I'm not near you in Chicago, if that's why you're asking and you know something about the courts around there. I'm kinda trying not to narrow myself down too much because I'm not sure I've entirely kept my visits to this site secret, and the wife and/or MIL may be reading through here. I'll PM you the county.

jbar, while I appreciate all insights anyone may want to give, I would appreciate it if this thread would stay on track and not disintegrate into another podium for hashing out the problems of the system. I'm just trying to, in what little time I have anymore, narrow down some possible choices in my area of legal representation. If and when all of this is over, then perhaps I'll join in my thoughts on where things stand in that regard.

Further questions on this topic:

If one wishes to consider the idea of mediation, does one seek that route through the lawyer or outside of the lawyer?

In regards to choosing a lawyer for a husband in this situation, does the gender of the lawyer matter? Would a female lawyer have less regard for a husband's feelings in a divorce and child custody case, or would she perhaps have more disdain for a wife who is not coming anywhere near fulfilling her role as a wife and mother, and therefore fight even harder for the husband? Basically, male or female lawyer, does it matter?

as always..thanks