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Robert J. Schmit
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Robert J. Schmit
Robert J. Schmit, Law Offices
11800 S. 75th Ave.
Suite 101
Palos Heights, IL 60463-1062
Phone: (708) 923-6340 | Fax: (708) 923-6220
Experienced, fair and reliable representation
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I look forward to speaking with clients with any sort of family law problem.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Grandparent Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I look forward to speaking with clients with any sort of family law problem.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
Bar Admissions
IL, Nov 1979
Bar Number: 3124451
Other Court Admissions
State of Illinois.
Association Memberships
Illinois Sate Bar Association.
Continuing Education
Much of my continuing legal education takes place in the seminars presented by the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, for members of the panel of attorneys representing children.
Example Cases
I often tell my clients that there are no routine cases for the people involved, and that I try to act accordingly. The ease, or the difficulty, of any particular case depends primarily upon the people involved. Certainly, cases involving children's issues can be very difficult. Even after twenty seven years, though, I still encounter new situations. For example, I recently became involved in a case in which my client married a first cousin, and unknowingly had a void marriage.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
Niles College Seminary of Loyola University
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
1975
Honors:
Magna Cum Laud
Focus and Accomplishments:
A member of the national Jesuit honor fraternity, with a major in history.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Northwestern University School of Law
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
1979
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
My practice focuses exclusively on matters involving divorce, (both pre and post-decree,) parentage, custody, support and related matters. It is in my clients' interests, as well as my own, to avoid diluting this focus. For this reason as well, I only take cases at the downtown court facilities and at the Bridgeview courthouse. I do not take cases in counties other than Cook.
I have been in this location in the southwest suburbs as a sole practitioner since 1993.
Previous Employment Summary
I have always practiced in the south suburbs, either as a sole practitioner or, for a few years, in small firms. Prior to opening this office, I was associated for five years with a law firm that also practiced exclusively in the family law field.
Activities and Awards
I am a member of the panel of attorneys in Cook County who are certified for appointment to represent children in divorce, parentage and custody matters, as a Guardian ad Litem or Child's Representative.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
There used to be a men's clothing store in Chicago, for which the store owner had a clever tag line, along the lines of "an educated consumer is our best customer." This is true for our business, as well, provided that the education comes from legitimate sources, and not from unreliable acquaintances.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I have often reviewed Pro Se documents for clients, provided forms for them, or sample pleadings. As long as a client can take a little criticism, I am willing to provide it constructively.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
All of the attorneys in this field have observed the increase in people representing themselves, and I believe that we have a duty to assist those who have had to choose this path.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I first decided to attend law school, without really having much of an idea about lawyers. After graduating from law school, it seemed to make sense to actually practice law. I haven't changed my mind yet.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Without question, the most important perspective on my work comes from being married for twenty-eight years to a wonderful wife, and having (almost) raised three sons, the youngest two still attending college. I know what my clients wanted, what they are missing, and what they are fighting for.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I didn't choose it; it chose me. I started out engaged in a general practice, started to avoid areas I didn't like, like criminal law, areas that were just so-so, like (real estate), or boring (estates) and only family law was left. As I began taking more and more cases in this field, I realized that it was best to concentrate.
What do you like best about your career?
I once spent a summer driving a CTA bus, and thought that would be a great job if it wasn't for the passengers. Having matured somewhat, the best thing about this job is the passengers. Observing people, helping people and learning from people are the reasons that I do this.
Tell us about your law firm:
Because I am a sole practitioner, you will be dealing only with me.
What are your strengths and style?
I believe that attorneys work best by adjusting to the needs of the client. Some clients require a lot of attention, and some don't. Some clients need help in standing strong, and some need help in backing off. Sometimes, we even realize that a client would be better served with a different attorney. Above all, however, this means that I always try to convey the most accurate information that I can to a client, so that the client can make their best decisions.
Personal Interests:
I would say that I am in transition, from an involved parent to an empty-nester. I have spent many years with my children's activities, coaching, driving, watching. I have probably refereed several hundred soccer games. Now, it's probably time to return to old hobbies, like photography.
Fax
(708) 923-6220
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Available for appointments many afternoons and early evenings.
Cell: (773) 882-1004
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I have a fixed price for uncontested divorces. I charge $1,500.00, including court costs, for this service.
Hourly Rates
My usual hourly rate is $250.00 per hour. I do not charge different rates for office or court time, and I do not charge travel time for cases at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
Free Initial Consultation?
I do offer a free initial consultation. Most consultations last from thirty minutes to an hour.
Typical Retainer
I do not have a standard retainer. This always depends upon the type of case and the issues involved.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
