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Francine N. Green-Kelner
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Francine N. Green-Kelner
Francine N. Green-Kelner Law Office
134 N. LaSalle
#1800
Chicago, IL 60602-1156
Phone: (312) 606-9004 | Fax: (312) 263-6361
Empathetic , Professional, and Quality Representation
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer clients within the matrimonial law or family law areas. I also like to work with people who are involved in the child abuse system.
I share space with attorneys in other areas of expertise, who I can refer other kinds of cases to.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Colleges & Universities
- Individualized Education Plans
- Private Schools
- Public Schools
- Special Education
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I prefer clients within the matrimonial law or family law areas. I also like to work with people who are involved in the child abuse system.
I share space with attorneys in other areas of expertise, who I can refer other kinds of cases to.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
Bar Admissions
IL, Oct 1980
Specialty Certifications
None.
Other Court Admissions
Illinois Courts.
Association Memberships
The Illinois State Bar Association, the Chicago Bar Association, the Women's Bar Association, and other professional women's association like Business and Professional Women (BPW).
Continuing Education
I frequently attend seminars and continuing education classes in areas of my concentration such as family law and child abuse.
Papers and Publications
I have contributed articles on the areas of family law for various local publications.
Example Cases
In the family law area I have helped with clients going through a dissolution proceeding such as redistributing assets, collecting child support, and obtaining visitation rights where the other party was denied access to their children. In the child abuse area I have assisted parents in achieving reunification with their children after the children have been removed from their care.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Illinois institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law (IIT)
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
1980
Honors:
Graduated with honors while working full time.
Focus and Accomplishments:
None
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of Illinois
City:
Champaign
State:
IL
Year:
1970
Honors:
Graduated with honors.
Focus and Accomplishments:
None
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
I have been practicing family and matrimonial law for 28 years. I have had my own practice since 1987.
I represent clients in family law and matrimonial law situations, such as people undergoing divorce, custody, visitation, child support disputes, paternity actions, and adoptions. I also represent clients involved in the child protection system.
Previous Employment Summary
Since high school I always worked in a quasi-legal capacity. Before I became an attorney, I was a legal secretary. Other work I have done includes sales and federal government work.
Activities and Awards
I received awards from volunteer legal associations such as the Chicago Lawyers to Aid Incarcerated Mothers, the Legal Clinic for the Disabled, and the Chicago Legal Association.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I am a firm believer in the fact that the more knowledge one has going into a legal problem, the more satisfied they will be with the outcome. The proceedings go more smoothly and they may even achieve a better outcome just be educating themselves.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am absolutely willing to review documents prepared by clients, and assist them in any way I can. Sometimes they can be very useful in the course of a proceeding. Sometimes I even suggest that my clients keep their own documents for certain kinds of cases to help with proceedings.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I have done so in the past. I am always willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I decided to become a lawyer because I loved to watch and read Perry Mason ever since I was in the 4th grade. I was always interested by the thought process, courtroom procedures and reasoning behind legal matters. In high school I was part of the debate team and loved the chance to challenge people and chance people's minds.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have worked with lawyers since I was in high school. I was a legal secretary from when I was a junior in high school. All of my quasi-work experience from before I went to law school helped me greatly as well. During law school I had courtroom experience and worked as a legal assistant for a major law firm. Having worked for large firm's it made me decide that I did not want to work for a firm.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I never envisioned that I would practice family law when I was in law school. However, my first volunteer case with a legal association I worked with a battered woman's organization. My first case was a pro bono divorce case. I discovered in working at that case that I enjoyed practicing in this area of law and felt a lot of compassion for my client.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy assisting people who are in a bad situation to help them move on with their lives. I enjoy working with people. I know I could be making more money if I was in a larger firm but I enjoy working on my own and with people from all walks of life.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner who shares office space with other attorneys who practice in other areas of law. This helps me tremendously as I can refer my clients to them when appropriate. For instance if a person who is getting a divorce has immigration issues I can refer them to another attorney in my office space who can assist them with that area of law. I have an office assistant/secretary who has good relationships with my clients.
What are your strengths and style?
I have an ability to listen, empathize and possibly even relate to my clients. I have a strong ability to be non-judgmental and to be objective. I can be very analytical and devote the time that is necessary to prepare for any legal issue and do so in a pragmatic way.
Personal Interests:
I like cross country bicycling, cross country skiing, swing dancing, reading, cooking, and traveling. I also enjoy hiking and camping with my husband and three golden retrievers.
Office Manager/Assistant
Dianne Martinez
Fax
(312) 263-6361
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
My assistant, Dianne Martinez, is Spanish Bilingual and I am conversant in French.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I am willing to undertake representation in certain instances, such as in uncontested divorces, for a flat fee. The fee would be determined by the complexity of the case.
Hourly Rates
I would consider adjusting an hourly rate for people in varying financial circumstances.
Free Initial Consultation?
I will speak with someone by phone, initially, and answer some preliminary questions, but when a client comes into the office I do request a consultation fee.
Typical Retainer
No, because each situation is not typical. A divorce retainer will depend upon the complexity and the types of issues presented.
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.
