Annemarie Tarara

Annemarie Tarara

also known as Anne Marie Tarara

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 22 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Lake Forest, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Adoption, Domestic Violence ... +3 more

500 N WESTERN AVE, Suite 214, Lake Forest, IL

About Annemarie

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 45%

Child Support, Maintenance, Division of Property and Allocation Judgments (f/k/a Custody)

45%
Adoption 15%

Second parent adoptions and Co-parent adoptions.

15%
Domestic Violence 15%

Orders of Protection and Civil No Contact Orders

15%
LGBT+ Law 15%

Same-sex divorce, Same-sex co-parenting, and Same-sex Orders of Protection.

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 22 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2003

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Fitzpatrick Tarara Family Law, LLC

500 N WESTERN AVE, Suite 214, Lake Forest, IL, 60044

Fitzpatrick Tarara Family Law, LLC

35 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 650, Chicago, IL, 60601

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Annemarie Tarara's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (48) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Lindsay | February 11, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Annemarie Tarara is the best of the best!

I cannot recommend Annemarie highly enough! My divorce involved relocation, custody, and division of assets, making it a complex and emotional process. From the beginning, she was strategic, knowledgeable, and incredibly prepared. Annemarie explained everything clearly, kept me informed, and built... a strong case that protected both my rights and my children’s best interests. In court, she was calm, confident, and a true advocate. I’m truly grateful for her guidance and the outcome she helped me achieve. If you’re facing a complicated divorce, you want Annemarie on your side!

Posted by Joe D | November 20, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Exceptional from Start to Finish!

Working with Annemarie has been nothing short of extraordinary. I have had the opportunity to work with her twice and each time it gets better than the last. From the very first conversation, it was clear that I wasn’t just hiring an attorney. I was gaining an advocate who genuinely cared about my si...tuation. Her empathy set her apart immediately; she took the time to listen, understand every detail, and reassure me during moments when the process felt overwhelming. She approached every challenge with determination, never settling for easy answers or quick fixes. No matter how complex the issue, dug in and refused to let any obstacle stand in the way of building the strongest case possible. Her work ethic is truly unmatched. Emails were answered promptly, updates were consistent, and every interaction demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my best interests. It was clear that she wasn’t just doing her job, she was fully invested. Annemarie’s ability to combine strategy with compassion and relentless effort is something rare and invaluable. Thanks to Annmarie I felt supported, informed, and empowered throughout the entire process. I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you’re looking for an attorney who will fight for you, stand with you, and bring exceptional skill to your case, look no further. If I ever need services or advice again, Annemarie is my number 1 choice.

Posted by Naqiya | May 05, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Amazing professional attorney!

I’m so grateful to Annemarie Tarara for making my divorce process as smooth and stress-free as possible. From start to finish, she was incredibly professional, compassionate, and attentive. She took the time to explain everything clearly, always kept me informed, and made sure I felt supported throug...hout. What could have been a very difficult time was made so much easier thanks to her guidance and expertise. I highly recommend Annemarie to anyone needing a knowledgeable and caring divorce attorney.

Posted by Bob | July 17, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Cannot say enough good things about my experience

In the past year, my life blew up in a bad way — not married, but cohabitating with the mother of my child, which ended in a separation and child support situation...it's uglier than that, but that's the basic idea. I was referred to Annemarie Tarara last September, and it's appropriate to say ...that I got what I paid for — an advocate who fought for me, who eased my stress, guided me through an unimaginably painful process and helped me stay on track. I know others in my situation who have been in the divorce process for *years*. Annemarie did everything possible to keep my costs down while getting things done and kept me sane. There was not a moment during the process that I doubted her or her process. She was patient with me and explained everything so I could understand what was happening. She and her staff at Merel Law are all awesome. If anyone is unfortunate enough to be in the situation I once was, I'd recommend that they retain Annemarie as their lawyer immediately.

Posted by Erin | June 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Transparent, practical, and responsive

Annemarie is an effective communicator in terms of detailing the process, best practices, and expectations throughout all stages of the divorce process. She’s compassionate and understands the variety of emotions that come to the table during this life change, particularly when children are invo...lved. A strong advocate for her clients, she litigates to ensure the needs and rights of her clients are met in all scenarios.

See All Client Reviews

Annemarie Tarara's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Annemarie
Christopher James Hales headshot
Christopher Hales

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Highest quality individual and attorney."

Katherine Carol Delgado headshot
Katherine Delgado

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Anne Marie is great to work with on cases and diligently and zealously represents her clients' interests. Her work ethic and organization both make her someone I love working with on cases."

George Stamogiannos headshot
George Stamogiannos

Unknown lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Leading Lawyer, Law Bulletin Publishing Company

2023

Leading Lawyer, Law Bulletin Publishing Company

2022

Leading Lawyer, Law Bulletin Publishing Company

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

Work Experience

2022 - Present

Partner, Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C.

2019 - 2022

Senior Associate, Nottage & Ward

2006 - 2019

Attorney, Rosenberg Wypych

2005 - 2006

Attorney, Audrey Gaynor and Associates

2003 - 2005

Attorney, Nottage & Ward

Associations

2024 - Present

Lake County Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

Chicago Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Baseless Order of Protection

Order of Protection Vacated

See More Legal Cases

Education

2003

Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

DePaul University

B.S.

Speaking Engagements

2024

2024 Family Law Conference

Second Parent Adoptions

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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