Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website.

# Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving: Dads' Divorce Rights Lawyer

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://www.dadsrights.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Although we wanted the same result in Elian Gonzalez case, Raul Castro was never an ally](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/although-we-wanted-the-same-result-in-elian-gonzalez-case-raul-castro-was-never-an-ally/)
- [Leving Team Reunited Dad and Son After Cross-State Abduction](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-team-reunited-dad-and-son-after-cross-state-abduction/)
- [Leving Team Saved Dad’s Relationship with Son](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-team-saved-dads-relationship-with-son/)
- [Leving Court Victory Restored Dad in His Children’s Lives](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-court-victory-restored-dad-in-his-childrens-lives/)
- [Leving Matrimonial Law Firm Seminario: Expertos en Salud Mental y Estrategias de Comunicación con Clientes en el Divorcio](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-matrimonial-law-firm-seminario-expertos-en-salud-mental-y-estrategias-de-comunicacion-con-clientes-en-el-divorcio/)
- [Leving Matrimonial Law Firm Seminar: Mental Health Experts and Client Communication Strategies in Divorce](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-matrimonial-law-firm-seminar-mental-health-experts-and-client-communication-strategies-in-divorce/)
- [Dad Wins Custody of Son After Terrifying DCFS Call](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/dad-wins-custody-of-son-after-terrifying-dcfs-call/): An out-of-state dad received a terrifying phone call from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). It was reported that the agency suspected that dad’s ten-year-old son was being neglected by the child’s mother.
- [Dad Won Justice After Being Blocked From His Sons’ Lives](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/dad-won-justice-after-being-blocked-from-his-sons-lives/)
- [Leving Law Firm Matrimonial Law Seminar: Best Practices in Analyzing Financial Records and Discovering Hidden Assets](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-law-firm-matrimonial-law-seminar-best-practices-in-analyzing-financial-records-and-discovering-hidden-assets/)
- [Statement of Attorney Jeffery M. Leving®on the Death of the Rev. Jesse Jackson](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/statement-of-attorney-jeffery-m-leving-on-the-death-of-the-rev-jesse-jackson/)
- [Leving Legal Team Protected Falsely Accused Dad: No Jail Time](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-legal-team-protected-falsely-accused-dad-no-jail-time/)
- [Protecting What Matters Most — A Father’s Fight for His Sons](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/protecting-what-matters-most-a-fathers-fight-for-his-sons/)
- [Attorney Jeffery M. Leving® to Discuss Fathers’ Rights on CBS Chicago Ch. 2](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/attorney-jeffery-m-leving-to-discuss-fathers-rights-on-cbs-chicago-ch-2/): CHICAGO, IL, December 15, 2025 – Famed fathers’ rights advocate and family law attorney Jeffery M. Leving®will appear on CBS Chicago (Ch. 2) Tuesday, December 16th at 10:00 PM CST with host Jane Clauss. Attorney Leving will discuss the importance of a father’s presence in a child’s life and ongoing efforts to ensure that fathers’ voices are heard within the legal system.
- [Leving Team Protected Dad’s Liberty and Preserved His Place in His Children’s Lives](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-team-protected-dads-liberty-and-preserved-his-place-in-his-childrens-lives/)
- [Kidnapped Son Reunited with Dedicated Dad](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/kidnapped-son-reunited-with-dedicated-dad/)
- [Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/leving-team-prevented-a-fathers-wrongful-separation-from-his-child/): A devoted father nearly lost everything—his child, his freedom, and his future—because of false allegations that threatened everything he held dear. Stripped of his rights and shut out of his child’s life, dad turned to attorney Jeffery M. Leving®for help. The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd.,, fought for him and won, reuniting him with his child and protecting dad’s future and freedom.
