The Law Offices Of Anne Schmidt, LLC

- 1736 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035

Facing divorce or a complex family dispute can be one of the most challenging and emotional experiences of a person’s life. For many in Illinois, the thought of navigating a traditional, adversarial legal battle can be overwhelming, leading to immense stress and financial strain. In Highland Park and the surrounding communities, The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC offers a refreshing and modern approach to family law. The firm specializes in collaborative law and mediation, providing a pathway to resolving family disputes with dignity, respect, and a focus on long-term solutions.

The firm's founder, attorney Anne Schmidt, is a highly credentialed and versatile attorney with a unique background that sets her apart. With a Master of Law in Employee Benefits from UIC Law School, she brings a deep and specialized expertise in a crucial, yet often overlooked, area of family law: the division of retirement assets. This specialized knowledge is particularly valuable when dealing with complex financial matters like Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Orders (QILDROs). Her unique combination of legal, business, and educational experience allows her to provide a level of service that goes beyond traditional litigation, focusing on achieving stable, lasting solutions for her clients.

The core philosophy of The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC is to help clients find workable, amicable solutions so they can transition to the next chapter of their lives. Instead of focusing on protracted court battles, the firm promotes a cooperative, non-adversarial approach through collaborative law and mediation. This method not only helps to preserve relationships but also often saves clients significant time and financial resources. The team’s compassionate and empathetic approach ensures that clients feel supported and empowered throughout the legal process. They are educators who believe that when clients are fully informed about their options, they are better equipped to make decisions that align with their goals.

Location and Accessibility

Located in the heart of Highland Park, Illinois, The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC serves clients throughout the Chicago North Shore, Lake County, and the greater Chicago Metro area. The office is conveniently situated at 1736 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA. The location is easily accessible for clients seeking in-person meetings and provides a comfortable and professional setting for consultations.

The firm is committed to ensuring that all clients, regardless of their physical abilities, can access their services without difficulty. The office building is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These features demonstrate the firm's dedication to inclusivity. To provide the highest level of personalized service, appointments are recommended to ensure that the legal team can give each client their undivided attention.

Services Offered

The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC provides a focused and expert range of services centered around family law, with a unique specialization in complex financial and benefit-related matters. Their services include:

• Collaborative Divorce & Mediation: Guiding clients through the collaborative law process and providing mediation services as an alternative to traditional litigation, with a focus on conflict resolution and cooperative agreements.
• QDRO/QILDRO/DRO Assignments: Expertly drafting and reviewing Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and Qualified Illinois Domestic Relations Orders (QILDROs) to ensure the proper and equitable division of retirement assets, pensions, and other employee benefits.
• Divorce Consulting: Providing expert advice on the financial aspects of divorce, including property and debt division, spousal support, and child support.
• LGBTQ+ Family Law: Offering legal representation for LGBTQ+ divorce and family law issues, understanding the unique challenges and legal considerations for same-sex couples.
• Pre-Marital & Post-Nuptial Agreements: Drafting and reviewing legal agreements to protect the interests and assets of couples before or after marriage.
• Legal Representation: While focused on non-adversarial methods, the firm also provides legal advice and representation for conventional litigation when necessary, including court filings and other essential services.

Features / Highlights

The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC stands out for several key features that benefit its clients and underscore its commitment to excellence.

• Specialized Financial Expertise: Attorney Anne Schmidt's unique background in Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and employee benefits makes her an invaluable asset for clients with complex financial assets, especially retirement plans. This specialization ensures that clients do not miss out on significant assets during the divorce process.
• Collaborative & Meditative Approach: The firm’s strong focus on collaborative law and mediation provides a less stressful and often more cost-effective alternative to litigation. This approach helps preserve important family relationships and gives clients more control over the outcome.
• Highly Acclaimed Professional: Anne Schmidt has been recognized as a "Super Lawyers Rising Star" multiple times and is a certified mediator. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois and is an adjunct professor at UIC Law School, highlighting her professional standing and dedication to the field.
• Bilingual Support: The firm's office has Spanish-speaking staff to assist clients, which is an important feature for ensuring clear and effective communication for a wider range of the Illinois community.
• Compassionate and Dedicated Team: Client testimonials, such as the one from a client with limited English proficiency, praise the team for their "unwavering dedication and support" and for their willingness to go "above and beyond" to ensure a smooth process. They are known for not "gouging" clients on costs and for their strong reputation in the courts, which helps ensure that agreements and orders get done efficiently.

Contact Information

To schedule a consultation or learn more about the legal services offered, you can contact The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC directly.

Address: 1736 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA

Phone: (847) 926-7679

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing a family law attorney is a deeply personal and significant decision. For those in Illinois, The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC is a top choice for numerous reasons. The firm offers a clear and distinct alternative to the stress and expense of traditional divorce litigation. By focusing on collaborative law and mediation, they empower clients to resolve disputes amicably and in a way that respects the emotional and financial needs of everyone involved. This is particularly valuable for families with children, where a peaceful resolution can have a lasting positive impact on future co-parenting relationships.

Furthermore, the firm’s unique expertise in the division of retirement assets is a standout feature. As highlighted in a client testimonial, the process for dividing these assets can be "stringent" and "intricate," with a number of legal and financial pitfalls. Having an attorney with a master's degree and extensive experience in ERISA and employee benefits is a significant advantage that can protect a client's financial future. This level of specialized knowledge is often a key differentiator between a good outcome and an excellent one.

Ultimately, what makes The Law Offices of Anne Schmidt, LLC worth choosing is the combination of their professional acumen and their compassionate approach. Clients consistently praise the team for their brilliance, direct guidance, and ethical billing practices. One client's high recommendation, following unsatisfactory experiences with two other attorneys, speaks volumes about the value and trust the firm earns. By choosing Anne Schmidt and her team, you are not just getting a lawyer; you are getting a dedicated and knowledgeable partner who is committed to helping you navigate a difficult transition with grace, professionalism, and a focus on building a stable future.

The Law Offices Of Anne Schmidt, LLC

1736 1st St, Highland Park, IL 60035, USA