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At Blacha Law Office, located in both Naperville and Joliet, our dedicated team specializes in delivering personalized legal counsel in family law and divorce. We understand the importance of efficiently navigating your legal matters, whether you're undergoing a divorce or expanding your family. Our commitment is to ensure that you are well-prepared to embark on a new chapter of your life with confidence and the best possible outcomes. We also handle various other legal issues, including probate, adoption, juvenile law and DCFS cases, and more.
Details
- RestroomAvailable
- Wheelchair accessible restroomAvailable
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.7
388 reviews
5 stars
345
4 stars
19
3 stars2
2 stars3
1 star
19
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Professionalism
Customers consistently praised the professionalism and expertise of the attorneys, particularly Alyana Bruck, Erin O'Connell, and Nicole Janes.
Communication
Many reviews highlighted the outstanding communication, with clients feeling well-informed and supported throughout their legal processes.
Compassion
Clients appreciated the compassionate approach of the attorneys, who treated them with kindness and understanding during difficult times.
Efficiency
Several reviews noted the efficient handling of cases, with many clients experiencing quick resolutions and smooth processes.
Mixed Experiences
While most feedback was positive, a few clients reported dissatisfaction with specific attorneys or billing practices, indicating some inconsistency in experiences.
- CSChelsea Steuben2 days ago5.0Nicole Janes with Blacha Law Office helped me navigate through a very difficult divorce in 2025. She was referred to me by a friend and I was very pleased with our relationship throughout the 8-9 months we worked together. There are no winners when it comes to divorce, but I think she helped me get the best outcome possible of an awful situation. She was always there for me as the sound of reason I needed when I was unable to think logically. Most importantly, she defended me when I needed it the most and always thought of my three kids best interest first. I would definitly recommend Nicole for divorce and parenting legal matters.
- LPLORI P.3 days ago5.0Sean McCumber is a top notch, highly professional, knowledgable, efficient, and thorough attorney! He knows case law and uses it appropriately. Sean had to talk me "off the ledge" a few times which I really appreciated. He takes your calls and/or always follows up within a reasonable time. His assistant, Christine is great as well. She is very professional, knowledgable, efficient and follows through. Great team to have advocating for me. I highly recommend him!
- JGJim GignacJan 4, 20265.0I retained Blacha Law Office for the adoption of my adult step-son. He lives out of state, so we had to coordinate schedules around his holiday travel plans. Both Sean McCumber and Christine Lovendahl made this process easy, even though the schedule was somewhat expedited once his travel plans were finalized!
- CECarlos EstradaDec 17, 20255.0Erin O’Connell and her paralegal, Johannah Drerup, provided exceptional support throughout my divorce. From the first consultation, they brought clarity, structure, and professionalism to a process that felt overwhelming. Communication was outstanding. Every question I had was answered promptly, and if Erin was unavailable, Johannah ensured I was fully supported. I never felt unrepresented or left waiting for information. Their organization and attention to detail kept the case moving efficiently. Erin’s integrity and straightforward guidance stood out. She handled my case with honesty and strong moral character, which gave me confidence and helped me navigate a difficult chapter with dignity. The outcome was fair, and the process was far smoother than I expected. I highly recommend Erin and Johannah to anyone facing family law matters. Their professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care make them an exceptional legal team. I would absolutely work with them again for future needs.
- DMDwayne MalloryDec 16, 20255.0Going through settlement of an estate is never easy since it only comes about due to a loss. Working with Alyana Bruck and Johannah Drerup made the process as seamless and easy as it could be. I thank them greatly for always going above and beyond to answer any questions and address any concerns throughout the entire process. I 100% recommend Blacha for Probate should the need arise.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blacha Law Office, Ltd.
What locations do you serve?
The firm has offices in Naperville and Joliet. We serve clients in DuPage, Will, Cook, Kane and Kendall counties.
What practice areas do you handle?
We serve clients in a wide variety of matters, including family law and divorce, estate planning and probate, collaborative law and mediation, adoption and fertility law, family immigration and juvenile law.
Do you provide free consultations?
Yes, we provide free consultations. Contact our office at your earliest convenience, and we will be happy to arrange a consultation for you.
Why should I hire Blacha Law Office, LLC?
We provide personalized attention and effective representation in a wide range of legal matters. Our founding attorney, Monika Blacha, has a background in complex litigation dating back to 1999 and is a skilled mediator. We focus on divorce, child custody, post-decree litigation, estate administration, probate, and guardianship. Unlike some attorneys who may become less responsive over time, our team prioritizes your legal matters and keeps you informed throughout the process. We believe in offering personal attention every step of the way, ensuring that your case is handled with care. Additionally, our attorneys have received recognition for their outstanding legal service, including Super Lawyers and Avvo Clients' Choice Awards.
What are the grounds for divorce in Illinois?
Starting from January 1, 2016, Illinois operates as a "no-fault" state, which means the sole grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences. Prior to this date, there were ten "fault" grounds for divorce, including reasons like adultery, physical cruelty, and mental cruelty. In a divorce case, a judge must establish that "efforts at reconciliation have failed" or that future attempts "would be impractical and not in the best interests of the family." To prove irreconcilable differences, one only needs to demonstrate that they have lived apart from their spouse continuously for a minimum of six months. It is possible for parties to share the same residence while leading separate lives.
