If you're facing a legal issue that could affect your family, finances, property, or future, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your rights and options before making important decisions. A consultation provides an opportunity to evaluate your circumstances and determine the most appropriate path forward.

Pardo Legal Services focuses on family law and select civil matters, including divorce, parenting matters, mediation, post-decree modifications, child support, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, adoptions, name changes, custody evaluations, and civil litigation.

If available, please bring any court filings, existing court orders, upcoming hearing dates, relevant financial documents, parenting agreements, and a list of your questions or concerns. If you don't have these documents yet, don't worry—your consultation is simply the first step.

Yes. Consultations and many client meetings are available virtually, allowing clients throughout Illinois to meet conveniently without traveling to the office.

Pardo Legal Services represents clients throughout Northern Illinois, including Kane, DuPage, Cook, Will, Kendall, DeKalb, McHenry, Lake, Grundy, Boone, Madison and LaSalle Counties. Representation in additional Illinois counties may be available depending on the nature of the matter.

During your consultation, we'll discuss your circumstances, identify the legal issues involved, answer your questions, and review the legal options available to you. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of your situation and practical next steps tailored to your goals.

A 30-minute Legal Strategy Consultation is $150. If you retain Pardo Legal Services within 30 days, your consultation fee will be credited toward your initial retainer.

No. We believe your time and your legal matter deserve dedicated attention from the very beginning. Rather than offering complimentary consultations, we provide two consultation options based on the complexity of your situation.

30-Minute Initial Consultation – $150

This consultation is ideal for individuals who:

• Need an overview of their legal rights and options.

• Want answers to specific family law questions.

• Are deciding whether to move forward with legal representation.

If you retain Pardo Legal Services, LLC within 30 days of your consultation, your $150 consultation fee will be credited toward your retainer.

1-Hour Legal Strategy & Case Review – $375

This comprehensive consultation is recommended for individuals who:

• Have a more complex family law matter.

• Have extensive documents that need to be reviewed.

• Are seeking a second or third attorney after working with another.

• Want a detailed legal strategy before making important decisions.

During this session, we will review your circumstances, discuss potential legal strategies, identify strengths and concerns, and answer your questions so you can make informed decisions about your case.

Do you offer any free legal education?

Yes! We host free virtual educational webinars twice each month, typically on the first Tuesday and the last Tuesday of the month.

These webinars cover common Illinois family law topics such as divorce, parenting time, child support, mediation, and related legal issues. They are designed to provide general legal information and education—they are not a substitute for legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Visit our Events page to register for an upcoming webinar.

Every legal matter is unique. Typical starting retainers begin at $2,600 for uncontested and cooperative matters and $4,400 for contested matters and litigation. Certain services may also be available for a flat fee depending on the nature and complexity of the representation.

A retainer is an advance payment for legal services that is held in a client trust account and applied as work is completed. It is not a flat fee unless specifically stated in your engagement agreement.

My retainers are intentionally structured to account for many of the routine legal services clients commonly require, including attorney preparation, communication, document drafting, and anticipated court appearances where appropriate. Many cooperative matters can often be completed within the initial retainer, although every case is unique.

Yes. Certain matters may qualify for flat-fee pricing, providing greater predictability regarding legal costs. Flat-fee arrangements are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the scope and complexity of the representation.

One of the best ways to manage legal costs is to stay organized and communicate efficiently. Providing requested documents promptly, consolidating non-urgent questions into a single email when possible, and responding to requests in a timely manner can help your case move forward more efficiently. Whenever appropriate, remaining open to reasonable negotiation may also reduce unnecessary litigation and expense.

If an agreement cannot be reached, your case may proceed through litigation, where the court will resolve the remaining disputes. I will guide you through each step, prepare your case, and advocate for your interests throughout the process.

Yes. I intentionally maintain a boutique practice so I can work directly with my clients throughout their case, providing individualized attention, practical guidance, and consistent communication.

Communication may occur through secure email, telephone, virtual meetings, or in-person appointments, depending on your preferences and the needs of your matter. My goal is to keep you informed so you always understand where your case stands and what comes next.

I believe legal representation should be transparent, strategic, and personal. Rather than simply processing cases, I take the time to educate my clients, explain their options, and develop practical legal strategies tailored to their unique goals. My boutique practice allows me to provide individualized attention throughout the representation.

If we determine we're a good fit, you'll receive a written engagement agreement outlining the scope of representation, fees, and next steps. Representation begins only after any necessary conflict review has been completed and the engagement agreement has been signed.

Every legal matter is different. The timeline depends on the complexity of the issues, court scheduling, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and whether litigation becomes necessary. During your consultation, I'll provide an estimated timeline based on your circumstances.

Not necessarily. Many matters can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or settlement. If court becomes necessary, I'll prepare you thoroughly and advocate on your behalf throughout the process.

Many legal matters can be resolved through negotiation or mediation. Whenever appropriate, I work to pursue practical resolutions while protecting my clients' interests. If litigation becomes necessary, I am prepared to advocate for you in court.

Please let me know as soon as possible. Upcoming hearings and filing deadlines may affect available options and the timing of representation.

Yes. Information shared during your consultation is treated with professional confidentiality. However, an attorney-client relationship is established only after any necessary conflict review has been completed and a written engagement agreement has been signed.

No. Ethical rules prohibit an attorney from representing both parties in the same legal matter where a conflict of interest exists. If you and the other party are seeking a neutral process, mediation may be an appropriate option.

No attorney can ethically guarantee the outcome of a legal matter. Every case depends on its unique facts, the applicable law, and, when necessary, decisions made by the court. My commitment is to provide honest advice, thoughtful strategy, and diligent representation throughout your case.

Representation begins only after any necessary conflict review has been completed, both parties have signed a written engagement agreement, and any required retainer has been received.

If I am unable to represent you due to a conflict of interest, the nature of the matter, or another professional consideration, I will let you know promptly. When appropriate, I may recommend seeking legal counsel elsewhere or provide referrals to other qualified professionals.

Depending on your matter, there may be additional steps after the final order is entered, such as implementing agreements, transferring property, refinancing assets, updating estate planning documents, or complying with ongoing court obligations. If future legal issues arise, such as enforcement or modification, I'm available to help you evaluate your options.