The Law Offices of James M. Kelly

For individuals in Palatine, Illinois, seeking legal guidance and representation in sensitive and often challenging personal matters, The Law Offices of James M. Kelly offers established expertise. Located at 600 N North Ct #115, Palatine, IL 60067, USA, the firm operates under the "Lawyers Near Me" platform category, providing accessible and dedicated legal services to the local community.

The office environment at 600 N North Ct, Suite 115, suggests a professional and structured setting, typical of a legal practice. While specific details about the interior design or client amenities are not provided in the testimonials, the nature of the services—which involve guiding clients through emotionally charged situations like divorce and financial distress—implies a need for a supportive and confidential atmosphere. The central location in Palatine enhances its accessibility for residents throughout the area, including Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, and across Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties in Illinois. This strategic placement helps ensure that clients can easily reach the office for consultations and meetings.

The Law Offices of James M. Kelly primarily specializes in two critical areas of law: family law and bankruptcy. With over 25 years of experience, James M. Kelly is well-equipped to handle a wide range of issues within these fields. In family law, his services encompass various aspects, including contested and uncontested divorce, legal separation, child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support/alimony, division of marital property and debt, paternity, guardianship matters, and prenuptial agreements. He understands the emotional and financial stress that often accompanies such legal issues and is committed to providing compassionate guidance and effective solutions.

In the realm of bankruptcy law, James M. Kelly assists individuals and families facing overwhelming debt. He helps clients explore debt relief options, primarily focusing on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. His aim is to educate clients about the bankruptcy process, dispel common myths, and prepare them for a fresh financial start, including strategies for life after bankruptcy. He is also knowledgeable about the interplay between divorce and bankruptcy issues, offering comprehensive advice for those with intertwined legal challenges.

A significant feature of James M. Kelly's approach is his dual proficiency in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). While he possesses "valuable litigation skills" and is prepared to "aggressively stand up for your rights and protect your best interests in court" when necessary, he is also a strong advocate for ADR methods like mediation and collaborative law. As a member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, he can guide clients on the benefits of these less adversarial approaches, which can be more cost-effective and emotionally less taxing for families. This balanced approach allows him to tailor his strategy to the specific needs and desires of each client, aiming for the most efficient and beneficial resolution.

Client testimonials offer mixed, but valuable insights into the firm's features. One client, who worked with Jim for two years on a divorce, praised his ability to "guide me and encourage me through it all," despite the client not wanting the divorce. This feedback, given in October 2024, highlights a supportive and empathetic side of James Kelly, leading the client to "highly recommend Jim to everyone" and state he would be their "first call" for future legal needs. This positive review underscores his capacity for providing strong client support and achieving satisfactory outcomes in difficult personal situations.

However, another review from a client referred by LegalShield presents a contrasting experience, expressing significant frustration. This client characterized the firm as "pettifoggers" and lamented receiving "not a lecture about how every aspect the other party can do is justified" instead of decent advice. The client's assertion that the attorney indicated they "can't do that" or "it won't work" regarding a claim, leading them to suggest handling "small claims" personally, points to potential issues with case acceptance criteria or communication regarding the viability of certain legal strategies. This review raises concerns about the firm's approach to smaller claims, suggesting a focus on "big claims for the payout" and a perceived lack of seriousness for what the client considered legitimate, smaller cases. This perspective highlights the importance of aligning client expectations with the firm's case selection and strategy.

In terms of promotional information, The Law Offices of James M. Kelly emphasizes accessibility and client convenience. They offer a free initial consultation, allowing prospective clients to discuss their situation and understand their options without upfront financial commitment. This is a significant benefit for individuals facing legal and financial distress. The firm accepts all major credit cards and offers flexible scheduling to suit client needs. Contact can be made via phone at (847) 202-1616 or mobile phone at +1 847-202-1616. These details suggest a commitment to making legal services accessible and manageable for clients in the Palatine area and surrounding counties.