- [Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Client Relationships and Family Law Case Law Updates](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-matrimonial-law-seminar-client-relationships-and-family-law-case-law-updates/)
- [Fighting for Duped Man’s Freedom and Future](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/fighting-for-duped-mans-freedom-and-future/): A desperate Chicago man was facing a severe crisis after learning he had been burdened with crushing child support payments and arrearages for a child who was not even his own child. Fearing losing everything, his license, his job, and his freedom, he reached out to attorney Jeffery M. Leving®for help. The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., fought for
- [Leving team saved dad’s future and his bond with his son](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/leving-team-saved-dads-future-and-his-bond-with-his-son/): A Chicago father was faced with the most difficult period of his life following his divorce. Dad was horrified when he realized that he was ordered to pay an exorbitant amount of child support — far more than he could ever pay. Even worse, he feared that if he fell behind, he might not only lose his son but his freedom too. Frustrated and terrified, dad called attorney Jeffery M. Leving®for help in protecting his bond with his child and protecting his own future and liberty.
- [Social media victim won – Leving team vacated stalking no-contact order for dad](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/social-media-victim-won-leving-team-vacated-stalking-no-contact-order-for-dad/)
- [Dad and son reunited after Leving team’s hard-fought court victory](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/dad-and-son-reunited-after-leving-teams-hard-fought-court-victory/): The bond between a father and his child is fundamental. It shapes their lives, nurtures confidence, and provides the stability every child deserves. Most dads want nothing more than to love, protect, and be present for their kids—through every scraped knee, every bedtime story, every milestone. But sometimes, that connection can be threatened.
- [Chicago parents and other community leaders must work together to make sure this summer isn’t deadly for our children](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/chicago-parents-and-other-community-leaders-must-work-together-to-make-sure-this-summer-isnt-deadly-for-our-children/)
- [Blended Families Have Made It to the White House (And That’s Not a Bad Thing)](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/blended-families-have-made-it-to-the-white-house-and-thats-not-a-bad-thing/)
- [Leving team court victory restored a father’s peace of mind](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/leving-team-court-victory-restored-a-fathers-peace-of-mind/): A Chicago man’s world was turned upside down when he was blindsided by a barrage of unfounded and deeply damaging false allegations—accusations that threatened his dignity
- [Dad secured important court victory, keeping sons safe at home](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/dad-secured-important-court-victory-keeping-sons-safe-at-home/)
- [Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Orders of Protection Pursuant to The Illinois Domestic Violence Act](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-matrimonial-law-seminar-orders-of-protection-pursuant-to-the-illinois-domestic-violence-act/)
- [Chicago dad’s court victory protected sons from danger](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/chicago-dads-court-victory-protected-sons-from-danger/): A terrified Chicago dad feared for his children’s safety after it was reported his ex threatened to take his children away from him and kill him.
- [Chicago dad’s victory kept sons safe at home](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/chicago-dads-victory-kept-sons-safe-at-home/): A terrified Chicago dad feared losing his children forever after their mother threatened to take them from him.
- [Chicago dad reunited with missing daughters](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/chicago-dad-reunited-with-missing-daughters/): A father who was happily raising his teenage daughters faced his worst nightmare – his children were gone.
