The Law Offices of Beverly A. Pekala

Introduction / Overview

Navigating the emotional and legal complexities of family law, especially during a divorce or child custody dispute, can be one of the most challenging periods in a person's life. For individuals across Illinois seeking knowledgeable, compassionate, and highly effective legal representation, The Law Offices of Beverly A. Pekala stands as a leading authority in Chicago. This dedicated family law firm, led by its esteemed principal, Beverly A. Pekala, specializes in providing comprehensive legal solutions for a wide array of domestic relations matters. With a commitment to protecting what matters most—your rights, your assets, and your family's future—they strive to guide clients through difficult transitions with clarity and unwavering support.

Beverly A. Pekala is not just an attorney; she is a nationally recognized expert in divorce and family law. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the intricacies of Illinois family law ensure that clients receive strategic advice tailored to their unique circumstances. The firm's approach is designed to empower clients, helping them understand their options, the courtroom process, and how to work within the legal system to achieve the best possible outcome. While public reviews regarding direct firm interactions are limited, her established reputation and published work speak volumes about her dedication to helping individuals secure fair and equitable settlements, enabling them to move forward with their lives.

Location and Accessibility

The Law Offices of Beverly A. Pekala is conveniently located in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, at 505 N La Salle Dr #475, Chicago, IL 60654, USA. This central address provides excellent accessibility for clients traveling from various parts of Illinois. Situated in a dynamic urban area, the office offers a professional and discreet setting for sensitive family law consultations.

The firm's strategic location ensures good connectivity via Chicago’s extensive public transportation network. Numerous CTA train lines, including the Brown and Purple Lines (accessible via the Merchandise Mart stop) and the Red Line (via the Grand or Chicago Avenue stops), are within reasonable walking distance. Additionally, various bus routes serve the area, providing straightforward access for Illinois residents who rely on public transit. For those traveling by car, several parking garages and street parking options are available in the surrounding River North district, though it is always advisable to consider typical downtown traffic and parking availability when planning a visit. This commitment to an accessible location underscores the firm’s dedication to serving a broad clientele across Illinois.

Services Offered

The Law Offices of Beverly A. Pekala specializes in all facets of family law, providing a comprehensive range of services to individuals navigating personal and financial transitions. Beverly A. Pekala's extensive expertise allows her to address both the legal and practical aspects of divorce and related matters. Key services include:

• Divorce & Dissolution of Marriage: Providing representation through all stages of divorce proceedings, including complex cases involving substantial assets, business valuations, and contested matters. This covers grounds for divorce, legal separation, and annulment.
• Child Custody & Allocation of Parental Responsibilities: Advocating for parents in disputes over decision-making authority (legal custody) and parenting time (physical custody) for children, ensuring their best interests are paramount. This includes establishing initial orders and modifying existing ones.
• Child Support: Assisting with the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support orders, ensuring fair financial provisions for the children's well-being.
• Spousal Maintenance (Alimony): Advising on and negotiating spousal maintenance (formerly known as alimony) awards, considering factors such as income, earning capacity, and length of marriage.
• Property Division & Asset Allocation: Handling the complex division of marital and non-marital assets and debts, including real estate, retirement accounts, investments, and business interests, striving for equitable distribution.
• Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements: Drafting and reviewing premarital and post-marital agreements to protect individual assets and define financial rights and responsibilities during marriage or in the event of divorce.
• Parentage: Establishing legal parentage for unmarried parents, which is crucial for determining parental rights, responsibilities, custody, and child support.
• Visitation Rights: Assisting parents and sometimes grandparents with establishing or modifying visitation schedules to ensure continued relationships with children.
• Retirement Benefits & Pensions: Expertly handling the division of retirement benefits, pensions, and other complex financial instruments as part of a divorce settlement.
• Tax & Financial Settlements: Providing strategic advice on the tax implications of divorce settlements and ensuring financially sound outcomes for clients.
• Litigation & Arbitration: Representing clients vigorously in court when litigation is necessary, and also exploring alternative dispute resolution methods like arbitration and negotiation when appropriate.

