A Boutique Law Firm. Practice Limited to Divorce and Custody.
A Boutique Law Firm. Practice Limited to Divorce and Custody.
At the Law Offices of Benedict Schwarz, II P.C., we have over 50 years of combined experience representing individuals and families in divorce, family law, real estate, estate planning, and related legal matters in Kane County and the surrounding areas. Our lawyers are well-established and trusted in the community. We have a strong track record of success resolving even the most complex legal issues, and we handle each case with compassion, skill, and proficiency. We understand that each individual and family has a unique set of circumstances, and there is no "one size fits all" solution. We take the time to listen and fully understand our clients' specific needs and goals, so we can develop the most practical, effective, and cost-efficient legal strategy.
Areas of Practice:
Divorce, Contested Divorce, Uncontested Divorce, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (Custody), Parenting Time (Formerly Visitation), Alimony/Maintenance/Spousal Support, Child Support, Asset Division, Forensic Accounting and Hidden Assets, Retirement Assets in Divorce, Tax Implications of Divorce, High Net Worth Divorce, Complex Divorce Issues, Legal Separation, Post Judgement Order Modification, Post Judgement Order Enforcement, Family Law, Paternity & Parentage, Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements, Related Adoption, Domestic Violence & Orders of Protection, Mediation, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Wills, Living Trusts, Power of Attorney
Main Office
303 West Main Street
West Dundee, IL 60118
(847) 428-7725
100 Illinois Street, Suite 200
St. Charles, IL 60174
It is our mission to provide our clients with the highest quality legal services possible. Each of our clients is treated with respect and consideration as we pay meticulous attention to his or her unique needs, goals, and objectives. In order to achieve this mission, our firm has been founded on and remains committed to various principles that influence the way we represent our clients.
Benedict Schwarz, II has limited his practice to matrimonial and family law for over 40 years. He is a long-time member and past director of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and is also a trained divorce mediator; Mr. Schwarz has taught numerous divorce mediation training and conflict resolution seminars and has also co-authored chapters on the subject in the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education publications.
Mr. Schwarz has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP). Further, he is a trained LAP intervenor. In 1992, Mr. Schwarz was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a Commissioner of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). The ARDC is an agency of the Illinois Supreme Court that is responsible for disciplinary actions against attorneys licensed to practice in Illinois and also maintains current records of registration of all attorneys practicing in Illinois. The ARDC investigates allegations of misconduct by lawyers, and prosecutes the cases where a lawyer's misconduct suggests a threat to the public or to the integrity of the legal profession. In 2001, Mr. Schwarz was appointed the Chairperson of the Commission from Jan 2001 - Dec 2010; the ARDC Commission consists of four licensed attorneys and three non-lawyers. The Commissioners, who serve without compensation, establish ARDC policies, appoint members of the ARDC Inquiry and Hearing Boards, and subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of Illinois, appoint the Commission's Chief Executive Officer, and the Administrator. After serving out his term as Chairperson, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Benedict to sit on the Review Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission from 1/1/2011 to present.
Mr. Schwarz is also active in the Kane County and Illinois State Bar Associations where he has held several committee positions, including serving on the Family Law Section Council, Child Support Sub-Committee and Domestic Violence Task Force. He chaired the Kane County State's Attorney Task Force on Domestic Violence and the Kane County Batterer's Task Force.
Admitted to the bar in 1971, Mr. Schwarz is a graduate of the John Marshall Law School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor's degree in Social Psychology. Benedict has also had the honor of being named one of Illinois Super Lawyers every year since 2006. Only 5% of Illinois attorneys receive this honor each year. Martindale Hubbell, has also rated Mr. Schwarz with their highest level of AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 and he is also an Advanced Practitioner member of The Association for Conflict Resolution.
Practice Areas
Matrimonial and Family Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Court Approved Family Mediator and Private Family Mediator
Education
John Marshall Law School, Illinois, 1971, J.D.