- [Dad reunited with disabled daughter after long separation](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/dad-reunited-with-disabled-daughter-after-long-separation/)
- [Dad won in court after ex reportedly tried to erase him from daughter’s life](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/dad-won-in-court-after-ex-reportedly-tried-to-erase-him-from-daughters-life/)
- [Dad released from prison, reunited with son and freed from child support](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/dad-released-from-prison-reunited-with-son-and-freed-from-child-support/)
- [Dad who feared losing son forever won in court keeping son in the U.S.](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/dad-who-feared-losing-son-forever-won-in-court-keeping-son-in-the-u-s/)
- [Leving team wins court order to get dad’s daughter enrolled in school](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-team-wins-court-order-to-get-dads-daughter-enrolled-in-school/)
- [Leving team won fight to keep little girl safe with dad, where she belongs](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-team-won-fight-to-keep-little-girl-safe-with-dad-where-she-belongs/)
- [Leving team protected two little boys, keeping them safe at home with dad](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-team-protected-two-little-boys-keeping-them-safe-at-home-with-dad/)
- [Leving Team saved Dad’s Son from living with Reported Predator – Registered Sex Offender!](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-team-saved-dads-son-from-living-with-reported-predator-registered-sex-offender/)
- [Leving Firm Matrimonial Law Seminar: “Elements of a Dissipation Claim” and “Legal Implications in Family Law Cases of Signing a Mortgage, without a Promissory Note”](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/leving-firm-matrimonial-law-seminar-elements-of-a-dissipation-claim-and-legal-implications-in-family-law-cases-of-signing-a-mortgage-without-a-promissory-note/)
- [Leving Law Firm Matrimonial Law Seminar: Maximizing Client Success through Follow-Up and More](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/leving-law-firm-matrimonial-law-seminar-maximizing-client-success-through-follow-up-and-more/): The nationally acclaimed Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., will host the next presentation of the Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar Series on January 21st at 6:30 p.m. CST at 225 W. Wacker Drive in Chicago.
- [The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/the-law-offices-of-jeffery-m-levingltd/): Matrimonial attorney Jeffery M. Leving® is the recipient of President Biden’s Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, the Illinois House of Representatives has honored Leving “for his work in safeguarding the rights of fathers and protecting the welfare of children and families in this State,” and the Illinois Senate has issued a proclamation recognizing his efforts on behalf of fathers.
- [The Arthur S. Kallow CLE Seminar Series](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/the-arthur-s-kallow-cle-seminar-series/): The Kallow CLE Seminar Series, which began in 2014, provides legal education to family law attorneys and other professionals looking to expand their legal knowledge. CLE credit will be awarded. The series was created in the relentless pursuit of excellence to maintain dominance in the firm’s practice area with court successes.
- [Leving Firm Matrimonial Law Seminar: Parental Responsibilities for Non-Parents](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/leving-firm-matrimonial-law-seminar-parental-responsibilities-for-non-parents/): CHICAGO – Jeffery M. Leving® Law Offices will host the next presentation of the Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar Series on July 17th at 6:30 p.m. CDT at 225 West Wacker Drive Suite 1600 in Chicago.
- [Leving Matrimonial Law Seminar: Essential Practice Strategies to Best Represent Clients in Complex Family Law Cases](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/leving-matrimonial-law-seminar-essential-practice-strategies-to-best-represent-clients-in-complex-family-law-cases/): CHICAGO – the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., will host the next presentation of the Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Seminar Series on April 15th at 6:30 p.m. CDT at 225 W. Wacker Drive in Chicago.
- [Jeffery M. Leving® on WGN-TV CH. 9](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/jeffery-m-leving-on-wgn-tv-ch-9/): Attorney Jeffery M. Leving®will be live on ⁦‪@DaytimeChicago‬⁩ on Wednesday, June 11th at the 10 a.m. CDT hour on ⁦‪@WGNTV‬⁩ Ch. 9. Tune in to hear him talk about the value of a father in our society and the firm’s important court victories and delivering results that matter. Don’t miss!
- [Continuing Legal Education Seminar (CLE)](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/continuing-legal-education-seminar-cle/): the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., will be hosting its monthly Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education Seminar today with renowned family law attorney Lawrence Starkopf as the keynote speaker. Attorney Starkopf litigated the trial and the appeal to the Supreme Court of pic.x.com/qhyzUpiXIx
- [Continuing Legal Education Seminar (CLE) pt.2](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/continuing-legal-education-seminar-cle-pt-2/): the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., will be hosting its monthly Arthur S. Kallow Continuing Legal Education Seminar (CLE) today. Prominent family law attorneys Anthony D’Agostino and Lawrence Starkopf will lecture on mastering client rapport and critical recent case law pic.x.com/mi47rHj0iM
- [Dads’ Rights Legal Hour](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/dads-rights-legal-hour/): A devoted young father’s world was shattered when his son was suddenly taken from him by the child’s mother, leaving him feeling discarded and dismissed. Terrified of losing his son forever, dad called us for help. We fought and won, reuniting the little boy with his dad and restoring hope where it was nearly lost. This court victory modified for broadcast and more will be discussed on the Dads’ Rights Legal Hour, 9-10 a.m. CST Saturday on Power 92.3 FM. This show will be available for download from the Dads’ Rights Legal Hour Spotify page on http://dadsrights.com. Keep hope alive!
