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Christopher Haaff
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Christopher Haaff
Law Office of Christopher Haaff
210 N. Walkup Avenue
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: (815) 355-8194 | Fax: (815) 455-6874
http://www.haafflaw.com
Experienced, Efficient, and Responsive
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I'm looking for cases in divorce, adoptions, qualified domestic relations orders, custody, child support, enforcement modification, surrogacy and premarital agreements.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Domestic Violence
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Marriage
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I'm looking for cases in divorce, adoptions, qualified domestic relations orders, custody, child support, enforcement modification, surrogacy and premarital agreements.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
Bar Admissions
IL, Nov 1997
Other Court Admissions
I've been admitted in Illinois since 1997.
Association Memberships
McHenry County Bar Association, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Illinois State Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I do a lot of lecturing and attend many seminars above and beyond the minimum.
Papers and Publications
I have published several articles.
Example Cases
I've taken many cases to court in terms of child support, spousal support, custody and visitation, property and adoption. I've found that the best thing is often to negotiate, but if it's something that's reasonable, I will take the case to court.
Education
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
Greenville College
City:
Greenville
State:
IL
Year:
1994
Honors:
Dean's List for all 7 semesters, graduated one semester early, elected to Student Government, involved with the History Honors Society.
Focus and Accomplishments:
History and Political Science
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
The University of Illinois
City:
Champaigne
State:
IL
Year:
1997
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
I opened my own law firm in January of 2007.
My focus is in family law: divorces, custody, child and spousal support. I'm also in paternity, adoptions, surrogacy, and pre-marital agreements.
Previous Employment Summary
Before that, I was an associate and a partner with a major family law litigator for over 9 years.
Activities and Awards
Illinois State Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year from outside Cook County in 2005, McHenry County Business Journal: I was a member of their first list of the "Ten Under Age 40 to Watch," and I recently judged at the ISBA Lincoln Award Legal Writing Contest. Right now, I'm a candidate for the ISBA Board of Governors under age 37 outside Cook County.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I am very happy that they do it. These are some of my favorite clients as long as they realize that not everything they hear or read on the internet is correct. No case is identical and the outcomes can vary.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I'm always willing. Part of my job is to make sure people do things right.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I typically don't do that, though there have been exceptions. Usually, I like to either help them out completely or not be involved at all.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I knew in 8th grade that I wanted to be a lawyer because I have an uncle with muscular dystrophy who had difficulty with a patent for a wheelchair design. He made a mistake that could've been avoided if he had a lawyer at the time. This piqued my interest in using the law to help people who don't know what they're doing in regards to legal situations.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
The fact that I've done nothing but family law for 10 years makes me a better lawyer. I'm in court nearly every day. I'm familiar with the judges, the law and how things work in the system.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose family law because I like the clients and I like that the law is so dynamic. The statutes and cases are always changing. It's very intriguing to be involved in change.
What do you like best about your career?
I've said for years that you could not drag me away kicking and screaming from what I do. It's hard to pick just one thing I like best.
Tell us about your law firm:
I'm a solo practitioner.
What are your strengths and style?
My personality is fairly outgoing. I'm not a person who yells, screams and pounds on the table. I like to negotiate in a reasonable, rational way. Every case is different, but knowing the law and the facts can help bring about the correct results. I'm aggressive when needed and always prepared.
Personal Interests:
I have two children who are now 8 and 4 and I like to spend time with them. I enjoy playing golf, but I'm terrible. I listen to hard rock and heavy metal, but also jazz.
Fax
(815) 455-6874
Office Hours
My hours vary from day to day. Sometimes I work weekends and sometimes nights, but I'm able to take on appointments as needed.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I do not have fixed or contingent fees.
Hourly Rates
$290.
Free Initial Consultation?
I don't charge up front for initial consultation. If a client decides to retain me, then I charge a discount on the initial conference.
Typical Retainer
Divorce: $2,500-$5,000; Paternity Cases $2,000-$4,000; Adoptions $1,000-$2,000. These rates also include costs such as filing and service fees.
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.