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1965
Professional Associations & Memberships
Illinois State Bar Association - Member, 1971 to Present
Member of the Family Law Section Council for seven years
Former Chair of Child Support Sub-Committee
Member of Domestic Violence Task Force for five years
Assisted in re-write of Domestic Violence Act
Special Project Chair - drafted revisions for the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
Kane County Bar Association - Member, 1971 to Present
Chair of the Family Law Committee from 1991 to 1993
Member of the Family Law Committee
member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer 1993-1994
Chair of Legislative Committee, 1994
McHenry County Bar Association - Member, 1993 to present
DuPage County Bar Association - Member, 2014 to present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts - Member, 2006-2017
Academy of Family Mediators - General Member, 1993-2000
Academy of Family Mediators - Advanced Practitioner Member, 2000-2017
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Member, 1978 to 2017
AAML fellow since 1978
Vice President 1995-1997 and Member of Board of Directors, 1993-1998
Legislation and Lobbying Committee, 1997-1998
Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, 1997-1998
Continuing Legal Education Committee, 1997-1998
Benedict Schwarz, II has limited his practice to matrimonial and family law for over 40 years. He is a long-time member and past director of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and is also a trained divorce mediator; Mr. Schwarz has taught numerous divorce mediation training and conflict resolution seminars and has also co-authored chapters on the subject in the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education publications.
Mr. Schwarz has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP). Further, he is a trained LAP intervenor. In 1992, Mr. Schwarz was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a Commissioner of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). The ARDC is an agency of the Illinois Supreme Court that is responsible for disciplinary actions against attorneys licensed to practice in Illinois and also maintains current records of registration of all attorneys practicing in Illinois. The ARDC investigates allegations of misconduct by lawyers, and prosecutes the cases where a lawyer's misconduct suggests a threat to the public or to the integrity of the legal profession. In 2001, Mr. Schwarz was appointed the Chairperson of the Commission from Jan 2001 - Dec 2010; the ARDC Commission consists of four licensed attorneys and three non-lawyers. The Commissioners, who serve without compensation, establish ARDC policies, appoint members of the ARDC Inquiry and Hearing Boards, and subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of Illinois, appoint the Commission's Chief Executive Officer, and the Administrator. After serving out his term as Chairperson, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Benedict to sit on the Review Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission from 1/1/2011 to present.
Mr. Schwarz is also active in the Kane County and Illinois State Bar Associations where he has held several committee positions, including serving on the Family Law Section Council, Child Support Sub-Committee and Domestic Violence Task Force. He chaired the Kane County State's Attorney Task Force on Domestic Violence and the Kane County Batterer's Task Force.
Admitted to the bar in 1971, Mr. Schwarz is a graduate of the John Marshall Law School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor's degree in Social Psychology. Benedict has also had the honor of being named one of Illinois Super Lawyers every year since 2006. Only 5% of Illinois attorneys receive this honor each year. Martindale Hubbell, has also rated Mr. Schwarz with their highest level of AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 and he is also an Advanced Practitioner member of The Association for Conflict Resolution.
Practice Areas
Matrimonial and Family Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Court Approved Family Mediator and Private Family Mediator
Education
John Marshall Law School, Illinois, 1971, J.D.
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1965
Professional Associations & Memberships
Illinois State Bar Association - Member, 1971 to Present
Member of the Family Law Section Council for seven years
Former Chair of Child Support Sub-Committee
Member of Domestic Violence Task Force for five years
Assisted in re-write of Domestic Violence Act
Special Project Chair - drafted revisions for the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
Kane County Bar Association - Member, 1971 to Present
Chair of the Family Law Committee from 1991 to 1993
Member of the Family Law Committee
member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer 1993-1994
Chair of Legislative Committee, 1994
McHenry County Bar Association - Member, 1993 to present
DuPage County Bar Association - Member, 2014 to present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts - Member, 2006-2017
Academy of Family Mediators - General Member, 1993-2000
Academy of Family Mediators - Advanced Practitioner Member, 2000-2017
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Member, 1978 to 2017
AAML fellow since 1978
Vice President 1995-1997 and Member of Board of Directors, 1993-1998
Legislation and Lobbying Committee, 1997-1998
Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, 1997-1998
Continuing Legal Education Committee, 1997-1998
Eric J. Vogel was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2008 after graduating from John Marshall Law School. He served as Assistant Public Defender in the McHenry County Public Defender's Office for over 10 years. In his time at the Public Defender's Office, he handled cases in several areas of the law, including, misdemeanor and felony criminal, juvenile abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency and specialty courts. Mr. Vogel has extensive experience in all aspects of litigation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and History from Arizona State University in 2002.