- [Jimmy Carter was a great man who should be emulated](https://www.dadsrights.com/articles/jimmy-carter-was-a-great-man-who-should-be-emulated/)
- [Senate should put politics aside and follow House by passing bill to expand the Child Tax Credit](https://www.dadsrights.com/blog/senate-should-put-politics-aside-and-follow-house-by-passing-bill-to-expand-the-child-tax-credit/): American families are one step closer to getting additional tax relief after the House approved a bill that would expand tax credits for parents. The bill, called the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, was approved with bipartisan support in the House. It will head to the Senate next, where Senators should likely pass it to support the concerns of their constituents.
- [What can fathers do to save their relationships with their children post-divorce?](https://www.dadsrights.com/speaking-engagements/what-can-fathers-do-to-save-their-relationships-with-their-children-post-divorce/): We fought hard and won, rescuing a young boy, and reuniting him with his #dad. Plus, what can fathers do to save their relationships with their children post-divorce? Listen to the Dads’ Rights Legal Hour, 9-10 a.m. CST Saturday on Power 92.3 FM. Like and follow @dadsrights for more. www.dadsrights.com #Radio #FamilyLaw #Fathers #Custody #ChildSupport #Justice #ProtectingChildren #Unstoppable

## Pages
- [Form Spam Blocker](https://www.dadsrights.com/form-spam-blocker/): Testimonials Contact Us InstagramThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.First Name(Required)Last Name(Required)Email(Required) Phone Number(Required)Your Message(Required)By submitting this form, you consent to receive text messages and emails from the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., regarding your inquiry, including appointment reminders, case updates, and follow-up communications. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out of texts at any time, or unsubscribe via the link in any email. Consent is not a condition of purchase or retention of services. See our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer for more information.(Required) I agreeBy submitting this form, you consent to receive text messages and emails from the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., regarding your inquiry, including appointment reminders, case updates, and follow-up communications. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out of texts at any time, or unsubscribe via the link in any email. Consent is not a condition of purchase or retention of services. See our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer for more information. Contact an Attorney
- [WCIU.com – Fathers Rights with Jeffery M. Leving®(Video)](https://www.dadsrights.com/wciu-com-fathers-rights-with-jeffery-leving-video/): https://www.dadsrights.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Fathers-Rights-with-Jeffery-Leving.mp4
- [Video Center](https://www.dadsrights.com/video-center/): https://www.dadsrights.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Fathers-Rights-with-Jeffery-Leving.mp4
- [Search](https://www.dadsrights.com/search/): Search Search
- [Schedule Consultation](https://www.dadsrights.com/schedule-consultation/): Your Message
- [E-mail](https://www.dadsrights.com/e-mail/): CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.First NameLast NameEmail Phone NumberYour Message
- [Disclaimer](https://www.dadsrights.com/disclaimer/): The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.dadsrights.com/privacy-policy/): We collect information about our users in three ways: directly from the user, from our Web server logs and through cookies. We use the information primarily to provide you with a personalized Internet experience that delivers the information, resources, and services that are most relevant and helpful to you. We don’t share any of the information you provide with others, unless we say so in this Privacy Policy, or when we believe in good faith that the law requires it.
