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Judy A. Goldstein
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Judy A. Goldstein
Goldstein & Associates
19235 S. Wolf Road
Mokena, IL 60448
Phone: (708) 479-0800
http://www.goldstein-associates.com
Serving the Community Since 1986
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Our best clients are those who are interested and actively participate in their cases. Clients are expected to cooperate and assist in the decision making process.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Civil Unions
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Long-Term Care
- Powers of Attorney
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Our best clients are those who are interested and actively participate in their cases. Clients are expected to cooperate and assist in the decision making process.
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
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Bar Admissions
IL, May 1986
Bar Number: 6192128
Other Court Admissions
State of Illinois, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, United States Supreme Court.
Association Memberships
Illinois State Bar Association, Will County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on the topics of divorce, custody, guardianship, ethics, alternate dispute resolution, etc. I always exceed the required amount of continuing legal education hours.
Example Cases
I regularly handle the following:
• Divorce, with and without child custody controversy
• Child support modification and arrearages
• Contribution to college expenses
• Legal representation for minors in divorce, adoption and guardianship cases
• Legal representation for disabled adults
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence/order of protection cases
• Mediation of family issues - court ordered and private cases
Education
Degree:
M.Ed.
School:
University of Illinois
City:
Urbana
State:
IL
Year:
1972
Focus and Accomplishments:
Special Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
DePaul University College of Law
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
1986
Focus and Accomplishments:
Focus: litigation
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of Illinois
City:
Urbana
State:
IL
Year:
1971
Focus and Accomplishments:
Psychology/Special Education
Degree:
C.A.S.
School:
Northern Illinois University
City:
DeKalb
State:
IL
Year:
1976
Focus and Accomplishments:
Educational Administration
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
Our firm has evolved over the years. It was originally established in 1986 as Judy A. Goldstein - Attorney at Law, and later renamed Law Offices of Judy A. Goldstein. We are now Goldstein & Associates/Law Offices-Mediation Center. These name changes reflect our professional growth and experience. We have created a casual but warm and comfortable atmosphere that may be less intimidating than the environment at some more traditional law offices. We offer quality, professional and ethical legal representation at fair and reasonable fees.
Our practice is primarily in the area of family law, including but not limited to divorce, post-decree matters, child support, custody, grandparents' rights, adoption, guardianship of children and adults, and paternity. We also represent clients in real estate, traffic and criminal matters as well as certain other civil controversies.
We believe that there is more to legal representation than just application of the law. Each client comes to us with a unique set of facts and needs. We believe that the best way to represent each client is to be able to see all sides of a controversy. By taking a "client's rights" rather than a "men's rights" or "women's rights" approach to the practice of law, we believe we are better able to tailor our services to the unique needs of each client.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to becoming an attorney, I taught high school special education for fourteen years. During my years as a teacher, I also held various second jobs as a phlebotomist, medical laboratory technician, dime store cashier, flower shop attendant and bartender. Each of these positions added to my life experience and permits me to better understand my clients.
Activities and Awards
• Pro Bono work for Will County Legal Assistance Foundation
• Recognized contributor to Will County Court Administered Special Advocates
• Recognized for participation as past board member - South Suburban Bar Association
• Annual participant - Ask-a-Lawyer Day
• Annual judge - National Mock Trial Association competition
• Pro Bono attorney - Operation Standby: provides legal assistance active members of the armed forces
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We encourage our clients to be fully educated in all aspects of their case. To that effect, we keep clients informed of case progress and instruct them about the pertinent law and options they have in order to best make decisions.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Our clients generally prepare only documents concerning discovery, which is the exchange of financial and certain other information. We review these documents with our clients and discuss any needed revisions or corrections.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
We offer consultation services for clients who prefer to do most of the work themselves but not to retain the services of a full-time attorney. As consultants, we do not formally represent the client but merely provide background information and assistance.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
When in my 11th year of teaching, I wished to return to graduate school but did not have a preferred area of study. A guidance counselor suggested I look into law school. I discussed law school with a dear, elderly friend who was a federal judge. He agreed that law school would be a good choice for me, considering my personality and professional skills. As a result, I attended law school and discovered I very much enjoy the mental challenge and the opportunity to apply the law to help better the lives of our clients.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My past experience as a special education teacher in an impoverished community, as well as my work assisting members of the military with their personal and legal issues, has given me a unique ability to work insightfully with clients. Also, I spent the better part of two years as a student intern in the felony courts in Cook County, Illinois. This allowed me to be better prepared as a new lawyer to handle a variety of cases with confidence.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I think my primary area of practice chose me, rather than the other way around. Word of mouth as well as referrals from other attorneys has kept me very busy and has made our family practice grow. This is an area of law which requires a great deal of sensitivity to clients' needs and a recognition that our clients are often not at their emotional best.
What do you like best about your career?
My career offers me a degree of independence combined with the opportunity to assist those in need of legal guidance and services.
Tell us about your law firm:
Our office consists of two attorneys and support staff. While I personally supervise the work of associates and assistants, I expect all staff to be acquainted with clients and their files. Our office manager, Kelly, has worked for me for a number of years and is exceptionally sensitive to client needs. Associate attorney Leslie Thompson is the newest member of our team. She is eager to meet our clients, discuss their problems and concerns and work toward their resolution.
What are your strengths and style?
I believe the best method for handling complex cases is to set a tone of civility in an effort to settle. However, when agreements cannot be reached, I am very prepared to litigate and to zealously advocate the positions of our clients. I insist upon top quality presentation of documents and keeping clients informed of the progress of their case. We provide clients with copies of all papers prepared or received on their behalf, thereby allowing them to have a duplicate of the file that is kept in our office, minus only phone messages and personal notes.
Personal Interests:
I adopt retired racing greyhounds, especially senior and special needs dogs. I have had as many as 9 and as few as four at any time over the past decade. I also ride my Harley-Davidson touring bike all over the country. As a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, I honor those members and past members of the military and welcome home dead, injured and living soldiers as well as honor those who have served when they are laid to rest. Additionally, I have a very sizable collection of antique glass. I also offer my services pro bono to active members of the armed forced through Operation Standby.
Office Manager/Assistant
Leslie Thompson: Associate Attorney, Kelly: Office Manager.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Other hours in an emergency by appointment only.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
We've used translators, both in the office and in court, when our clients do not speak English.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Certain types of matters, such as simple real estate transactions and traffic matters, lend themselves to fixed fees. However, each family related matter is unique and for that reason, we prefer to meet individually with the potential client to discuss their issues and quote an hourly rate which is fair to both the client and the legal representative.
Hourly Rates
See above.
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer free consultations for certain matters and charge a consultation fee for more complicated cases. Generally, a paid consultation lasts up to one hour for $175. In some instances, the consultation fee may be waived if the office is retained.
Typical Retainer
Because our cases vary greatly in nature, we do not have a "typical" retainer. However, we strive to keep fees to a minimum while zealously representing our clients.
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.