Features / Highlights

The Law Offices of Beverly A. Pekala is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its leadership and effectiveness in Illinois family law:

• Nationally Recognized Expert: Beverly A. Pekala is a nationally recognized authority in divorce and family law, having appeared on prominent national television and radio programs (e.g., CNN News, Good Morning America, The Today Show) and local Chicago media.
• Bestselling Author: She is the author of the bestselling book "Don't Settle For Less" (Doubleday), which provides comprehensive guidance on divorce, custody settlements, and navigating the courtroom and litigation process. This demonstrates her deep knowledge and commitment to educating clients.
• Extensive Experience: Ms. Pekala has been practicing law for many years, with admission to practice before the Illinois Supreme Court and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. She also holds a Masters of Law (LL.M.) in Taxation, providing a nuanced understanding of financial aspects in divorce.
• Wide Jurisdictional Practice: The firm represents clients across various Illinois counties, including Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties, indicating broad service capabilities within the state.
• Arbitration Expertise: Ms. Pekala has served as an arbitrator for nearly 20 years, showcasing her experience in alternative dispute resolution and her ability to facilitate resolutions outside of traditional litigation.
• Professional Affiliations & Leadership: She is a member of various bar associations, including the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois, having served on the Executive Board of the latter. She has also acted as Director of Legal Affairs for a national organization fighting domestic violence, highlighting her commitment to broader legal and social issues.
• Holistic Client Guidance: Her background and published work emphasize strategies for clients to work effectively with their lawyers, manage expectations, and understand the legal system, reflecting a commitment to client empowerment.

Promotions or Special Offers

The Law Offices of Beverly A. Pekala understands that navigating family law issues can be a daunting and often emotionally charged experience. To ensure that individuals in Illinois have access to expert legal counsel, they consistently offer client-focused benefits rather than traditional promotional discounts:

• Free Initial Consultation: As advertised on her website and confirmed through various legal directories, Beverly A. Pekala offers a free initial consultation. This invaluable opportunity allows prospective clients across Illinois to discuss their specific divorce or family law concerns, receive an honest assessment of their situation, and understand potential legal strategies without any upfront financial commitment. This helps alleviate immediate stress and clarifies pathways forward.
• Dedicated and Experienced Representation: While not a monetary "offer," the firm's core value proposition is the promise of highly experienced and dedicated legal representation. Beverly A. Pekala's national recognition and extensive background in complex family law cases provide a significant advantage for clients seeking optimal outcomes, especially in financially intricate or high-conflict situations. Her strategic approach, including advising on protecting assets through trusts (as seen in public commentary), is a direct benefit to clients.

These elements underscore the firm's commitment to accessibility and to providing top-tier legal support for Illinois residents facing sensitive family law matters.

Contact Information

For individuals and families in Illinois seeking expert legal guidance in divorce and family law matters, please contact The Law Offices of Beverly A. Pekala using the details below:

Address: 505 N La Salle Dr #475, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 222-9333

Mobile Phone: +1 312-222-9333

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Illinois navigating the profound and often emotionally taxing journey of divorce and family law, The Law Offices of Beverly A. Pekala stands as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner. Her deep roots in Chicago and her decades of experience operating within the Illinois legal system mean she possesses an unparalleled understanding of the state's specific family law statutes, judicial trends, and court procedures. This local expertise is critical for crafting effective strategies and ensuring that clients' rights are protected under Illinois law, whether dealing with child custody, property division, or spousal maintenance.

What makes Beverly A. Pekala particularly suitable for locals is her combination of national recognition and a client-focused approach. Her status as a bestselling author and frequent media commentator on family law topics demonstrates her authoritative knowledge, yet her practice is grounded in providing personalized and accessible legal guidance for everyday Illinoisans. The offer of a free initial consultation is a crucial benefit for locals, providing a no-risk opportunity to understand their legal standing and explore viable solutions before making significant financial commitments.

Furthermore, her extensive experience in handling complex financial settlements and her background in taxation provide a distinct advantage for Illinois residents with significant assets or intricate financial situations during divorce. This comprehensive understanding ensures that all aspects of a family law case are considered, leading to more robust and equitable outcomes. For any Illinois local seeking a powerful, knowledgeable, and empathetic advocate to protect their future and their family during a challenging time, The Law Offices of Beverly A. Pekala offers the expertise and dedication needed for a fresh start.