- [Sitemap](https://www.dadsrights.com/site-map/)
- [Client Victories](https://www.dadsrights.com/client-victories/): At the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., we have built our practice and our nationwide reputation on helping fathers overcome these challenges and doing what is right for themselves and their children. Our approach to family law practice is principled in the pursuit of justice. We take many cases in which the father is struggling for the best interests of his children, regardless of how difficult or complex the case may appear. We have assembled a team of highly skilled litigators from across the nation to give these fathers a fair chance at protecting their rights and preserving their relationships with their children.
- [Thank You](https://www.dadsrights.com/thank-you/): Articles View All Articles
- [Contact](https://www.dadsrights.com/contact/): Contact Us URLThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.First NameLast NameEmail Phone NumberYour Message
- [Speaking Engagements](https://www.dadsrights.com/news-insights/speaking-engagements/)
- [In the Media](https://www.dadsrights.com/news-insights/in-the-media/)
- [Blog](https://www.dadsrights.com/news-insights/blog/)
- [Articles](https://www.dadsrights.com/news-insights/articles/)
- [News-Insights](https://www.dadsrights.com/news-insights/): Articles View All Articles Blog View All Blogs In the Media View All Media Speaking Engagements View All Speaking Engagements
- [Careers](https://www.dadsrights.com/careers/): We are recruiting an exceptional family law attorney with a winning track record seeking to advance their career.
- [Testimonials](https://www.dadsrights.com/testimonials/): https://youtu.be/Y-4KSyKM4BU?si=-T6UNjgnzSSMTA5Q
- [Events](https://www.dadsrights.com/events/): The Kallow CLE Seminar Series, which began in 2014, provides legal education to family law attorneys and other professionals looking to expand their legal knowledge. CLE credit will be awarded. Mr. Leving emphasizes that the series was created “in the relentless pursuit of excellence to maintain dominance in our practice area with court victories. These seminars are great tools for applying our industry-leading ideas and advancing our cases through trial and beyond.”Attorney Arthur S. Kallow was selected by his peers in the legal community as an Illinois Super Lawyer. Super Lawyers are considered the best in their profession, and they represent the top practicing attorneys in Illinois and the country. Mr. Kallow received a significant award for his valuable contribution to the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County as a court facilitator.
- [Recognitions](https://www.dadsrights.com/recognitions/): President Obama congratulates Jeffery M. Leving® on the publication of his new book. This new book is now available – How to Be a Good Divorced Dad.
- [Our History](https://www.dadsrights.com/dads-have-rights/): For over 30 years, fathers and families, including well known professional athletes, politicians and entertainment personalities, have sought Leving’s help in seeming less hopeless battles. The world was watching when Leving helped reunite Elian Gonzalez with his father in Cuba with the support of Presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter.
- [Our Firm](https://www.dadsrights.com/firm-overview/): Our attorneys understand how stressful and draining a divorce or other family law dispute can be. We strive to be a source of strength and comfort to our clients in Chicago and nationwide during what is perhaps the most dark and difficult time of their lives. Call our office at 312-473-1050 and contact us online to schedule a confidential and strategic consultation with one of our Chicago family law attorneys.
- [Homepage](https://www.dadsrights.com/): Our Chicago based law firm has a demonstrated record of success on behalf of fathers in custody disputes arising in divorce and paternity cases, in related matters such as domestic violence protection orders, and in post-decree matters such as child abduction, parent relocation and modification of child support orders.

## Attorneys
- [Brian J. Gilbert](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/brian-j-gilbert/): Brian J. Gilbert brings to the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., over a decade of experience litigating family law cases in Cook County and surrounding counties. He is dedicated to helping fathers protect their rights in parentage, divorce, parenting time, child support, and order of protection matters.
