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Michael John Gauthier

Divorce and separation Attorney at Vernon Hills, IL

4.8   74 reviews

Licensed for 16 years

Virtual consultation available

Free consultation

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    90%
    Divorce, division of assets and debts, maintenance (alimony), child support, parenting time (visitation) and allocation of parental responsibilities

    18 years

  2. Family
    10%
    Post-decree (after divorce) custody, support and maintenance modifications and parentage cases

    18 years

AGGRESSIVE, ASSERTIVE AND COMPASSIONATE FAMILY LAW REPRESENTATION

I am a lifelong resident of northern Illinois, having earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Lake Forest College and my Juris Doctorate from the Chicago-Kent College of Law. I am licensed to practice in the State of Illinois and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and am the recipient of the prestigious CALI Award for his work in Trial Advocacy. I dedicate my practice to family law litigation throughout the courts of Illinois and have represented clients in dozens of appeals before the First and Second Appellate Districts of Illinois as well as the Illinois Supreme Court. 

Awards

Client's Choice 2022,2021,2020,2019,2017,2016,2015
Client's Choice
2022 2021 2020 + 4 ...
Top Contributor 2012
Top Contributor
2012

Photos and videos

Licensed for 16 years
State IL
Status Active and Authorized to Practice Law
Acquired 2006
Updated 01/06/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Michael

