Michael S. Strauss

Michael S. Strauss

4.5
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 21 years

Family Lawyer at Libertyville, IL
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Custody ... +2 more

1512 Artaius Parkway, Suite 300, Libertyville, IL

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 23%

At our Illinois family law firm, we understand the issues that can complicate your divorce, and we know how to resolve them. From handling issues involving the nature of your assets to matters regarding child custody disputes, you can rely on us.

23%
Family 23%

Our Libertyville law firm handles routine and complex, divorce and property division matters. We also assist family members in juvenile court matters and domestic violence issues. To discuss your legal concerns regarding a family matter, please call.

23%
Child Custody 22%

In awarding custody, Illinois courts are out to protect the best interest of a child. While in the past the “tender years presumption” favored mothers in custody determinations, equal protection concerns have afforded fathers equal consideration.

22%
Child Support 22%

In the state of Illinois, child support is calculated according to the new child support formula. Schlesinger & Strauss will fully explain how the new child support is calculated and how the new child support law will affect your situation.

22%
Adoption 10%

There are many issues that can arise regarding the rights of grandparents toward their grandchildren. At Schlesinger & Strauss, LLC, we can answer your difficult questions regarding whether or not a grandparent has rights to visitation and more.

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 21 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2004

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Strauss & Hoyt, LLC.

1512 Artaius Parkway, Suite 300, Libertyville, IL, 60048

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Michael S. Strauss's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

43 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Gayle | June 03, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Outstanding Lawyer! Excellent service!

I highly recommend Mr. Michael Strauss! I would not trust and hire any other lawyer but him. He is very knowledgeable and caring.He and his staff were very helpful and responsive in my concerns and questions, he replies to emails within minutes. He helped me get through a very difficult time, negotia...ted on my behalf and was tough and aggressive when needed. He cares about his clients and their best interests. He is THE lawyer that you would want and need to represent you!

Posted by Michelle | June 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Great Attorney

I highly recommend Michael and his team. I hired him part-way through my divorce process due to dissatisfaction with my first attorney. Michael took my case and got it on track. He spent time learning my case and learning the complexity of what we were dealing with. I felt that he understood how to d...eal with a high conflict case and he took the time to listen, with compassion and understanding. He gave great advice but also listened to what was important to me. If you're in need of legal representation I would highly recommend Michael Strauss.

Posted by anonymous | March 02, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Michael Strauss

Making the final decision to divorce my husband was difficult and I consulted with Michael Strauss for many years before actually having him served. It was the best decision I have made and Michael guided me throughout the entire process. He was tough when necessary and kept me and my children’s bes...t interest as the main focus. I would recommend Michael and his firm any day.

Posted by Anne | February 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Razor sharp insight

I can't say enough positive things about Michael Strauss. (Or his tough, mama bear-like paralegal, Lori) My ex-husband was/is an extremely high conflict, narcissistic personality (Google it), extremely controlling and abusive, and within about thirty seconds of our initial meeting, Michael knew... EXACTLY what he was dealing with. He met all my fears and concerns with a swift and confident supportive argument. I truly felt "advocated" for. He also had an almost immediate sense of what level of emotional stress I had the capacity to endure and took that into careful consideration when handling my case. He priced me fairly, didn't sugarcoat anything or draw things out, returned emails and questions within a very short time frame, and in general just really made me feel like he appreciated my business and took my case and my questions very seriously. You might think that all that should be a given, but you would be surprised how many people complain about their divorce attorneys. I am now several years post decree and will shortly be in need of a revised parenting agreement due to life changes. (marriage, job change, etc.) I'm so glad I know exactly where to go for help.

Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

optimistic and effortless

Michael Strauss’ optimism and expertise comforted me greatly as I faced this life-changing divorce. He effortlessly and positively responded to all of my questions. As we faced down the 18 month schedule of court dates, he assured me the end was in sight.

See All Client Reviews

Michael S. Strauss's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Stuart Allan Reid headshot
Stuart Reid

Family lawyer | Nov 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had several cases against him over the years and he knows the law well and is a strong advocate for his clients. He is a credit to the profession."