Attorney Vogel understands that every client's situation is different, and he is dedicated to tailoring his approach to a case to the needs and wishes of the individual client. He is committed to counseling and advising his clients through all phases of their case to ensure that they receive the best possible outcome.
In his spare time, Attorney Vogel enjoys traveling, golfing, boating and spending time with his family.
Practice Areas
Matrimonial and Family Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Bar Admissions
Illinois, 2008
Education
The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL, May 2008, J.D.
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 2002, B.A. (English and History)
Affiliations
Kane County Bar Association
McHenry County Bar Association
Past Employment
McHenry County Public Defender's Office, Woodstock, IL
Assistant Public Defender April 2009, October, 2019
Eric J. Vogel was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2008 after graduating from John Marshall Law School. He served as Assistant Public Defender in the McHenry County Public Defender's Office for over 10 years. In his time at the Public Defender's Office, he handled cases in several areas of the law, including, misdemeanor and felony criminal, juvenile abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency and specialty courts. Mr. Vogel has extensive experience in all aspects of litigation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and History from Arizona State University in 2002.
Attorney Vogel understands that every client's situation is different, and he is dedicated to tailoring his approach to a case to the needs and wishes of the individual client. He is committed to counseling and advising his clients through all phases of their case to ensure that they receive the best possible outcome.
In his spare time, Attorney Vogel enjoys traveling, golfing, boating and spending time with his family.
Practice Areas
Matrimonial and Family Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Bar Admissions
Illinois, 2008
Education
The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL, May 2008, J.D.
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 2002, B.A. (English and History)
Affiliations
Kane County Bar Association
McHenry County Bar Association
Past Employment
McHenry County Public Defender's Office, Woodstock, IL
Assistant Public Defender April 2009, October, 2019
At the Law Offices of Benedict Schwarz, II P.C., we have over 50 years of combined experience representing individuals and families in divorce, family law, real estate, estate planning, and related legal matters in Kane County and the surrounding areas. Our lawyers are well-established and trusted in the community. We have a strong track record of success resolving even the most complex legal issues, and we handle each case with compassion, skill, and proficiency. We understand that each individual and family has a unique set of circumstances, and there is no "one size fits all" solution. We take the time to listen and fully understand our clients' specific needs and goals, so we can develop the most practical, effective, and cost-efficient legal strategy.
Areas of Practice:
Divorce, Contested Divorce, Uncontested Divorce, Allocation of Parental Responsibilities (Custody), Parenting Time (Formerly Visitation), Alimony/Maintenance/Spousal Support, Child Support, Asset Division, Forensic Accounting and Hidden Assets, Retirement Assets in Divorce, Tax Implications of Divorce, High Net Worth Divorce, Complex Divorce Issues, Legal Separation, Post Judgement Order Modification, Post Judgement Order Enforcement, Family Law, Paternity & Parentage, Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements, Related Adoption, Domestic Violence & Orders of Protection, Mediation, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Wills, Living Trusts, Power of Attorney
Main Office
303 West Main Street
West Dundee, IL 60118
(847) 428-7725
100 Illinois Street, Suite 200
St. Charles, IL 60174
It is our mission to provide our clients with the highest quality legal services possible. Each of our clients is treated with respect and consideration as we pay meticulous attention to his or her unique needs, goals, and objectives. In order to achieve this mission, our firm has been founded on and remains committed to various principles that influence the way we represent our clients.
Benedict Schwarz, II has limited his practice to matrimonial and family law for over 40 years. He is a long-time member and past director of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and is also a trained divorce mediator; Mr. Schwarz has taught numerous divorce mediation training and conflict resolution seminars and has also co-authored chapters on the subject in the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education publications.