- [Lawrence S. Starkopf](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/lawrence-s-starkopf/): Lawrence S. Starkopf earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. After graduation he was admitted to the Illinois State Bar, Supreme Court of Illinois and the Federal Bar in 1975. He began his legal career in the Cook County Public Defender’s Office at the Juvenile Detention Center, where he represented and defended juvenile offenders and children who were neglected, abused and abandoned. A significant number of these children came from fatherless homes. After leaving the Public Defender’s Office he began a career in Matrimonial Law and has continued to do so for the last 50 years. Lawrence has litigated many complex and significant cases that impacted the evolution of matrimonial law in the State of Illinois. A few examples of his cases that defined the practice of matrimonial law are set forth below.
- [Marta Shvets](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/marta-shvets/): Marta Shvets possesses extensive legal knowledge and direct experience in the areas of marital and family law, navigating complex cases and successfully delivering results for her clients. She takes a hands-on approach with every client, taking time to understand the precise and distinct details of each case and works together with her clients to ensure justice for every client.
- [Matthew Volk](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/matthew-volk/): At the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd.,, Matt Volk brings his extensive experience in family law matters and strategic mind to successfully represent our clients in highly contentious and complex matrimonial, child custody, child support and Order of Protection cases.
- [Jeffrey L. Paustian](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/jeffrey-l-paustian/): Jeffrey L. Paustian was awarded his Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2000. After graduation, he was a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Justice Tom M. Lytton of the Appellate Court of Illinois, Third District, where he analyzed pending appeals and assisted Justice Lytton in legal research and participated in drafting the judge's orders and opinions. In September 2002, he returned to the Chicago area and since that time he has practiced in the area of family law. Before joining the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd.,, he worked at two small family law firms successfully handling highly complex family law cases involving custody, visitation, calculation of support, valuation and division of marital estates, valuation of business interests, and all financial aspects related to a case. He has also successfully handled several sophisticated appeals.
- [Michael W. Ochoa](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/michael-w-ochoa/): The Consumer Business Review selected Michael W. Ochoa as a leading family law and trial attorney for the new millennium. He treats each of his clients as individuals with unique needs, and he has dedicated himself to the humanitarian aspect of the legal community.
- [Arthur S. Kallow](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/arthur-s-kallow/): Arthur S. Kallow has successfully represented hundreds of clients throughout the decades, including cases which involved complex jury trials, contested custody and visitation, child support, paternity, and intricate financial issues. In addition, he has handled sophisticated appeals in state and federal courts.
- [Eric M. Hartig](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/eric-m-hartig/): A former prosecutor for the City of Chicago, Eric Hartig has done significant work with Chicago-Kent's Family Law Clinic, making valuable contributions to challenging cases involving child custody, dissolution of marriage and the validity of prenuptial agreements.
- [James C. Nieland](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/james-c-nieland/): James C. Nieland has practiced law in Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska, accomplishing extensive legal successes in the areas of family law and business litigation. Mr. Nieland has successfully represented clients in extremely complex and sophisticated family law matters, including divorce and child custody, throughout his legal career. He has a winning record representing parties in dissolution of marriage actions where the correct identification and distribution of marital property was at risk, and in defending fathers being prosecuted in support enforcement actions by state authorities. His tenacious representation of clients at the appellate level on issues involving custody modification to permit out-of-state removal, and termination of parental rights, has made him greatly respected by his peers.
- [Leslie P. Poole](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/leslie-p-poole/): Les Poole has extensive, high-level legal experience in his current practice area of domestic relations and paternity law, with a record of success. His practice has a concentration in marital and family law, and protecting the rights of parents. Les has secured significant victories for clients in divorce cases that have involved complex, high net-worth marital estates, in addition to contested custody, support and visitation issues.
- [Anthony S. D’Agostino](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/anthony-s-d-agostino/): Anthony S. D'Agostino diligently advocates for fathers' rights in the following areas: orders of protection, dissolutions of marriage, paternity cases, child custody disputes, child support modifications, parenting time issues and domestic violence.
- [James M. Hagler](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/james-m-hagler/): To accompany his degrees from Boston University and John Marshall Law School, James Hagler also holds an FAA Airframe and Power Plant License from the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation and retired in 2005 after serving as a Sergeant First Class in a combat unit of the Illinois National Guard.
