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Marie Fahnert
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Marie Fahnert
Fahnert, LLC
25 East Washington
Suite 1732
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: (312) 899-8009
http://www.fahnertlaw.com
Smart. Honest. Dedicated.
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Anything family law related except for adoptions.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- Visitation
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Powers of Attorney
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Anything family law related except for adoptions.
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
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Bar Admissions
IL, Nov 2006
Bar Number: 6289447
Other Court Admissions
Illinois
Association Memberships
Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and American Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I fulfill my continuing education hours by taking courses through the IICLE, Illinois State Bar Association and Chicago Bar Association.
Example Cases
Wife v. Husband (client)
Husband, my client, felt that his wife’s demands for maintenance were excessive. We had a hearing on the matter. Judge awarded no maintenance.
Father v. Mother (client)
Mother (my client) won sole custody of the children in a bitterly contested custody battle where husband had accused Mother of inter-state kidnapping.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Northwestern School of Law
City:
Chicago
State:
IL
Year:
2006
Focus and Accomplishments:
Worked at the Center on Wrongful Convictions, Center for International Human Rights, and Small Business Opportunity Clinic.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Illinois
Firm Focus and History
I have dedicated my legal career to family law. As a divorce and family -law attorney, I aim to use my legal expertise to reach the best possible outcome in your case. Where appropriate, I will make use of cutting-edge legal developments or advise you of the benefits of negotiation.
I founded Fahnert, LLC, after a stint as a divorce lawyer at a public-interest legal clinic in Chicago. I realized that the private sector needed the same smart and caring lawyers who worked in the public interest sector. Thus, I founded my law firm with the client-focused philosophy of doing good, putting clients first, and resolving issues as efficiently as possible.
Previous Employment Summary
During my law school years, I worked at Northwestern School of Law’s Small Business Opportunity Clinic (helping entrepreneurs with the legal aspects of their business), the Center on Wrongful Convictions (where I was part of a team that won clemency for a wrongfully-convicted death row inmate) and the Center for International Human Rights (helping draft a winning appeal for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights).
I also worked as an English teacher in China (2 years), a computer programmer, and a berry picker (!) before attending Northwestern.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I strongly encourage you to learn about family law, read books on divorce, and voice your opinion.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I will consider reviewing documents on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I will consider coaching clients on a case-by-case basis. Please contact me.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I’ve never been much of a rebel so fixing things from within the system appeals to me.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have lived in Latin America, Europe, and Asia. The exposure to different cultures made me more open minded, more sympathetic, and more accepting of people. This understanding of people (and their follies) helps me be a better lawyer because I truly believe that we should be as open minded about others as we would like others to be about us.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I chose family law because I like the immediate effect that my hard work has on clients. There is nothing more satisfying than helping a father maintain a relationship with his son, helping a wife find the retirement money hidden by her husband, or helping a couple divide their assets so that both of spouses are free from financial worries as they enter their new, independent, single lives.
What do you like best about your career?
What I like best about family law is that I get to help people reach an outcome that will allow them to go on with their lives, maintain a loving relationship with their children, and plan for an even better future.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner so all of my clients deal directly with me. This means that I always know exactly what is going on with your case. I have also arrangements with other family law attorneys to help out in case of an emergency.
What are your strengths and style?
I believe there is nothing more important in a family lawyer than a reputation for honesty, intelligence, dedication, and hard work.
Judges and the opposing party will respect you and listen to your arguments if you have a reputation for the above qualities. The best way to get this reputation is by actually being honest, intelligent, dedicated, and hard working. Thus, in the courtroom - as well as outside it - you will see me:
• Obey and respect the judge,
• Behave ethically and justly,
• Strategize how best to solve your case, and
• Diligently handle all relevant aspects of your case.
My ethics and hard work help you reach better results by winning:
• The respect of judges,
• Credibility in negotiations, and
• Leverage throughout the proceeding by following an original plan on solving your case.
Personal Interests:
I dream of moving to Mongolia.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
I am fluent in Spanish. A Chinese translator is also available.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Uncontested divorce with no children: $2,500 plus court costs.
Hourly Rates
$250 for office work; $270 for court costs and other out-of-office work.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free initial consultation over the phone.
Typical Retainer
$2,500.
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