In our latest article, Ward Family Law explains the common indicators that a Chicago custody order may need to be updated, how Illinois courts evaluate modifications, and what parents can do to protect their parenting rights while keeping their child’s best interests first.

Read more on our website to understand when legal action may be appropriate and how to prepare for the process. 

CoParenting FamilyAttorney IllinoisLaw WardFamilyLaw

Guiding families through life’s most challenging transitions with clarity, strategy, and compassion. Ward Family Law, LL...
05/26/2026

Guiding families through life’s most challenging transitions with clarity, strategy, and compassion. Ward Family Law, LLC provides experienced counsel across a wide range of matrimonial and family law matters — from divorce and mediation to child support and post-decree modifications.

If you need trusted legal guidance tailored to your situation, our team is here to help.

Your business is more than an asset — it’s the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and growth. When divorce involve...
05/24/2026

Your business is more than an asset — it’s the result of years of hard work, sacrifice, and growth. When divorce involves a privately held company, professional practice, or family business, protecting what you’ve built requires more than guesswork.

A proper business valuation can play a critical role in ensuring fair property division, accurate income assessments, and long-term financial stability. From determining whether a business is marital property to analyzing cash flow, goodwill, assets, and liabilities, every detail matters.

At Ward Family Law, we help Chicago business owners navigate complex divorce matters with strategic legal guidance and trusted financial insight. Whether you own a startup, franchise, professional practice, or family-run company, our goal is to help protect both your business interests and your future.

📍 Chicago, IL
⚖️ Business Valuation & Divorce Representation

Divorce is one of life’s hardest transitions — but you don’t have to face it without strong legal support. At Ward Famil...
05/21/2026

Divorce is one of life’s hardest transitions — but you don’t have to face it without strong legal support.

At Ward Family Law, we advocate fiercely for our clients while guiding them with clarity, strategy, and compassion every step of the way.

If you’re navigating divorce, custody, support, or other family law matters in Chicago, our team is ready to fight for your future.

📍 Chicago, IL
⚖️ Divorce & Family Law

Every divorce is different, and so is the path forward.For some families, litigation is necessary to protect financial i...
05/20/2026

Every divorce is different, and so is the path forward.

For some families, litigation is necessary to protect financial interests, parental rights, or resolve high conflict disputes.
For others, mediation offers a more collaborative and private approach focused on reaching mutual agreements outside of court.

Understanding the differences between litigation and mediation can help you make informed decisions about your future, your family, and your finances.

At Ward Family Law, we help clients evaluate the approach that best fits their unique circumstances and goals.

If you are considering divorce and unsure where to begin, our team is here to guide you through your options.

A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) can significantly influence the outcome of a custody or parenting dispute in Illinois.When app...
05/15/2026

A Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) can significantly influence the outcome of a custody or parenting dispute in Illinois.

When appointed by the court, a GAL investigates what arrangement best serves the child’s interests — including parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, and home environments.

Many parents are unprepared for:
• Home visits
• Interviews with teachers and therapists
• Reviews of medical and school records
• Recommendations made directly to the judge

The way you approach the GAL process matters.

In this article, Ward Family Law explains:
✔ What a GAL actually does
✔ Why judges appoint them
✔ What parents should expect
✔ Your rights during the investigation

If you’re involved in a high-conflict parenting or custody case in Chicago, understanding the GAL process early can make a major difference.

Read more at wardfamilylawchicago.com

What makes a strong family law advocate?It is more than courtroom experience.A strong family law attorney understands th...
05/11/2026

What makes a strong family law advocate?

It is more than courtroom experience.

A strong family law attorney understands that every case involves real people, real families, and decisions that can affect a client’s future for years to come.

Effective advocacy requires:
• Strategic thinking
• Clear communication
• Strong negotiation skills
• Attention to detail
• Compassion during difficult transitions
• Confidence in and out of the courtroom

Whether handling divorce, custody matters, mediation, or complex financial disputes, clients deserve guidance that is both practical and focused on long-term outcomes.

At Ward Family Law, we are committed to helping clients navigate challenging situations with clarity, preparation, and experienced legal counsel.

Address

155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250
Chicago, IL
60606

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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