Annette M. Fernholz

PRO

Annette M. Fernholz

5.0
Rating: 9.9

Licensed for 28 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Appeals, Child Support ... +2 more

211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1100, Chicago, IL

About Annette

Biography

Seeking an experienced divorce & custody lawyer? Call Attorney Fernholz today for a consultation.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 35%

Attorney Fernholz has been a premier divorce lawyer in the great state of Illinois since 1997. If you are looking to end your marriage, whether it is amicable or adversarial, call her today to discuss your case further and stop worrying.

35%
Appeals 25%

Judges make mistakes. They can fail to properly consider all the evidence before them or they can misapply the law. Either party can appeal the trial court’s decision.

25%
Child Support 15%

Parents of minor children who are unmarried, separated or divorced may pay or receive child support. In Illinois the parent who does not have primary residence of a child will usually be required to pay child support. Call now to talk further.

15%
Marriage and Prenuptials 15%

15%
Child Custody 10%

Law Offices of Annette M. Fernholz, P.C. handles parenting cases of all types, including cases involving children’s attorneys and psychological experts. Call Attorney Fernholz today to review your case.

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 350-400 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 28 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1997

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Annette M. Fernholz, P.C.

211 W Wacker Dr Ste 1100, Chicago, IL, 60606-1331

amf-familylaw.com/

Annette M. Fernholz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

5 star (6)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Giancarlo | May 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Client

I found Annette through a quick google search. I read the previous comments and felt comfortable contacting her for my divorce proceedings. She was spontaneous with her return call and very good at explaining the the process and what she could do for me. Her professionalism, knowledge, and support t...hroughout the process was awesome (10+). I still keep in contact with her for advice on my family needs and she has been there to provide me with good guidance. She is a very level headed, logical, and reasonable person that can help put things into better perspective and realism for you in a time when your emotions are running rampant. I could not have found a better person and lawyer to help me through the most difficult time of my life.

Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2014

Strategic, Knowledgeable, Efficient

Annette is pragmatic and strategically savvy. Matrimony and child custody issues can be highly emotionally charged, but Annette always is a straight-shooter with a realistic view of what can be achieved and what would be an unreasonable waste of money. She obviously is well-respected by the judges ...and other counsel in Chicago. I've recommended her to several friends who have hired her and been very satisfied with her representation. Her fees are reasonable and I never felt she wasted my time or money.

Posted by Jeannie | August 20, 2014

Excellent Divorce Attorney

My case was highly litigated and lasted almost four years. Ms Fernholz was an excellent attorney that gave excellent advice and was well informed and reliable !

Posted by Phil | August 20, 2014

Highly recommend

I'm a rare case of a custodial father. Annette was able to guide me through the process and ultimately help me do what I though was in the best interest of the children. It was not an easy case either due to very adversarial rel'n between me and my ex. The court actions actually went faster than I... expected. Annette only helped me with custody and issues with the children. Our divorce was out of state and a couple of years before I retained her.

Posted by Trisha | November 8, 2013

THE BEST!!

There are not enough words to describe Annette Fernholz. She is the best attorney you could ever ask for. From the first time I met her over 10 years ago when I started my divorce, she has stood by my side, and has always kept me informed as to what was going on. She is personable and a no holds... bar type of attorney you want on your side. Everytime I met with her, I always walked away knowing we would win, and that we did. She made me feel so confident about everything starting with the divorce and right thru until today, when she is still fighting for me for my child support. She is TOP NOTCH and WILL NEVER LET YOU DONW!!!!!!

See All Client Reviews

Annette M. Fernholz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Annette
Brigitte Schmidt Bell headshot
Brigitte Bell

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Annette on both Collaborative and "regular" matters. She has integrity, reliability, problem-solving skills, and appreciation of how to help clients reach constructive solutions. I heartily endorse her."

Alan J. Bernstein headshot
Alan Bernstein

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Thorough , intelligent, honest"

Joan E. Comiskey headshot
Joan Comiskey

Family lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ms. Fernholz possesses a broad knowledge of the law and excellent trial and appellate skills. She combines her legal knowledge with a healthy dose of common sense in her efforts to resolve a case. Having been her opponent, I have seen first-hand that she has the respect of the judiciary, opposing counsel, peers, and clients. I have referred friends and family members to her which is the highest compliment a peer can offer another attorney."

Kimberly Jo Anderson headshot
Kimberly Anderson

Family lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had a couple of cases against Annette now. She can count on a fair fight with her. She is honest though and trustworthy. She's gotten very good results for clients, and is timely and hardworking. She is also a very good appellate lawyer and I've watched her argue an appeal in our state Supreme Court. Cannot go wrong using Annette, she takes her job seriously and will do everything necessary to secure the appropriate relief for her clients."

View All Endorsements
Brigitte Schmidt Bell headshot
Brigitte Bell

Family lawyer

Kathryn Lee Ciesla headshot
Kathryn Ciesla

Divorce and separation lawyer

Janice Lea Boback headshot
Janice Boback

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.9 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyer

2016

Client Review, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2014

Client Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

2003 - Present

Owner, Law Offices of Annette M. Fernholz, P.C.

1998 - 2002

Associate, Private Law Firm 2

1997 - 1998

Associate, Private Law Firm

Associations

2016 - Present

Forensic Forum

Treasurer

2015 - Present

Appellate Lawyers Association

Member

2012 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Judicial evaluation committee

2015 - 2015

Forensic Forum

co-president

2013 - 2015

Women's Bar Association of Illinois

Judicial reception committee

2011 - 2011

Forensic Forum

President

1997 - 2015

Chicago Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Moorthy v. Arjuna, 2015 IL App (1st) 132077

Affirmed.

IRMO Petersen, 2011 IL 110984

Illinois Supreme Court stated child's college expenses were form of child support. The Court held college expenses were "modification" of suport due to reservation in judgment.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology

JD - Juris Doctor

1985

University of Michigan

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Issues & Ethical Considerations for Attorneys Who Represent Children

Panelist

2016

Chicago Bar Association, Family Law Committee

Potential Appealable Issues Regarding Illinois Income Share Statute

2011

Removal: Should They Stay or Should They Go? Making Your Case: advice from Litigators, Forensic Psychologists and Judges

Removal of children

2010

Parental Child Adbuction: Before, During and After

Hague Convention on Child Abduction

Publications

2011

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education Procedure Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act

2011

ISBA Famiy Law handbooks The Application of the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution