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Maureen Sullivan Taylor
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Maureen Sullivan Taylor
Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, P.C.
1749 South Naperville Road
Suite 106
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: (630) 665-7676 | Fax: (630) 665-8630
http://www.stglawfirm.com
The Family Law Attorney You Can Trust
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with parents in custody proceedings who recognize the importance of maintaining a stable and consistent environment for their children.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Domestic Violence
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Domestic Partnerships
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Powers of Attorney
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Grandparent Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with parents in custody proceedings who recognize the importance of maintaining a stable and consistent environment for their children.
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
- Collaborative Law
Bar Admissions
IL, Nov 1982
Bar Number: 6182924
Specialty Certifications
Fellow, Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois.
Other Court Admissions
State of Illinois, 1982; United States District Court for Northern District of Illinois, 1982; United States Supreme Court, 2004.
Association Memberships
American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, DuPage Bar Association, DuPage Association of Women Lawyers, Association of Trial Lawyers of America, Association for Conflict Resolution, National Association of Counsel for Children, Fellow of Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, and International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
Continuing Education
In addition to teaching and presenting at many continuing legal education seminars, I attend others on topics dealing with family law.
Papers and Publications
• Family Law, Code of Professional Responsibility, DuPage County Bar Association
• Family Law, Attorney's Fees and Mediation, DuPage County Bar Association
Example Cases
In many of my cases I handle complex custody disputes, including extensive work with mental health providers such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and child development specialists. In many of my cases, I work closely with accountants, financial advisers and analysts, and business valuators.
Education
Degree:
Graduate Work in French
School:
Loyola University/Mundelein College
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
1964
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts
School:
Marycrest College
City:
Davenport
State:
IA
Year:
1963
Honors:
Kappa Gamma Pi National Scholastic Honor Society
Focus and Accomplishments:
Honor Society for Women's Colleges.
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Year:
1982
Honors:
Law Review, Teaching Assistant for Legal Research and Writing
Number of Attorneys
6
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
The focus of our firm is to respond to the needs of clients who are undergoing transitions and changes in any aspect of their family's life.
I established the firm in 1994. Since 1982, my practice has consisted of all areas of family law in DuPage, Kane, Will and Cook counties.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to completing my law degree, I was involved in all levels of education, from teaching at the preschool level in a Montessori School, elementary and high school levels, and adult learning opportunities.
Activities and Awards
American Jurisprudence Award for Outstanding Achievement in Matrimonial Law and The State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs Certificate of Appreciation.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is essential that clients participate actively in their case, especially in producing all documents in their possession and control. It is important that clients understand the legal process so that they may make their own educated decisions, guided by the recommendations of their attorney.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I encourage clients to prepare documents and assist in the resolution of their case. It is the client who is able to educate the attorney in the nuances of the facts that are operative in his or her individual family system.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I will assist clients who wish to educate themselves regarding the impact of case law and statutes in his or her individual case. However, it is usually contrary to clients' best interests to represent themselves.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My goal was, and is, to assist persons in resolving conflict.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My training as a mediator and as a Fellow in the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois provides me with the skills to assist clients in resolving their issues while avoiding acrimony and unnecessary conflict.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I have a strong commitment to children and the responsibility to provide a safe and secure non-violent environment for them in which to grow and develop. Family Law provides the opportunity to assist clients and their children in the areas of finance, tax, real estate, contracts, corporate valuation, and asset allocation.
What do you like best about your career?
Family Law poses a constant challenge due to increasingly novel societal changes. My career as a family law attorney offers a daily opportunity to assist persons in addressing conflict and working towards viable solutions.
Tell us about your law firm:
Our firm has a dynamic team of professionals who understand the stress and pressures our clients experience. Six attorneys provide a wide range of backgrounds, including former teachers, therapists, public defenders, public guardians, state's attorneys, guardians ad litem, mediators and prior experience in large and small law firms. Our paralegals, clerks, and staff are committed to providing cost-effective service to our clients.
What are your strengths and style?
My approach is client-centered to respond to the particular needs in each individual situation. I am detail oriented and encourage a client to understand the available alternatives, rather than to become overwhelmed by their current situation. My goal is to empower a client to make wise choices as he or she navigates the transition in the family unit. A team of professionals may be retained as needed to include counselors, child development specialists, counselors, financial advisors, and accountants.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy travel, walking, hiking, the theater and music, including opera and Irish ballads.
Office Manager/Assistant
Rhonda Kliest.
Fax
(630) 665-8630
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Other times by appointment.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
French.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
In order to provide cost-effective legal services, we provide a team of professionals to address the client's needs for ongoing communication and consultation. Two attorneys and a paralegal are assigned to each case. There is no "double-billing," but rather an entire group of professionals ready to assist and advise the client at all times.
Hourly Rates
My hourly rate is $350. There is no increased rate for court time.
Free Initial Consultation?
I charge $200 for an initial consultation that addresses the client's unique needs in light of applicable case laws and statutes.
Typical Retainer
The retainer is based upon the client's individual facts and situational needs. My experience permits me to project a reasonable expectation of time and expense.
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.