How long must I reside in Illinois to file for divorce in the state?
At least one party involved in an Illinois divorce must have lived in the state for a minimum of 90 days before a judgment can be granted. You must also reside in the state for a minimum of 90 days before filing for divorce.
How is custody determined in divorce or the end of a nonmarital relationship?
While many people still use terms like "custody" and "visitation" in divorce, the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act was updated in 2016 to remove these terms. Instead, decisions about where minor children spend their time are now framed as the "allocation of parenting time and responsibility." This change aimed to reduce disputes and their intensity over the designation of the "custodial parent."
When determining parenting time and responsibility, Illinois courts prioritize the best interests of the child, ideally with the cooperation of the parents. It is expected that parents will negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement regarding parenting time and responsibility. Having a role in creating the agreement often results in better compliance.
If an agreement cannot be reached, and mediation is unsuccessful, the court will decide how to allocate parenting time and parenting responsibility (the latter involving significant decisions like education, medical care, and religious upbringing). Experts may be consulted, and a guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent the child in such situations.
What remedies are available if someone willfully violates an existing court order?
In contentious divorce cases, one party may feel unfairly treated and choose to ignore a court order. In some instances, a person may claim they lack the financial means to comply with a support order. Nevertheless, both parties have a legal obligation to follow all court-ordered decrees. A non-compliant spouse could be held in contempt of court. Seeking legal counsel from a family law attorney can help you take the necessary actions to enforce the order. If a person who is not complying with a court order cites financial hardship, they must file a formal petition to modify the existing order.
What distinguishes physical custody from legal custody?
Physical custody pertains to where the child resides, while legal custody involves decision-making regarding the child's upbringing. In cases of joint physical custody, the child divides their time between both households. On the other hand, joint legal custody grants both parents the authority to make decisions concerning the child's education, health, and religious practices.
What factors does the court examine to determine custody?
The court evaluates a multitude of factors with a focus on the child's best interests. These factors may encompass the children's ages and needs, the parent who has been the primary caregiver, parental work schedules, geographic proximity, the mental health and fitness of each parent, support from extended family, and any history of violence, abuse, or addiction. In contested custody proceedings, our legal team can assist you in presenting a compelling case.
Is it necessary for a judge to determine custody? If parents can reach agreements on physical custody, visitation, and legal custody (decision-making), the courts typically defer to these out-of-court arrangements.
What is the likelihood of one parent receiving full custody?
Illinois courts typically begin with the presumption that both parents will participate in raising the child. They rarely grant "full custody" (sole custody) unless one parent is found to be unfit. While it's common for one parent to be designated as the primary or majority parent, the other parent is usually granted regular visitation (parenting time) as well as shared legal custody.
What makes a parent unfit for custody?
Courts are hesitant to strip custody rights from parents. However, a parent may be considered unfit for physical custody due to abandonment, neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, severe mental health issues, or involvement in criminal activities. If a parent has demonstrated abusive or reckless behavior, the court may limit contact to supervised visitation.
Do mothers have greater rights than fathers?
No, gender does not factor into the criteria used by Illinois courts when determining custody. While it's true that mothers are more frequently granted primary custody, especially for younger children, this often reflects their role as the primary caregiver. Fathers have equal rights under the law but may require effective legal representation to assert these rights.
Can a father obtain sole custody or primary custody?
Absolutely. If the court determines that the father can provide a healthier and more stable environment or has been the primary caregiver, he may receive the majority of parenting time. As previously mentioned, sole custody is awarded to a father only if the court deems the mother unfit.
How is custody decided when parents were never married?
Marital status does not impact custody rights. An unmarried father can be granted primary or even sole custody. If the father was not involved in raising the child, he will need to establish paternity and file for visitation or supervised visitation before seeking a more significant parenting role.
Do children have a say in custody decisions?
The court considers the preferences of older children who express a desire to live with one parent, but this is just one factor in the decision-making process. Ultimately, the judge takes into account the child's age, maturity, and reasoning when making a determination.
What legal services does Blacha Law Office, Ltd. specialize in?
They specialize in family law and divorce, including probate, adoption, juvenile law, DCFS cases, and more.
Where is Blacha Law Office, Ltd. located?
They are located at 1230 E Diehl Rd., Suite 325, Naperville, IL 60563, USA.
What are the office hours of Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
The office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How can I contact Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
You can call their main phone at +1 630-283-1987 or local phone at +1 630-445-2355.
What payment options does Blacha Law Office, Ltd. accept?
They accept American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
Where can I find more information or make a reservation with Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
Visit their contact page at https://www.napervilledivorcelawyer.com/contact/.
Is Blacha Law Office, Ltd. accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the office has wheelchair accessible restrooms and welcomes LGBTQ clients.
What nearby services could be useful when visiting Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
Nearby services include financial advisors like Promark Financial and Retirement Solutions, helpful for estate planning, and immigration lawyers for immigration matters.
Are there advertising agencies near Blacha Law Office, Ltd. that clients might find useful?
Yes, clients can find advertising agencies nearby such as Americall Group and Comcast Spotlight.
What other professional services are located near Blacha Law Office, Ltd.?
Nearby, you can find services like 180 Engineering (employment agencies), John OConnor and Associates (financial service and event photography), and Naper Accounting & Tax.