Christopher S. Haaff

Christopher S. Haaff

2.8
Rating: 9.0

Licensed for 28 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Crystal Lake, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Adoption, Family ... +2 more

380 North Terra Cotta Road, Suite H, Crystal Lake, IL

About Christopher

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

In nearly twenty years of law practice, I have represented hundreds of satisfied clients in their divorces. Many former clients have returned for post-judgment representation and referred other people to me.

28 years

50%
Adoption 20%

I have worked on many kinds of adoptions, including related, unrelated, contested, agency, interstate, international, and adult. Some people whom I previously helped with their adoptions send me family photos, sometimes even years later.

28 years

20%
Child Custody 10%

I am experienced and familiar with the new Illinois laws for "allocation of significant parental responsibilities" and "parenting time" of children in divorce, paternity, and post-judgment actions.

28 years

10%
Child Support 10%

Illinois child support laws significantly changed in summer 2017. Persons in divorce, paternity, and post-judgment situations need lawyers like me who know how to interpret, apply, and argue the law.

29 years

10%
Family 10%

I have successfully represented hundreds of people in their divorces, adoptions, paternity cases, and post-judgment litigation. Many have been satisfied enough to have me represent them multiple times and to refer friends and family to me.

28 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 28 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1997

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Christopher Haaff

380 North Terra Cotta Road, Suite H, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014

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Christopher S. Haaff's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

2.8 /5.0

13 Client Reviews

5 star (6)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (7)

Posted by Tracy | July 6, 2018 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Timely information, Very knowledgeable

Chris provided me with great counsel. He not only understands the law, but is on top of current case law that was relevant to my case. Thank you Chris for being at the top of your game!

Posted by Karen | June 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very Knowledgable Attorney

Chris Haaff is very professional and knows his field of expertise, family law. He does return phone calls, and after he attends court for you, he always sends a letter with a copy of the order that was entered that day and explains what comes next. I would definitely recommend him to friends and fam...ily.

Posted by Chelsey | August 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Unprofessional, complete disregard, disappears with your retainer

Mr Haff was retained for my husbands child custody case, snake charmer would be a nice way of putting it. After initially selling you he then disappears and is never to be heard from again. We wasted the entire retainer trying to get a hold of him and finally when weeks went by with no return email... or phone call to either us or to the other sides attorney we tucked tail and ran. We followed up with the Illinois Bar Association as well as the BBB as I really feel this guy is shady and an awful attorney. More than anything I'd sincerely like to prevent anyone from making our mistake and trusting this guy. Somehow it seems he's able to manipulate his ratings as when you google search you get 5 stars despite all the poor reviews.

Posted by Jeff | July 8, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Would Not Recommend

I hired attorney Chris Haaf in the Spring of 2017 to help me with a dispute between my ex wife over time with my son, and to help pursue a few other modifications in our joint parenting agreement. When I first met with him, he was very personable. He played up the fact that he was also a divorced... father, and that he had family in my same profession so I related very well to him. He had a firm handshake, looked me in the eye, and needless to say I felt very good about providing him with a large retainer. That was the end of the good things. From the first month, Mr. Haaf was extremely poor at returning phone calls and emails. Days up to an entire week, with no responses. I would try him at the start of the business day, mid day, and evening. Once i did finally reach him, he would always have an excuse. Whether it was helping other clients or busy with his family, there was always an excuse. He explained that he liked every one of his clients to feel like “they were the only client.” I decided to give him one more chance. As my next court date, one which was very important in my case about a week out, I figured it was my turn in importance. Still no responses via phone or email. As my case was less than three business days away, I ended retained a different attorney. I sent him a certified letter and email to notify him that I would be taking by business elsewhere. And his response, you may be wondering? It was an invoice, showing how he carefully used every dollar of my retainer, some of it highly questionable. My favorite part was how there were items listed, “at no charge” after I notified him that he would no longer be representing me. Unbelievable. I have requested a partial refund in his retainer fee, almost two weeks ago, and have received zero response either way. Now I am paying another attorney to undo some of his motions, as they were wrong and having to start from square one. A complete waste of time and money. I would not recommend Mr. Haaf for any legal needs.

Posted by anonymous | June 20, 2017 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Always there to listen

Chris has advised me on several issues and has always listened. He does not judge me or my decision. He give clear expectations and is willing to help me any time I need advise. I have reccomeded Chris to several people and they have been happy as well.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher S. Haaff's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Mervate Mohammad headshot
Mervate Mohammad

Family lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a very experienced and exceptional attorney. I have had Chris as opposing counsel on matters that included the issues of adoption, guardianship and custody. Chris was very aggressive in his representation and yet very professional. Chris has great knowledge and experience with adoption cases. I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Strauss headshot
Michael Strauss

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Judy A. Goldstein headshot
Judy Goldstein

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris Haaff is one of the most respected and knowledgeable attorneys in Illinois. He regularly speaks at various attorney seminars and is always willing to impart his knowledge and expertise to others. He has a thriving and successful practice because he is an excellent and caring attorney."

View All Endorsements
Tamika Renae Walker headshot
Tamika Walker

Family lawyer

Mervate Mohammad headshot
Mervate Mohammad

Family lawyer

Judy A. Goldstein headshot
Judy Goldstein

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.0 (Superb)

Honors

2005

"Young Lawyer of the Year," outside Cook County, Illinois State Bar Association

2005

Top Ten Business Professionals Under Age 40”, McHenry County Business Journal

Work Experience

2007 - Present

Owner, Law Office of Christopher Haaff

Associations

1994 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

Education

1997

University of Illinois College of Law

law

1994

Greenville College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Advanced Custody and Visitation Issues

Moderator and Participant, all topics

2013

Marital Settlement Agreement Workshop

Qualified Domestic Relations Orders

2013

Family Law Seminar

Qualified Domestic Relations Orders

2009

LAW ED Series

Premarital Agreements and Frozen Embryos

2008

LAW ED Series

Family Law Update

2008

Annual Family Law Conference

Child Support and Maintenance

2006

Family Law Seminar

Preparing and Presenting Evidence in Contested Custody and Adoption Trials

2005

Practice Skills for New Lawyers

Domestic Relations

2005

Annual Family Law Conference

Paternity and Surrogacy

Publications

2013

Child Custody Litigation, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE) Child Custody and Visitation by Non-Parents

2013

Illinois Family Law Series, IICLE Gestational Surrogacy

2013

Illinois Adoption Law, IICLE Revocation of Parental Consents and Surrenders

2013

Illinois Causes of Action - Elements, Forms & Winning Tips, IICLE Adoptions

2001

Illinois Bar Journal Simplifying Illinois Readoptions of Foreign-Born Children

2001

Illinois Bar Journal Same-Sex Adoptions and the Best Interest of Children

2000

Illinois Bar Journal Appellate Review in Domestic Relations Cases: The Elusive Final and Appealable Order

1999

Illinois Family Law Report Classification of Unique Assets in Divorce Proceedings

1998

Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter Trends in the Duration of Maintenance Awards After Two Decades of the IMDMA

1996

Illinois Bar Journal Marriage Act Not Exclusive Remedy to Recover Attorney Fees in Dissolution Actions

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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