Sullivan Taylor & Gumina
1749 South Naperville Road
Suite 106
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: (630) 665-7676 | Fax: (630) 665-8630
http://www.stglawfirm.com
Family Law
We are able to assist all clients with family law related issues.
Divorce
We are able to assist all clients with family law related issues.
IL, Nov 1995
Bar Number: 6229371
Illinois State and Federal District Court, Northern District of Illinois.
American Bar Association; Illinois State Bar Association; DuPage County Bar Association (DCBA); DCBA Family Law Committee Member; DuPage Association of Women Lawyers.
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.
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.
B.A.
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago
IL
1991
Cum Laude, Alpha Sigma Nu, National Jesuit Honor Society, Midwestern Collegiate All Conference (track and field)
Political Science
Juris Doctor
Chicago-Kent College of Law IIT
Chicago
IL
1995
Dean's List, Chicago-Kent Bar and Gavel Society
6
Illinois
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.
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.
• 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
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.
Recognizing the financial hardships that many families are facing, I am willing to review documents that they have prepared.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The fact that it is never the same. Each client presents new issues that need to be addressed based upon their own circumstances.
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.
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.
I enjoy running and spending time with my husband and children.
(630) 665-8630
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Other times by appointment
No
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.
See above.
Generally, no.
$3,500 to $5,000, depending on the facts and degree of difficulty of the case.
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