Complex Divorce Attorneys Serving Chicago and Elmhurst
Skilled Chicago Lawyers for Divorce Litigation Involving Health Issues, Personality Disorders and Drug or Alcohol Addictions
While divorce can be difficult under the best of circumstances, there are health issues that can exacerbate the difficulties, making the case infinitely more complex. The attorneys at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC have experience dealing with high conflict cases which may include a client or a client's spouse with mental illness or a client or his or her spouse who has problems with alcohol or drug abuse. In 2011, a multinational study was conducted which considered 18 types of mental disorders such as major depression, personality disorders and phobias, and the impact those disorders had on marriage and divorce.
The study concluded that such disorders increased the likelihood of divorce anywhere from 20-80 percent, depending on the type and severity of the mental disorder. Marriages in which one party suffers from a personality disorder are almost always marked by periods of high conflict. When you add to that conflict the disputes typically associated with divorce, there is the potential for explosive situations. Lawyers who are unable to recognize signs of personality disorder, addiction or mental illness may inadvertently add to the conflict. With a major in psychology as her undergraduate degree, Maxine Weiss Kunz brings added skills in dealing with these issues to her clients and has successfully tried cases involving these health issues.
How a Person with a Health Issue May View the Divorce Process
The world view of a person with a mental illness, personality disorder or addiction is generally adversarial, therefore they tend to see a significant number of people as "enemies," and engage in "all or nothing" thinking. Those with personality disorders are also more likely to make patently false statements, behave as bullies and experience the perceived rejection associated with divorce very differently than others. When negotiating a divorce or child custody issue, this kind of reasoning can make it very difficult for the attorney to help clients reach an amicable resolution.
Clients and opposing parties who suffer from mental illness can quickly escalate the need for an attorney experienced in aggressive, adversarial litigation. When a case involves mental health issues including undiagnosed personality disorders, the attorneys at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, will take the steps necessary to reveal the truth including:
- Advocate for supervised parenting time when children are involved;
- Seek to bring out behavior patterns in the deposition and in court cross examinations;
- Request a 215(a) examination by a court ordered psychologist or psychiatrist who will make recommendations to the court regarding the mental health of the opposing party; and
- Provide guidance and advice as to how clients can best protect themselves and their children during a divorce when mental health issues can be exacerbated by stress.
Maxine Weiss Kunz is an aggressive litigator in court and an assertive negotiator outside of court, using strategy and evidence to protect her clients and their children.
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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.
Our Law Firm Can Help You During This Difficult Time
The attorneys at Weiss-Kunz & Oliver, LLC, provide experienced family law representation in an emotionally supportive environment. We work closely with our clients to determine a legal approach which best reflects the individual circumstances of the client's divorce or custody issue. We fully understand the additional difficulties which face all parties involved when a mental disorder, mental illness, or addiction is a part of the family law issue.
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Mediation & Collaborative Law ExperienceOur attorneys are committed to helping clients explore alternate dispute resolution options, as we believe it empowers individuals to maintain control over the outcome of their case. This collaborative approach not only reduces conflict but often leads to more satisfying and lasting resolutions, ensuring our clients are happier with both the process and the result.
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Boutique Feel, High-Level ExperienceWe provide a tailored, deeply personal approach to family law, combining years of high-level experience with a commitment to understanding your specific needs. Our goal is to guide you through every stage of divorce with empathy, ensuring your family’s future is protected and your peace of mind restored.
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Personalized Service, Exceptional ValueWe pride ourselves on offering the same high level of expertise and experience as other boutique family law firms in downtown Chicago, Park Ridge, and Elmhurst. Our commitment to providing clients with more reasonable fees and direct access to the founding members of our firm, ensuring personalized attention and a deep, hands-on approach to each case.