- [Jeffery M. Leving®](https://www.dadsrights.com/attorney/jeffery-m-leving/): Jeffery M. Leving® has been named one of "America's Best Lawyers" by Forbes Radio and selected by his peers as one of Illinois' top attorneys. He is an international leader in advocating for fathers' rights in the courtroom, among politicians and policy makers, with legislative initiatives, in his books and in his radio, television and public speaking appearances. Leving is the founder and president of the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving® Ltd. In Chicago, a firm concentrating in matrimonial and family law which has gained monumental victories for fathers seeking to keep their children in their lives and protect them from danger.

## Practice Areas
- [Relocations](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/divorce-proceedings/relocations/): The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., provides veteran guidance and vigorous representation for this highly charged and complex issue. Our Chicago relocation attorneys have successfully represented parents across Illinois and throughout the United States, including interstate and international custody relocations. We can capably represent you whether you are arguing for the court’s consent or fighting to prevent your child from moving away.
- [Dissolution of Marriage](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/divorce-proceedings/dissolution-of-marriage/): Filing a petition for dissolution of marriage with an Illinois circuit court is the first official step in the divorce process. We say “official” because there are numerous steps either spouse can take prior to filing a petition that can expedite proceedings, including engaging in mediation, negotiating agreements to various disputes and beginning the process of dividing property.
- [Alimony](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/divorce-proceedings/alimony/): Alimony — also called spousal support or spousal maintenance — is a sticking point in many divorces. Representing a major financial burden for the paying spouse, perhaps indefinitely, the issue frequently causes resentment. Moreover, the criteria for establishing alimony are more discretionary for judges compared to child support. Alimony awards are more difficult to predict, which in turn makes it more difficult to resolve alimony in negotiations.
- [Marital/Nonmarital Agreements](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/family-law/the-importance-of-marital-and-non-marital-agreements-in-illinois/): There is no “one size fits all” version of a prenuptial agreement that will suit every single couple’s needs. Nevertheless, many couples would benefit from having one, even if they aren’t very wealthy or don’t already have children. Prenups, as well as similar documents signed after the marriage called “postnuptial agreements,” can be very beneficial in terms of getting couples to discuss finances openly, as well as setting forth terms in the event that the relationship might end in the future. Roughly half of all first-time marriages end in divorce regardless of the presence of a prenup; knowing that, doesn’t it make more sense to have one than to not?
- [Grandparents’ Rights](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/family-law/grandparents-rights/): Do grandparents or great-grandparents have rights to visitation? Do grandparents and other relatives have standing to seek custody? These are complicated and hotly debated issues that have reached the U.S. Supreme Court. A better way to understand the law is to frame the question from another perspective — is it in the best interests of the grandchildren to have Grandma and Grandpa involved in their life?
- [Domestic Violence](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/family-law/domestic-violence/): The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., safeguards parents and children during domestic violence proceedings in the Chicago area courts and throughout Illinois. If you have been a victim of domestic violence or have been threatened with violence by your spouse or partner, we assist in obtaining protection orders and restraining orders. If you are accused of domestic abuse in the context of court proceedings, we will vigorously fight to prevent, rescind or modify such court orders.
- [Appeals](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/family-law/appeals/): Attorney Jeffery M. Leving® has practiced in family law for over 30 years and is proud of this law firm’ success in family law appeals in the Chicago area, statewide Illinois and nationwide. Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving®, Ltd., is regularly approached for help by other law firms that are familiar with our appellate capabilities, or hired by individuals to handle their appeal after another lawyer tried and lost their case.
- [Marital Agreements](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/family-law/agreements-premarital-prenuptial-cohabitation/): Premarital and postmarital settlement agreements have a poor reputation, raising eyebrows and doubts when the subject is first mentioned. Many people believe these contracts weaken marriages by seeding distrust between spouses. Others believe that such agreements are simply a tool for wealthy individuals to deprive their spouses of their property rights during divorce.