Mr. Schwarz has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP). Further, he is a trained LAP intervenor. In 1992, Mr. Schwarz was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a Commissioner of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). The ARDC is an agency of the Illinois Supreme Court that is responsible for disciplinary actions against attorneys licensed to practice in Illinois and also maintains current records of registration of all attorneys practicing in Illinois. The ARDC investigates allegations of misconduct by lawyers, and prosecutes the cases where a lawyer's misconduct suggests a threat to the public or to the integrity of the legal profession. In 2001, Mr. Schwarz was appointed the Chairperson of the Commission from Jan 2001 - Dec 2010; the ARDC Commission consists of four licensed attorneys and three non-lawyers. The Commissioners, who serve without compensation, establish ARDC policies, appoint members of the ARDC Inquiry and Hearing Boards, and subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of Illinois, appoint the Commission's Chief Executive Officer, and the Administrator. After serving out his term as Chairperson, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Benedict to sit on the Review Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission from 1/1/2011 to present.
Mr. Schwarz is also active in the Kane County and Illinois State Bar Associations where he has held several committee positions, including serving on the Family Law Section Council, Child Support Sub-Committee and Domestic Violence Task Force. He chaired the Kane County State's Attorney Task Force on Domestic Violence and the Kane County Batterer's Task Force.
Admitted to the bar in 1971, Mr. Schwarz is a graduate of the John Marshall Law School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor's degree in Social Psychology. Benedict has also had the honor of being named one of Illinois Super Lawyers every year since 2006. Only 5% of Illinois attorneys receive this honor each year. Martindale Hubbell, has also rated Mr. Schwarz with their highest level of AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 and he is also an Advanced Practitioner member of The Association for Conflict Resolution.
Practice Areas
Matrimonial and Family Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Court Approved Family Mediator and Private Family Mediator
Education
John Marshall Law School, Illinois, 1971, J.D.
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1965
Professional Associations & Memberships
Illinois State Bar Association - Member, 1971 to Present
Member of the Family Law Section Council for seven years
Former Chair of Child Support Sub-Committee
Member of Domestic Violence Task Force for five years
Assisted in re-write of Domestic Violence Act
Special Project Chair - drafted revisions for the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
Kane County Bar Association - Member, 1971 to Present
Chair of the Family Law Committee from 1991 to 1993
Member of the Family Law Committee
member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer 1993-1994
Chair of Legislative Committee, 1994
McHenry County Bar Association - Member, 1993 to present
DuPage County Bar Association - Member, 2014 to present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts - Member, 2006-2017
Academy of Family Mediators - General Member, 1993-2000
Academy of Family Mediators - Advanced Practitioner Member, 2000-2017
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Member, 1978 to 2017
AAML fellow since 1978
Vice President 1995-1997 and Member of Board of Directors, 1993-1998
Legislation and Lobbying Committee, 1997-1998
Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, 1997-1998
Continuing Legal Education Committee, 1997-1998
Benedict Schwarz, II has limited his practice to matrimonial and family law for over 40 years. He is a long-time member and past director of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and is also a trained divorce mediator; Mr. Schwarz has taught numerous divorce mediation training and conflict resolution seminars and has also co-authored chapters on the subject in the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education publications.
Mr. Schwarz has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Lawyers Assistance Program (LAP). Further, he is a trained LAP intervenor. In 1992, Mr. Schwarz was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as a Commissioner of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC). The ARDC is an agency of the Illinois Supreme Court that is responsible for disciplinary actions against attorneys licensed to practice in Illinois and also maintains current records of registration of all attorneys practicing in Illinois. The ARDC investigates allegations of misconduct by lawyers, and prosecutes the cases where a lawyer's misconduct suggests a threat to the public or to the integrity of the legal profession. In 2001, Mr. Schwarz was appointed the Chairperson of the Commission from Jan 2001 - Dec 2010; the ARDC Commission consists of four licensed attorneys and three non-lawyers. The Commissioners, who serve without compensation, establish ARDC policies, appoint members of the ARDC Inquiry and Hearing Boards, and subject to the approval of the Supreme Court of Illinois, appoint the Commission's Chief Executive Officer, and the Administrator. After serving out his term as Chairperson, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed Benedict to sit on the Review Board of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission from 1/1/2011 to present.
