Divorce Attorney in Chicago
Founding-Attorney Access. Large-Firm Litigation Depth. Competitive Fees.
Weiss-Kunz & Oliver is a Chicago family law firm founded by Maxine Weiss Kunz and Amanda M. Oliver, two attorneys who each spent roughly a decade at aggressive Chicago firms before building a practice where clients work directly with the lawyers handling their case. Divorce is the core of what we do. Every path through it, from uncontested paperwork to high-conflict courtroom litigation, falls within our practice.
Our model is straightforward: the litigation depth of a large firm, the access and fees of a boutique. When you call or email, we respond within 24 hours, typically sooner unless we’re in trial. You won’t be handed off to a junior associate. Maxine and Amanda handle their own cases, and that access matters most when decisions need to be made quickly. We serve clients throughout Chicago and Cook County, and our attorneys also practice in DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, and McHenry Counties.
If you’re facing a divorce in the Chicago area, call Weiss-Kunz & Oliver at (312) 605-4041 to schedule a confidential consultation.
Why Chicago Clients Choose Weiss-Kunz & Oliver
Maxine Weiss Kunz has practiced family law since 2005. In 2023, she was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, a credential held by fewer than 1,600 attorneys nationwide and one of the most recognized distinctions in family law. She has been selected as a Super Lawyer every year from 2017 through 2025 and is a certified mediator through both the Center for Conflict Resolution and the Cook County courts.
Amanda M. Oliver brings nearly 20 years of exclusive family law practice to every case. She has argued before the Illinois Appellate Court, was named one of Crain’s Chicago Business’s 2024 Notable Women in Law, and has been selected as a Super Lawyer from 2022 through 2025. Her case history includes complex financial matters and custody disputes on behalf of professional athletes and public figures.
We’re particularly experienced in cases involving high-conflict dynamics, including situations where addiction, mental health issues, or difficult personalities complicate an already difficult process. We don’t avoid hard cases.
Filing for Divorce in Cook County
All Chicago divorce cases are heard by the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, which also handles allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, parenting time, and related orders of protection. Filings are submitted electronically through the Odyssey File and Serve system. The clerk’s office for the Domestic Relations Division is located at the Richard J. Daley Center in downtown Chicago.
Illinois requires at least one spouse to have been a resident of the state for a minimum of 90 days before a divorce petition can be filed. Maxine Weiss Kunz is known throughout Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties, and Amanda M. Oliver practices regularly across all six counties we serve.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
A divorce is one of the most consequential legal decisions you’ll face. Getting the right attorney matters, and we’d rather you make that choice after a real conversation with us. Call Weiss-Kunz & Oliver at (312) 605-4041 or use our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation.
Meet Our Team
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"I needed an attorney who would fight for me and also keep me focused, and Maxine had my back."Maxine was very professional and worked efficiently to complete our case. Highly recommend!- Gloria B.
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"As a client of WKO, I highly recommend Amanda Oliver."She has extensive experience to address family law issues efficiently and effectively. She is direct, informative, knowledgeable, resourceful and well-respected in the legal community. I love how she anticipates and mitigates potential issues, strategizes next steps, and keeps me informed along the way. If you have to go thru the divorce process, you want Amanda in your corner. HIGHLY recommend!- Angela L.
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"Divorce isn’t always easy but Maxine and her team at WKO make it so."Maxine and her team have exceeded my expectations. Focused on the family and doing the right thing for everyone involved. Most importantly, my children. I’m deeply grateful for her efforts.- Stephen G.
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"I am so glad I chose Amanda & her team."I highly recommend Amanda Oliver & her team at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver. Everyone I dealt with was professional, empathetic & compassionate. They make their clients their priority. Their fee structure was fair & very transparent.- Amy S.
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"Maxine is very competent in her work, friendly, professional, responsive and down to earth."Maxine Weiss Kunz was great to work with. She clarified complex legal jargon into laymen terms and helped soothe the anxiety I often feel when the law is involved and it is a serious matter. Grateful to her and her team. Thank you Maxine!- Nina K.
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"Thank you, Amanda for being a powerful advocate when I needed one most."You handled my case with empathy, patience, and delivered with passion. You exceeded my expectations, and your work was brilliant! Weiss-Klunz & Oliver are not only knowledgeable of the law, the entire team is responsive, supportive, and really care about their clients. Thank you for taking my situation and turning it into a positive outcome.- Rosa
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"I needed an attorney who would fight for me and also keep me focused, and Maxine had my back."
Maxine was very professional and worked efficiently to complete our case. Highly recommend!
- Gloria B. -
"My experience with Maxine was great from start to finish."
Easy to communicate with and we developed a well thought out plan to get what we needed out of a legal dispute with my ex wife. Maxine was very thoughtful though out the process and did not waste my time or money unless it was necessary. I highly recommend their firm.
- Brandon B.
How We Handle Divorce Cases in Chicago
Not every divorce follows the same path. Illinois law allows parties to pursue dissolution through litigation, negotiated settlement, mediation, or collaborative law. The right approach depends on the level of conflict, the complexity of the marital estate, and how much control the client wants over the outcome. We help clients assess those factors honestly at the outset.
Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses have already agreed on all material terms, we offer flat-fee representation for uncontested divorces. We handle preparation of all required legal documents, including the marital settlement agreement, and represent the client at the final court appearance before the Cook County Domestic Relations Division.
Contested Litigation
When agreement isn’t possible, we handle every phase of contested litigation: discovery, evidence and witness preparation, pretrial procedures, and trial. We don’t steer clients away from trial when going to court protects their interests. Both Maxine and Amanda have tried contested matters in Cook County and surrounding counties, and that courtroom experience shapes how we prepare every contested case.
Mediation & Collaborative Law
Both founding attorneys are certified mediators. Maxine Weiss Kunz is also certified to practice collaborative law in Illinois and previously served on the board of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois. Amanda M. Oliver is recognized for reaching negotiated resolutions even in acrimonious cases.
Clients who control the outcome of their case through mediation or collaborative law tend to be more satisfied with the result than those whose outcome is decided by a judge. We offer both because we believe in them, not because they’re cheaper paths.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 312-605-4041 today!
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Valuable Personal Property and CollectiblesHigh-value personal items like artwork, jewelry, antiques, or collectibles can be difficult to divide due to their subjective worth and emotional significance. Obtaining expert appraisals and documenting ownership history can assist in determining whether these items are considered marital property and how they can be appropriately divided.
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Investments and Stock OptionsSecurities like stocks, mutual funds, and stock options can fluctuate in value, creating challenges for equitable division. Additionally, stock options may not vest until after the divorce is finalized, requiring careful valuation and planning for their future worth. A detailed understanding of financial instruments and market conditions is essential to achieving a fair resolution.
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Real Estate HoldingsBeyond the marital home, additional real estate, such as vacation properties or rental units, can add substantial complexity. These properties may require appraisals to determine their fair market value, and the division must account for any mortgages, tax implications, and the liquidity of the property. Disputes often arise over whether to sell the properties or have one spouse retain ownership, making strategic planning crucial.
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