Gauthier Family Law

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  74 customer reviews
Client's Choice 2022
Client's Choice
Michael received a significant number of 4+ stars in 2022
Posted by Ellen | September 2, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gauthier Family Law Review
My experience with Gauthier Family Law was excellent. He was a calming and confident presence during very difficult times and court proceedings. He has stood by every one of my requests and guided me through the entire lengthy process. Always responded to me in a timely manner and would even respond on weekends/ when he was out of the office. My needs were put first and I felt like I was treated as a friend rather than a number. My opinions were valued and my doubts were always reassured. My nerves were calmed and the process was always explained. Mr. Gauthier fought hard for me and my daughter. He went above and beyond and did everything he could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn't have asked for a better law firm or attorney.
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Posted by Javier | September 1, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top notch law firm
My experience with Mike and his team has been amazing. From day one, I felt like I had a strong and knowledgeable team by my side. They understood my concerns and worked tirelessly to ensure the outcome of my case worked favorably on my side. Thank you guys so much! Highly recommend this firm!
Posted by Laura W. | August 29, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, Responsive and Kind
Mr. Gauthier and his staff helped me through a stressful legal matter with kindness and absolute professionalism. Mr. Gauthier gave invaluable guidance, and was responsive to any questions I had. The legal staff kept me informed at all times about filings and forms. I never felt confused about what was happening in my case which gave me peace of mind and confidence in the steps I was taking. I am grateful to have been represented by Mr. Gauthier and his team and highly recommend his services.
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Posted by Pricilla | August 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic Representation!!!
I was extremely pleased with Michael & his team's support during my journey through court. I picked them based on my observations during a court appearance & they represented someone else. I inquired for a consultation and the rest is history. They IMMEDIATELY made me feel heard, they walked me through the expectations of what will happen during court and definitely talked me out of things that weren't in the best interest of me or my child. Overall, they were welcoming and I would for sure recommend Gauthier Family Law to anyone I know going through the same thing! Thank you for your much needed support!
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Posted by Christian | July 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
I want to take this opportunity to share a few words about my experience with the Gauthier Law Firm. I hired Mr. Gauthier to represent me in a legal matter. This was my first time navigating a legal matter and I felt very grateful to have had Mr. Gauthier and his team by my side, guiding me every step of the way throughout this difficult time. Mr. Gauthier always took the time and energy to walk me through his thought process and made me an integral part of the decision making. The representation exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend Mr. Gauthier to anyone looking for a professional family lawyer who truly cares about his clients and who has the skills and knowledge to make sure they are treated fairly.
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Posted by Richard | July 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Lawyer Firm!!!
Mike, Maryam and Katherine were awesome!! They are extremely professional and personable. They gave me sound advice and I would recommend them to anyone that is going through a divorce! From the beginning steps to the final filing they were amazing!
Posted by Michele | June 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A fair and relatively pain free divorce
Mike and his team worked as a super team to help me through my divorce. They kept me in the loop and fought for my rights. Positive outcome and would like to commend Maryam for her extra hard work and efforts to keep me sane.
Posted by Richard | May 23, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
Michael and his team were a pleasure to work with. Start to finish, my entire divorce process was professional and done in a timely manner. I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a professional and courteous Lawyer/Law Firm.
Posted by Kelly | April 14, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Need help with a difficult ex-spouse or family law issue? Well, look no more! Michael John Gauthier is the Attorney for YOU!
Mike (and team) were incredible to work with on a very frustrating and complicated case. I was often worried, concerned, scared even, of what the end result would be and Mike was consistently kind and patient and talked me through it all so that I understood everything. He not only guided me, he counseled me on how to make the best decision for my situation, and truly helped us get the results that were right for me and my family. Everything that Mike told me would happen in court, was exactly what happened. Having a supportive attorney really is worth it's weight in gold, and Mike totally came through for us. I will recommend Michael John Gauthier's family law firm to anyone who needs family law support. Highly recommend!
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Posted by Alyssa | February 2, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
As a younger parent trying to navigate the world of family court alone, I was very nervous and scared, consults with several lawyers never left me feeling heard or reassured about where bringing out issues to court would take me, until I hired Mike. He absolutely went above and beyond for my case. He’s very transparent and gave me the tools I needed to make informed choices regarding our case. Not only was he thorough and brought up potential issues to address that I hadn’t even thought of, but he made sure that I understood the law myself. Any questions I had he would not only answer but provide resources and references for me to look at to get a full understanding. Mike has been very responsive throughout the entire process. I’ve heard of firms that will take your money and do the bare minimum, but Mike truly makes you feel like you’re his only client and a top priority. His office staff was also very responsive and helpful when he was unavailable. After hiring Mike I felt empowered and confident in where the case was heading. From start to finish it’s only been a few months and so much more stress free than if I tried to go into this alone. I highly recommend him to anyone, and if need be he would be the only lawyer I would consider hiring in the future. I am so much more appreciative of Mike and his staff than they will ever know.
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Posted by Sujata | January 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you!
I hired Mr. Gauthier after consulting with multiple lawyers. My consultation was informative and gave me both a best case scenario and a realistic scenario should the case drag on due to custody and my husband's lack of agreement. In the end I'm so happy I picked him because he successfully got me a divorce in 6 months and did so fast and efficiently that I could afford it. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a fast and efficient divorce, and wants an empathetic lawyer who cares about your interest and not just getting paid.
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Posted by Jennifer | January 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and Helpful
I hired Gauthier Family Law to handle my sons custody case. We decided to move out of state which is never easy in the case of a child but Mr. Gauthier was wonderful. He walked me through the process and made me feel at ease. I was happy with the outcome and his team members are also amazing. Maryam and Katherine were always there to answer my questions and make sure I understood what happened at court and what our next steps were.
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Posted by Corrie | January 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommended
I am extremely satisfied with Michael Gauthier. He was very knowledgeable. I truly appreciated how straightforward and honest he was about how things would go or could go. His staff knew my name when I called. They would have my file pulled up and were familiar with my case. They were able to help direct me with any questions I had. I highly recommended Michael Gauthier.
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Posted by Brooke | August 23, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
I have nothing but amazing things to say about Gauthier Family Law. They are all extremely professional and super helpful with any questions you have. When I reached out for my consultation initially he was extremely helpful, he explained everything to me as much as a I needed it, given the fact that I’m not a lawyer, all the lawyer talk makes about no sense to me so he was super helpful with all of that. I had so much stress taken off of me after this point. My case was over quickly and easily. I would 100% recommend anybody I know to Gauthier Family Law.
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Posted by Allison | August 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorced in Three Months! (:
Mike was able to get me through a divorce in three months and I was told by others it would be a longer process! Mike is very professional and updated me throughout this entire process! I NEVER felt like a bother to Mike and was able to be very opened with any questions or problems (from my ex husband) that I was having! Mike took care of everything right away when I brought it to his attention! Thank you Mike and your team at Gauthier family law! THEY ARE YOUR TEAM if you need anything!
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Posted by Scott Clark | August 5, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gauthier Family Law Divorce Attorney
This was my first time ever needing a attorney & I reached out to Gauthier Family Law... They were VERY professional from beginning till the end... In my case I used Michael Gauthier for a Divorce & I never had to miss work for court Michael was always there for me & always had my back & was very professional in every way...His assistant Katherine is also very professional & was always there to answer the phone if I had a question that she always helped me out with... Gauthier Family Law was very professional & fair with prices & I would refer them to anyone...I was very Happy...Thank you Again Gauthier Family Law
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Posted by Izabela | August 5, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you
He sand all the motions that I requested he help me reserve child support and good visiting schedule , he aswer all my questions and explained me everything that I didn't understand . It was really easy to communicate with Mike and he did great job .
Posted by Gwen | August 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce attorney
Mike was absolutely wonderful during my entire divorce process. The office staff was always friendly, helpful and prompt in responses. I contacted Mike on many occasions with questions in regards to the proceedings and he always had a quick response. I would recommend his firm to anyone who is going through a divorce.
Posted by Abraham | July 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best possible outcome
Mike and Gauthier Family Law as a whole helped get my family through very rough custody case that also involved an order of protection. Throughout the entire ordeal Mike and his team were very pleasant to deal with and prompt with responses to any questions I had. I would highly recommend. Thank you Mike.
Posted by Sean | June 21, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Gauthier Family Law Review
I had an excellent experience with Gauthier Family Law. Mike and his staff were very responsive to my questions and attentive to my case. The work done by the firm was professional and it was clear that they are very experienced. Mike worked closely with me as my needs changed throughout my case, and I always felt that he had my best interests in mind. Highly recommend for any family law needs.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Gauthier Family Law
  • 2017 - Present
  • Senior Attorney
  • Law Firm of Wendy R. Morgan
  • 2010 - 2010
  • Attorney Founder
  • Gauthier & Gooch
  • 2010 - 2017
  • Attorney
  • Wakenight & Associates, P.C.
  • 2009 - 2010
  • Attorney
  • Law Offices of Thomas W. Gooch, III
  • 2005 - 2009
View all work experience

