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WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC

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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.

07/01/2026

Lawyers know what it takes to choose the right attorney. When they need help with their own divorce, many turn to an experienced family law attorney who focuses exclusively on family law.

If you’re looking for representation, keep these seven principles in mind:
• Choose an attorney who exclusively practices family law • Look for experience in mediation, negotiation, settlement, litigation, and trial • Set realistic expectations from the beginning • Find an attorney who understands your parenting goals and priorities • Be completely transparent with your attorney • Organize your financial documents early • Trust the legal advice you’re paying for

The attorney you choose can have a lasting impact on your future. Take the time to find someone with the experience and focus your case deserves.

Read the full blog through the link in our bio.

06/22/2026

Understanding Temporary vs. Final Court Orders in Family Law

Family law matters often involve a series of legal steps before a case reaches resolution. One of the most important distinctions for individuals navigating divorce, child custody, or support proceedings is the difference between temporary and final court orders.

Temporary court orders are designed to provide stability while a case is pending. Because family law cases can take months to resolve, courts may issue temporary orders addressing matters such as parenting time, child support, spousal support, possession of the marital residence, and attorney’s fees. These orders are intended to meet immediate needs and maintain the status quo until a final resolution is reached.

Final court orders, on the other hand, represent the conclusion of a case. Whether reached through negotiation, settlement, or trial, a final order establishes the long-term rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. These orders commonly address parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, spousal maintenance, and the division of marital assets and debts.

Key distinctions include:
• Purpose: Temporary orders provide short-term stability; final orders provide a comprehensive resolution.
• Duration: Temporary orders remain in effect only while a case is pending; final orders remain enforceable unless modified by a subsequent court order.
• Scope: Temporary orders address immediate concerns; final orders resolve all outstanding issues.
• Modification: Temporary orders are generally easier to adjust, while modifying a final order often requires demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances.

Understanding how these orders function can help individuals make informed decisions throughout the legal process and better prepare for the long-term implications of their case.

At WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, we guide clients through every stage of family law proceedings, from obtaining necessary temporary relief to securing fair and lasting final resolutions.

06/18/2026

Infidelity. Cheating. Adultery. Lover. Paramour.

These are all words that a spouse typically does not want to hear. So, what do you do when your spouse is one that has stepped out of the marriage?

Typically, you file for divorce. But, does cheating affect the divorce outcome? The answer is not that simple – a yes or no will not suffice.

Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that there is no fault attributed to either party that will change the financial outcome of the case. However, if the scandal has seriously endangered the emotional, physical, moral, or mental wellbeing of the child, the impact to that parent’s parenting time and decision-making authority for the minor child may be in jeopardy. The decisions that a spouse, who also happens to be a parent, makes can directly impact their parenting time and decision-making with the minor child or children. The allocation of parental responsibilities takes the best interests of a child into consideration when determining a parent’s involvement with a child.

Reach out to Ward Family Law for an experienced divorce and family lawyer to discuss your options in light of cheating and its implications in the divorce process.

06/17/2026

Family law is about more than court filings, negotiations, and legal documents. It’s about helping individuals and families navigate significant life transitions with clarity, confidence, and a path forward.

At Ward Family Law, we are committed to protecting your rights while helping you build your next chapter.

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.

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

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.

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.

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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.

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

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

Website

https://wardfamilylawchicago.com/

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