Mr. Schwarz is also active in the Kane County and Illinois State Bar Associations where he has held several committee positions, including serving on the Family Law Section Council, Child Support Sub-Committee and Domestic Violence Task Force. He chaired the Kane County State's Attorney Task Force on Domestic Violence and the Kane County Batterer's Task Force.
Admitted to the bar in 1971, Mr. Schwarz is a graduate of the John Marshall Law School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor's degree in Social Psychology. Benedict has also had the honor of being named one of Illinois Super Lawyers every year since 2006. Only 5% of Illinois attorneys receive this honor each year. Martindale Hubbell, has also rated Mr. Schwarz with their highest level of AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 and he is also an Advanced Practitioner member of The Association for Conflict Resolution.
Practice Areas
Matrimonial and Family Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Court Approved Family Mediator and Private Family Mediator
Education
John Marshall Law School, Illinois, 1971, J.D.
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 1965
Professional Associations & Memberships
Illinois State Bar Association - Member, 1971 to Present
Member of the Family Law Section Council for seven years
Former Chair of Child Support Sub-Committee
Member of Domestic Violence Task Force for five years
Assisted in re-write of Domestic Violence Act
Special Project Chair - drafted revisions for the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
Kane County Bar Association - Member, 1971 to Present
Chair of the Family Law Committee from 1991 to 1993
Member of the Family Law Committee
member of the Board of Directors and Treasurer 1993-1994
Chair of Legislative Committee, 1994
McHenry County Bar Association - Member, 1993 to present
DuPage County Bar Association - Member, 2014 to present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts - Member, 2006-2017
Academy of Family Mediators - General Member, 1993-2000
Academy of Family Mediators - Advanced Practitioner Member, 2000-2017
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Member, 1978 to 2017
AAML fellow since 1978
Vice President 1995-1997 and Member of Board of Directors, 1993-1998
Legislation and Lobbying Committee, 1997-1998
Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, 1997-1998
Continuing Legal Education Committee, 1997-1998
Eric J. Vogel was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2008 after graduating from John Marshall Law School. He served as Assistant Public Defender in the McHenry County Public Defender's Office for over 10 years. In his time at the Public Defender's Office, he handled cases in several areas of the law, including, misdemeanor and felony criminal, juvenile abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency and specialty courts. Mr. Vogel has extensive experience in all aspects of litigation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and History from Arizona State University in 2002.
Attorney Vogel understands that every client's situation is different, and he is dedicated to tailoring his approach to a case to the needs and wishes of the individual client. He is committed to counseling and advising his clients through all phases of their case to ensure that they receive the best possible outcome.
In his spare time, Attorney Vogel enjoys traveling, golfing, boating and spending time with his family.
Practice Areas
Matrimonial and Family Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Bar Admissions
Illinois, 2008
Education
The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL, May 2008, J.D.
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 2002, B.A. (English and History)
Affiliations
Kane County Bar Association
McHenry County Bar Association
Past Employment
McHenry County Public Defender's Office, Woodstock, IL
Assistant Public Defender April 2009, October, 2019
Eric J. Vogel was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2008 after graduating from John Marshall Law School. He served as Assistant Public Defender in the McHenry County Public Defender's Office for over 10 years. In his time at the Public Defender's Office, he handled cases in several areas of the law, including, misdemeanor and felony criminal, juvenile abuse and neglect, juvenile delinquency and specialty courts. Mr. Vogel has extensive experience in all aspects of litigation. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and History from Arizona State University in 2002.
Attorney Vogel understands that every client's situation is different, and he is dedicated to tailoring his approach to a case to the needs and wishes of the individual client. He is committed to counseling and advising his clients through all phases of their case to ensure that they receive the best possible outcome.
In his spare time, Attorney Vogel enjoys traveling, golfing, boating and spending time with his family.
Practice Areas
Matrimonial and Family Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Bar Admissions
Illinois, 2008
Education
The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, IL, May 2008, J.D.
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 2002, B.A. (English and History)
Affiliations
Kane County Bar Association
McHenry County Bar Association
Past Employment
McHenry County Public Defender's Office, Woodstock, IL
Assistant Public Defender April 2009, October, 2019