Education

  • Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology
  • J.D.
  • 2005
  • Lake Forest College
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2000
  • University of Havana
  • N/A

Legal Cases

  • Katten v. All Pro
  • Bench Trial
  • LeRose v. McDonnell
  • Settlement in favor of client
  • Buffalo v. Citgo
  • Settlement in favor of client
View all legal cases

Associations

  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • Member of Trial Bar
  • 2012 - Present
  • 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • Admitted to Practice
  • 2012 - Present
  • Volunteer Voter Protection Legal Team
  • Volunteer Attorney
  • 2012 - Present
  • Lake County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Libertyville Boys Club Football
  • Head Football Coach
  • 1998 - 2000
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top 10 Attorneys Under 40
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2015
  • Nation's Top One Percent
  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • 2015
  • Top 40 Lawyers Under 40
  • American Society of Legal Advocates
  • 2014
  • BV Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Featured Attorney- Divorce
  • Avvo
  • 2013
  • Top Contributor - Divorce
  • Avvo
  • 2013
  • Certified Small Claims Mediator
  • 19th Judicial Circuit
  • 2012
  • Named Member of ABA Advisory Panel
  • American Bar Association
  • 2012
  • Granted Admission
  • 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
  • 2012
  • Certified Arbitrator
  • Circuit Court of Cook County
  • 2012
  • Named to the Trial Bar
  • United States District Court
  • 2012
  • Certified Arbitrator
  • 19th Judicial Circuit
  • 2011
  • Fastcase50 Nominee
  • Fastcase
  • 2011
  • Dean's Honor List
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law
  • 2005
  • Dean's Honor List
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law
  • 2004
  • Cali Award for Excellence
  • Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction
  • 2004
  • Academic Scholar Award
  • Chicago-Kent College of Law
  • 2002
  • Deerpath Award
  • Lake Forest College
  • 1996
View all awards

Publications

  • Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
  • Oral Contracts Increase Accountants' Exposure to Breach of Duty Claims
  • 2013
  • Illinois Appellate Court 2nd Dist
  • Hoch v. Boehme
  • 2013
  • Chicago Daily Law Bulletin
  • Issues involving multiple cases throughout Chicagoland
  • 2011
  • Huffington Post, New York Daily News, Chicago Sun-Times, London Daily Mail
  • Multiple issues in cases in Cook County
  • 2011
  • Appellate Court, 2nd District
  • Christopherson v. Franklin
  • 2011
  • Grand Central Publishing
  • The Genesis of Justice (contribution)
  • 2001
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Appellate Court, Second Distrist
  • Christopherson v. Franklin - oral argument of professional malpractice appeal
  • 2011
  • Libertyville High School
  • Racial and Economic Relations in Cuba
  • N/A

Attorney endorsements

Received (51)
Given (131)
Endorse Michael
Litigation Attorney | Oct 05
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is a smart lawyer who fights hard for his clients. Every time I see him arguing a motion I am impressed. The judges respect him because he's prepared and presents his case in a logical, persuasive way. Thus, he wins, a lot."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Litigation Attorney | Nov 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Personal injury Attorney | Nov 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Jul 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a sharp witted, outside-the-box thinker who brings these attributes to the table for his clients' benefit."
Unknown Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Gauthier is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
Litigation Attorney | May 02
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. I work with him. He's one of the best"
Divorce and separation Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Aug 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Attorney Gauthier. From his answers and time on Avvo, it is clear he is dedicated to serving those in need and his clients. It's rare that lawyers spend so much valuable time helping the community, for free, and I applaud him for doing it to such a great level. Kudos."
Family Attorney | May 07
Relationship: Other
"If you need a family law attorney in Illinois, may I suggest Michael John Gauthier."
Family Attorney | Apr 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Family law questions can be stressful. Attorney Gauthier knows the law and can successfully guide you through your legal situation."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He always has intelligent and helpful things to say in response to questions posed by members of the public on Avvo. I would recommend his work without reservation."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Mar 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Vernon Hills Divorce and separation Lawyer Michael John Gauthier
Michael John Gauthier
Divorce and separation Attorney
Vernon Hills, IL
Licensed for 16 years
Free Consultation
Virtual consultation available