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Juli A. Gumina

Juli A. Gumina

Sullivan Taylor & Gumina
1749 South Naperville Road
Suite 106
Wheaton, IL 60187

Phone: (630) 665-7676  |  Fax: (630) 665-8630
http://www.stglawfirm.com

Contact Juli A. Gumina

Protecting Your Emotional and Financial Interests

Legal Topic

Family Law

Preferred New Clients

We are able to assist all clients with family law related issues.

Sub-Categories

Family Law
  • Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
  • Restraining Orders
Abuse
  • Domestic Violence
Children
  • Adoptions
  • Child Support
  • Children's Rights
  • Custody
  • Paternity
  • State Child Protection
  • Visitation
Couples
  • Domestic Partnerships
  • Living Together/Cohabitation
  • Marriage
  • Power of Attorney
  • Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Elder Law
  • Guardianships & Conservatorships
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Healthcare Power of Attorney
Rights
  • Grandparent Rights

Legal Topic

Divorce

Preferred New Clients

We are able to assist all clients with family law related issues.

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, Nov 1995
Bar Number: 6229371

Other Court Admissions

Illinois State and Federal District Court, Northern District of Illinois.

Association Memberships

American Bar Association; Illinois State Bar Association; DuPage County Bar Association (DCBA); DCBA Family Law Committee Member; DuPage Association of Women Lawyers.

Continuing Education

In addition to attending continuing legal education seminars on the topics of Family Law, in October 2008, I moderated a Seminar through NBI, National Business Institute, entitled "What Family Court Judges Want You to Know" where I directed a panel of four family law judges through a variety of family topics and their view points on how practitioners should handle same.

Example Cases

Most recently, I successfully represented a client whose former spouse wanted to move the minor children out of the State. My client objected to the move as it would significantly interfere with his relationship with his children and the Court agreed.

I represented a client at trial on a property division that resulted in the client receiving 2 times the amount her spouse was offering to settle the case.

Education

Degree:

B.A.

School:

Loyola University Chicago

City:

Chicago

State:

IL

Year:

1991

Honors:

Cum Laude, Alpha Sigma Nu, National Jesuit Honor Society, Midwestern Collegiate All Conference (track and field)

Focus and Accomplishments:

Political Science

 

Degree:

Juris Doctor

School:

Chicago-Kent College of Law IIT

City:

Chicago

State:

IL

Year:

1995

Honors:

Dean's List, Chicago-Kent Bar and Gavel Society

Number of Attorneys

6

State Licensed In

Illinois

Firm Focus and History

I joined the firm in January 1998. I became a partner in January 2002. At the time that I became partner, there were only three attorneys with the firm. We now have six attorneys whose sole focus is on family law related issues.

Our firm's focus is on the legal needs of the family including but not limited to divorce, child custody, adoption, parentage, prenuptial agreements and support.

Previous Employment Summary

Upon completion of law school, I worked for the Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation handling matters relative to housing issues, family related issues and public assistance. Thereafter I was an assistant public defender in DuPage County handling both misdemeanor and felony cases through to trial. I worked as a public defender for two years before I joined my current firm.

Activities and Awards

• In October 2006, I earned a Certificate of Professional Achievement in Family and Divorce Mediation Training from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.
• Chair, Child Advocacy Committee, DCBA, 2006-2007
• Vice-Chair, Child Advocacy Committee, DCBA 2005-2006
• CLE, Basic Skills Subcommittee, DCBA 2006
• Chair, Legal Aid Committee, 2001-2002
• DuPage Association of Women Lawyers (DAWL)
• Committee Chair for Young Lawyer's Monthly Social Gatherings, 2001-2002
• Board of Directors Award, 2001-2002
• Pro Bono Service Award, 2001-2002

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I believe that a client should be well-educated on how to best utilize his or her attorney. As the client is the one who makes the ultimate decisions on how the case will be resolved, the client must be active in his or her representation, ask questions, actively collect information and be assertive. If a client is unable to do this or needs assistance, our firm has developed a broad range of very competent professionals in the areas of mental health, financial planning, estate planning and criminal defense.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

Recognizing the financial hardships that many families are facing, I am willing to review documents that they have prepared.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I am willing to consult with clients on an hourly basis to assist those who want to represent themselves, but I will point out pitfalls that they could face that they may not be equipped to handle.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I knew that I wanted to be a lawyer or a judge when I was in grade school but I knew that the type of law that I was going to be involved in had to have a human element of care. I initially thought criminal defense was the correct course but then was quickly drawn to family law.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I grew up in a large family with a father who did not go to college and a mother who worked part-time as a nurse. Through their hard work, they were able to put their children through college and always encouraged us to strive for more. That drive that instilled by my parents is the underlying motivation to excel in my career. My experiences through volunteer work in college and in law school with children in inner city Chicago provided the motivation to help others.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

I enjoy the unique ability to assist people through an extremely difficult time in their lives. I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect of family law and litigation when necessary.

What do you like best about your career?

The fact that it is never the same. Each client presents new issues that need to be addressed based upon their own circumstances.

Tell us about your law firm:

We have six attorneys at the firm who all bring a wealth of knowledge and life experiences before they joined the firm, from state's attorneys to counselors to school teachers. In addition, I have three wonderful paralegals who are attentive to all of the clients' immediate needs.

What are your strengths and style?

I am a very strong advocate for my clients. I also believe that my strength is my experience within the area of family law. I have a depth of knowledge that allows me to assist my clients in reaching solutions with the assistance of other professionals such as financial planners and counselors.

Personal Interests:

I enjoy running and spending time with my husband and children.

Fax

(630) 665-8630

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Other times by appointment

Emergency After Hours

No

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

My hourly rate is $300. My consultation fee is $150 for a one-hour consultation. We generally charge a retainer fee upfront before we initiate work for a client.

Hourly Rates

See above.

Free Initial Consultation?

Generally, no.

Typical Retainer

$3,500 to $5,000, depending on the facts and degree of difficulty of the case.

Understanding 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.