Christopher Matthew Banas

Judging from the place I was in when I met Chris, and the place I ended up, I could not imagine having a better attorney to get my life back in order. When it all began, my life seemed like a quagmire with little hope for closure and I was not even sure what the result would look like, or when it wo...uld get there. It was most definitely a feeling of despair and I was not in a good place. But he began with level-setting me, honestly and straightforward, what he envisioned a just outcome would look like given the facts. It did not take long for me to feel better and to know I made the right decision with Chris. Now if it were a simple dissolution with children and custody dispute (if you can call any such divorce simple), I would presume many attorneys could have handled it comparably...However, my case had several additional complications and surprises with many difficult decisions that needed to made along the way. My wife had her own personal issues that made the process extremely unpredictable. Chris did a fantastic job of managing my expectations and navigating options as the hurdles came at me. Most impressive was his understanding a court room and anticipating ahead of time the possibilities, and how to have a plan for all scenarios. I always felt like I could trust him to recommend what would be the best path in the end, not necessarily the easiest. I always felt fully informed. The whole ordeal lasted 2 ½ years, and with any custody order, the proof is in the framework and ensuring it is workable through our child’s life. The peace of mind at this point is something I would not have imagined at the start. Thanks Chris.

For over 10 years, Chris Banas and everyone at Banas Family Law has been by my side helping guide me through my divorce and custody challenges. Their level of dedication never wavered once. They are always professional and knowledgeable. They work tirelessly to meet deadlines and nothing is ever o...verlooked. They always respond to every email and phone call in a timely matter. They guide with a gentle hand. They are honest. They are tough but fair on the opposition. They are always prepared, thorough, and experienced. I was in awe of Chris each time we were in court. He is really good at what he does!! Chris, Lisa, Sheila, and Meg are the kindest and most caring people you could ask for to be by your side through what can be one of the most difficult things you ever have to go through. I will forever be grateful to Chris, Lisa, Shelia, and Meg! THANK YOU for helping me get the BEST outcome possible in my divorce and custody challenges!!

I recently have been going through a difficult divorce with a person who has not cooperated and has shown no respect for me or the process. Chris is an excellent attorney. We had a mediation date set, and I was sure we would not have a resolution, but through Chris’ hard work both during mediation an...d behind the scenes, we not only came to an agreement, but an agreement that was very fair for me and believe me ex did not want that. Chris has been on top f every issues, including getting the opposing attorney to move forward. I have now worked with Chris for 6 months on this matter and he has not only been an excellent attorney, but his communication is excellent. I am out of State and he has been very responsive to email, phones, calls or anything else I have needed. He has welcomed my mother, who is an attorney, into the process without any issues. Chris also takes the time to know you as a person. Each time I have talked to Chris he genuinely wants to know how I am and if there is anything he can do. I truly believe I could not have found a better attorney and highly recommend him to anyone going through a divorce. Respectfully, Vanessa L

Going through a divorce was the most painful experience of my life, probably because it wasn't what I wanted. All the things that were important to me were up in the air. I didn't know what would happen to my kids--that was the worst of it. But there was more. I worked all my life to buy a nice h...ouse, put away some savings and a college fund, establish good credit. I was beside myself with anxiety. At first I tried to represent myself, but it didn't take long to see I was out of my league. I knew I had to get a lawyer. After a great experience, one of my closest friends recommended Banas Family Law--Chris had negotiated joint custody and the kids were really thriving. They got to spend time with both parents, and nobody was being bankrupted by child support debts. It's hard for me to overstate the difference Chris made in my life. I have a physical disability and I was worried that a judge might not understand that it has no bearing on my relationship with my kids. Chris was able to convey to everyone--including the judge and the other lawyer--that my disability doesn't define me. He met me early for hearings--he always made sure getting inside and through court security was a non-issue--and then that I had a good place to sit in the courtroom, where I could see and hear everything. He was never condescending to me, and as someone who has traveled through this world with a disability, I can tell you that is unusual. If anything, he has a terrific sense of humor, which defused some difficult situations and bitter feelings. During the first part of the proceedings, it looked like we were going to have to go to trial. My ex was being incredibly unreasonable, insisting on exclusive custody of the kids, excessive child support, etc. Chris chipped away at this over time. He regularly contacted the other attorney and began to negotiate--I could see he didn't have any difficulty working with the other side, or even standing up to the judge when he had to. I got to read all the legal papers he drew up, and they seemed intelligent and well-written, and there were lots of references to cases and laws--which he explained to me, because I'm no lawyer! At the same time, he prepared for trial. We went through the whole nightmare together--pretrials, depositions, mediation, you name it. Chris was always calm and reassuring when I was a wreck. He was very knowledgeable about the law and explained everything to me in a way that I could understand. I always felt fully informed about everything--not just the case, but also the way I was being billed. In the end, we went to the courthouse on trial day, and Chris was able to settle the rest of the case without actually going to trial. I know Chris was ready for trial, but he did what was best for me. We were able to work out a fair settlement, and I never thought that would happen. Are my kids having to adjust to their new life? Sure. But they are also doing great because they get to spend so much time with both of their parents. The financial settlement was definitely a compromise--I got some of what I wanted, and I had to give in on some points. I admit it stung a bit, but it was also fair. Chris isn't the type to toot his own horn, so I will do it for him. If you're looking for a courteous, knowledgeable, professional lawyer who isn't a cold-hearted shark, he's your man. If you're looking for a lawyer who isn't always watching the clock and waiting for the next client, but actually cares about you AND your kids, hire Chris. If you want a lawyer who won't put you in the poorhouse with exorbitant bills, call Chris. If you want someone who can try your case OR settle it, contact Chris. If you want a lawyer who knows the law, understands his way around a courtroom, and isn't afraid of anyone--hire Chris. You won't be sorry.