- [Sole Joint Custody](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/child-custody/sole-joint-custody/): At the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., you will work with attorneys who are deeply knowledgeable about custody law and who will walk you through each step of these complicated and emotional proceedings. In fact, founding attorney Jeffery M. Leving® co-authored the drafting of the Illinois joint custody statute. He is a nationally recognized authority on child custody and related matters of family law such as fathers’ rights, with decades of experience litigating and negotiating the terms of custody in complex cases throughout the U.S.
- [Paternity](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/child-custody/paternity/): The Chicago attorneys of the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., represent putative fathers as well as alleged fathers in paternity proceedings. Our nationally known family law firm has handled complex and contentious paternity proceedings in Cook County, statewide Illinois and beyond. We have a reputation as one of the leading fathers’ rights firms in the country, and we vigorously uphold the rights of dads — married or unmarried — to be involved in the lives of their children.
- [Child Support](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/child-custody/child-support/): Child support is usually a critical issue for both parties, whether you are the custodial parent who depends upon the money or the noncustodial parent who has the burden of paying it. While all states (Illinois included) have child support guidelines for uniform and predictable child support determinations, these formulas do not always apply in every circumstance or yield an equitable result.
- [Adoption](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/child-custody/adoption/): Adoption is both exciting and intimidating. It is a profound process to take people who were previously unrelated and make them legally identical to a natural parent and child. Understandably, the adoption process is not something that the law takes lightly. This is especially true for adoptions that cross state or national borders, raising broader jurisdictional issues, or adoptions that involve the termination of someone else’s parental rights.
- [Child Custody](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/child-custody/): Child custody determination is supposed to be about the well-being and best interests of your children. Unfortunately, the other parent or a family court judge may not define “best interests” the same way you do. Protecting your child and your own parental rights requires not only clear priorities and personal resolve but also the best legal representation you can muster.
- [Family Law](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/family-law/): As a law firm devoted to the practice of family law, the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., provides a full array of domestic relations services to families in need. We have built a national reputation for our ability to effectively resolve highly complex family law issues, including parental kidnapping and international custody disputes, such as the Elian Gonzalez case in which our founder helped reunite the minor child refugee with his Cuban father. Yet we are also able to assist with less complex matters that are every bit as important to you, such as uncontested divorce and child support.
- [Divorce Litigation](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/divorce-proceedings/): No two divorces are alike. The length of your marriage, the size and complexity of your estate, the presence of minor children, and many other factors will make your proceedings unique. While the idea of a quick uncontested divorce is tempting, it should not be undertaken at the expense of your parental rights or property rights. Conversely, you cannot be so intent on “winning” your divorce that you obsess about the wrong issues or litigate without regard to the costs or consequences.
- [Asset Protection](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/divorce-proceedings/division-of-property/): The Chicago divorce lawyers of the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., have a nationwide reputation for engineering favorable outcomes in complex property division. We are often hired after other law firms have failed to get results, intervening to prevent an unfair judgment or lopsided settlement. Our savvy and aggressive advocacy will position you to protect your rightful share and your priority assets, in or out of court.
- [High Net-Worth Divorce](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/high-net-worth-divorce/): High net-worth divorces involve the division of significant assets, complex financial portfolios, and intricate legal considerations. The stakes are higher, and the legal strategies employed can significantly impact the financial well-being of both parties. Our seasoned Chicago divorce attorneys possess the knowledge and skill required to navigate the intricate web of financial complexities associated with high net-worth divorces.
- [Fathers’ Rights](https://www.dadsrights.com/practice-area/fathers-rights/): Nearly 24 million U.S. children (34 percent) live absent their biological fathers. Children living without the presence and guidance of their fathers are, on average, two to three times more likely to live in poverty, to use drugs, to be victims of child abuse, to engage in criminal behavior, to struggle in school, and to experience health, emotional and behavioral problems.