At Hargrave Family Law, attorney Jennifer Stanton provides personalized service in Chicago. Our firm is dedicated to helping families navigate complex issues.
Hargrave Family Law — By the Numbers
We understand that family law matters are deeply personal. You get experienced legal representation combined with the empathy and personal attention you deserve during difficult times.
No billing surprises. We offer clear fee arrangements on many services so you can plan your legal budget with confidence from day one.
Based in Chicago, we serve families throughout the region with dedicated, results-driven family law representation.
Jennifer Stanton brings extensive family law expertise to clients who need compassionate, senior-level attention during life's most challenging transitions. With years of experience in family courts, Jennifer Stanton has helped hundreds of families navigate divorce, custody disputes, and complex property division.
Our firm was founded to deliver top-caliber family law representation with the personal service and direct access that larger firms often cannot provide. Every client works directly with experienced counsel from start to finish.
Contested and uncontested divorce representation. We guide you through property division, support, and custody with a focus on protecting your rights and future.
Learn MoreLegal and physical custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and modifications. We fight to protect your relationship with your children.
Learn MoreEstablishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders. We ensure fair support calculations that reflect the true needs of your children.
Learn MoreTemporary and permanent spousal support negotiations and modifications. We advocate for fair support arrangements based on your circumstances.
Learn MoreEquitable division of marital assets including real estate, retirement accounts, businesses, and investments. We protect what you've built.
Learn MoreDrafting and reviewing prenuptial and postnuptial agreements that protect both parties' interests and stand up in court.
Learn MoreSecured a favorable division of marital assets exceeding $2M including business interests, real estate, and retirement accounts through strategic negotiation.
Divorce & Property DivisionSuccessfully obtained primary custody modification for a parent after demonstrating significant changes in circumstances, protecting the children's best interests.
Child CustodyDrafted comprehensive prenuptial agreement protecting a client's business interests and inheritance while ensuring fair provisions for both parties.
Prenuptial AgreementDuring the most difficult time of my life, Hargrave Family Law gave me confidence and clarity. They fought for my custody rights and got me an outcome I didn't think was possible. I can't recommend them enough.
We start with a no-obligation conversation to understand your family situation, your goals, and whether we're the right fit for your legal needs.
We develop a clear, actionable legal strategy tailored to your family's objectives — with transparent pricing before any work begins.
Your attorney personally manages your matter from start to finish. No handoffs to junior associates — you get senior-level attention throughout.
We see every matter through to a successful outcome, then stay engaged for modifications, enforcement, or whatever comes next.
Whether you're facing a divorce, custody dispute, or need a prenuptial agreement — Hargrave Family Law is ready to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation.
Radical Transparency
Most family law attorneys won't tell you what a matter costs until you've signed a retainer. We believe in complete transparency from the first conversation.
Based on typical family law matters. Flat-fee options available for uncontested divorces and prenuptial agreements. Written fee agreement before work begins.
Know What to Expect
Family law matters follow a clear process. Here's exactly what each phase looks like so you can plan and prepare with confidence.
File the petition for divorce and develop a comprehensive legal strategy based on your goals for custody, support, and property division.
The initial filing sets the tone for the entire case. We analyze your situation — assets, children, income — to build a strategy that protects your interests from day one.
Both parties exchange financial documents, asset valuations, and income information required by the court.
Complete financial transparency is critical. We ensure all assets are properly identified and valued — including retirement accounts, business interests, and hidden assets.
Negotiate custody arrangements, support, and property division. Many courts require mediation before trial.
Most divorces settle through negotiation. We enter mediation with thorough preparation and clear objectives to achieve the best possible outcome without the expense of trial.
Finalize the divorce agreement or proceed to trial if necessary. We prepare every case for trial from day one.
When settlement isn't possible, we're fully prepared for trial. Our thorough preparation — and the opposing side's awareness of it — often drives favorable last-minute settlements.
Court enters final decree. Asset transfers, name changes, and custody schedules are implemented.
The divorce decree is just the beginning of implementation. We ensure all property transfers, account divisions, and custody arrangements are properly executed.
The Real Cost of Going Without Counsel
Families that navigate divorce and custody without dedicated legal counsel consistently face worse outcomes. The data is unambiguous.
Without Family Law Counsel Handling it yourself or with generalists |
Recommended With Hargrave Family Law Dedicated family law attorneys |
|
|---|---|---|
| Custody Outcome | Parents without counsel lose custody disputes at higher ratesProcedural errors and weak evidence presentation cost outcomes | Strategic advocacy focused on best interests of the childEvidence-based case presentation that courts find compelling |
| Property Division | Avg. 15–25% less in asset divisionHidden assets go undetected, valuations are accepted unchallenged | Complete asset discovery and fair valuationForensic analysis of finances, business valuations, and retirement accounts |
| Child Support | Incorrect calculations cost families thousandsIncome miscalculations and missing deductions are common | Accurate calculations reflecting true income and needsProper imputation of income and accounting for all relevant factors |
| Spousal Support | Unfavorable terms accepted under pressureWithout counsel, one party typically dominates negotiations | Fair support arrangements based on actual circumstancesDuration, amount, and modification terms properly negotiated |
| Agreement Enforceability | DIY agreements frequently challenged successfullyMissing provisions and procedural defects create vulnerability | Court-approved agreements that hold up long-termComprehensive terms covering all contingencies |
| Emotional Cost | Higher stress, longer proceedings, more conflictSelf-represented parties often escalate conflict unintentionally | Professional buffer reduces conflict and stressFocus on resolution, not retaliation |
| Long-Term Impact | Costly modifications needed to fix initial mistakesPoor initial agreements create years of problems | Comprehensive agreements that anticipate future needsBuilt-in provisions for changes in circumstances |