Thomas T. Field headshot
Thomas Field

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mike since he first became a lawyer and have watched him grow into an excellent advocate for his clients, be it in the capacity of divorce counsel or as a Guardian for Children. Mike is compassionate, yet practical, and will always steer his clients in the direction best suited for an equitable resolution to their matter. Mike does not shy away from courtroom disputes, but like any good lawyer, will always look for a non-confrontational resolution where possible. I highly recommend Mike."

Melanie Caspi headshot
Melanie Caspi

Family lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a committed family law attorney who fights for his clients with integrity."

Megan Valda McAlister headshot
Megan McAlister

Family lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jordan David Rosenberg headshot
Jordan Rosenberg

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Michael is a staple in the family law community. He is approachable, reasonable, intelligent and has an innate ability to bring people together. It is a pleasure to have Michael on the other side of a case."

Michael David Elkin headshot
Michael Elkin

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Fantastic Lawyer who is ethical and determined to win for his clients."

Gary A. Newland headshot
Gary Newland

Family lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a great lawyer and really understands family law. He has represented many people I know and he has done excellent work. I fully trust him."

Jerald Kessler headshot
Jerald Kessler

Family lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael Strauss is a highly effective advocate. He provides excellent service for his clients. He is well respected by his colleagues and recognized for his knowledge of the law."

Neal Adam Simon headshot
Neal Simon

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is a very knowledgable, diligent, and reasonable attorney."

Michael Jason Goldberg headshot
Michael Goldberg

Family lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Michael in the area of family law. His dedication and compassion for families in need are second to none."

Morgan Lynn Stogsdill headshot
Morgan Stogsdill

Family lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is intelligent and well seasoned. He is very professional to have on the other side as well as responsive."

Christine B. Adams headshot
Christine Adams

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Pierce O'Brien headshot
Joseph O'Brien

Family lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sherby Dianne Scurto headshot
Sherby Scurto

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer as he is highly skilled."

Stephen S. Newland headshot
Stephen Newland

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Mike Strauss for anybody needing legal representation for a family law / divorce related matter. Mike has a tremendous amount of expertise in this area of law. Mike is focused and dedicated in serving his clients' needs. Clients that I have referred to Mike have been so very satisfied with his services. Mike is an attorney you want to have on your side."

View All Endorsements
Jordan David Rosenberg headshot
Jordan Rosenberg

Family lawyer

Stuart Allan Reid headshot
Stuart Reid

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jerald Kessler headshot
Jerald Kessler

Mediation lawyer

Christopher S. Haaff headshot
Christopher Haaff

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael Jason Goldberg headshot
Michael Goldberg

Personal injury lawyer

Neal Adam Simon headshot
Neal Simon

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jason G Adess headshot
Jason Adess

Family lawyer

Thomas T. Field headshot
Thomas Field

Divorce and separation lawyer

Morgan Lynn Stogsdill headshot
Morgan Stogsdill

Divorce and separation lawyer

Jason R. Mercure headshot
Jason Mercure

Criminal defense lawyer

Sherby Dianne Scurto headshot
Sherby Scurto

Family lawyer

Lorinne J. Cunningham headshot
Lorinne Cunningham

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Bradley Parker David headshot
Bradley David

Divorce and separation lawyer

Christine B. Adams headshot
Christine Adams

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Stephen S. Newland headshot
Stephen Newland

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2021

Betty Toser "Angel" Award, A Safe Place

2020

Richard H. Teas Legislative Support Award, Illinois State Bar Association

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2018

Access to Justice Award, Lake County Bar Association

2018

Outstanding Community Achievement Award, Lake County Housing Authority

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2017

Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2014

Forty Illinois Lawyers Under Forty to Watch, Chicago Law Bulletin

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2004

F. Dennis Franz f/k/a Russell Bundeson Award, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Work Experience

2023 - Present

Managing Partner, Strauss & Hoyt, LLC

2010 - Present

Partner, Schlesinger & Strauss, LLC

2006 - 2010

Associate, The Law Office of Gary L. Schlesinger

2004 - 2006

Associate, Shaw Jacobs & Associates

Associations

2021 - Present

College of Lake County, Paralegal Program

Career Advisory Committee Member

2021 - Present

University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences

Alumni Association BOD, Human Development and Family Studies

2019 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association, General Assembly

Assembly

2019 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Assembly Agenda and Program Committee Member

2014 - Present

A Safe Place

Vice President

2006 - Present

Lake County Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

University of Illinois College of Law Alumni Association

Member

2004 - Present

Kane County Bar Association

Member

2004 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

2019 - 2020

Illinois State Bar Association

Chair: Family Law Section Council

2019 - 2020

Illinois State Bar Association

Chair, Family Law Section Council

2018 - 2019

Illinois State Bar Association

Vice Chair: Family Law Section Council

2017 - 2018

Family Law Section Council, Illinois State Bar Association

Secretary: Family Law Section Council

2014 - 2022

Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Member, Family Law Section Council

2013 - 2015

Illinois State Bar Association, Child Law Section

Child Law Section Council

2010 - 2016

Illinois State Bar Association, General Assembly

Assembly

2009 - 2016

Lake County Bar Association

Editor of "The Docket" legal publication

Education

2008

DePaul University College of Law

Family and Divorce Mediation Training

2004

University of Illinois College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1999

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2021

Family Law Mid-Year Seminar

Legislative Update

2020

Matrimonial Law CLE

Effect of Section 607.6 of the IMDMA and Proposed Amendments

2020

Family Law Back to Basics

Temporary Relief: Emergency, Ex parte, and Otherwise

2020

Association of Women Attorneys of Lake County Monthly Meeting

Effect of Section 607.6 of the IMDMA and Proposed Amendments

2019

Symposium for a Safer Lake County

Developments in Family Law

2019

Prairie State Legal Services Webinar

Maintenance in Illinois: Recent Changes in the Law

2019

North American Regional Conference

Maintenance in Illinois

2019

Lake County Bar Association Brown Bag

Maintenance without Alimony Deduction

2019

Family Law and Continuing Education for Mediators

30 Mediation Tips in 60 Minutes

2017

New Child Support and Parenting Laws

New Child Support Laws in Illinois

2017

Motions for Finding

Motions for Finding

2017

Income Shares: New Rules for Child Support Guidelines Webinar

Child Support Add-Ons

2017

Demonstrative Exhibits & Summaries at Trial

Demonstrative Exhibits

2017

Child Support Seminar

Child Support Add-Ons

2016

University of Illinois College of Law

Perspectives on Practice: Family Law

2016

There's a Judgment Against Me...What do I do!!!!!

Motions to Vacate or Reconsider

2016

Mortgage Foreclosure and Dissolution

Consolidation of Cases

2015

Family Law Legislative Update

Child Support and Maintenance

2015

21st Annual Family Law Conference

Guardianship in Dissolution Proceedings

2014

20th Annual Family Law Conference

Equitable Adoptions

2013

Alumni/Student Conference

Family Law

2013

19th Annual Family Law Conference

Getting Matters Heard & Getting Relief

2012

Alumni/Student Conference

Family Law

2007

13th Annual Family Law Conference

Discovery Objections

Publications

2020

The Docket - A Publication of the Lake County Bar Association Rules or Mere Suggestions

2019

The Docket - A Publication of the Lake County Bar Association Fear and Loathing in Waukegan: An Appeal for Greater Civility

2019

The Docket - A Publication of the Lake County Bar Association Domestic Violence

2018

Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter Equitable Estoppel

2014

The Docket - A Publication of the Lake County Bar Association Equitable Adoptions

2012

The Docket - A Publication of the Lake County Bar Association Docket Tips

2012

The Docket - A Publication of the Lake County Bar Association Bruce David

Languages

English

Activity

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