Michael John Gauthier

Michael John Gauthier

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 20 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Vernon Hills, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family

270 Center Drive, Suite 220, Vernon Hills, IL

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 90%

Divorce, division of assets and debts, maintenance (alimony), child support, parenting time (visitation) and allocation of parental responsibilities

21 years

90%
Family 10%

Post-decree (after divorce) custody, support and maintenance modifications and parentage cases

21 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 20 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2006

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Gauthier Family Law

270 Center Drive, Suite 220, Vernon Hills, IL, 60061

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Michael John Gauthier's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

82 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 13 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Ann | October 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney

Compassionate Excellent Attorney

I called Michael Gauthier’s office seeking help with my pending divorce. His office was pleasant and I was able to speak with Mr. Gauthier that next day. When we spoke, he was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. He listened attentively to my needs and answered all of my questions. I never felt ...judged and he didn’t force me into any one decision. I felt at ease during our call. I had certain goals that I wanted to meet when getting my divorce. Mr. Gauthier listened to those goals and came up with very smart, sensible solutions to meet my needs. He did an amazing job negotiating for me while keeping my goals in mind. Although I am sure Mr. Gauthier is very busy, I always felt important as a client to him and he kept the process moving quickly. He was always accessible and prompt in responding to texts, emails and requests. I am very happy to say that all my goals were met and my divorce was finalized quickly! Mr. Gauthier is absolutely someone you can trust to genuinely care about your needs and advocate for you with successful results.

Posted by Janine | December 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney

My personal experience with Mr. Gauthier

Mike Gauthier represented me in a case where my soon to be ex husband got a retraining order on me. He was well aware I had a trip planned to visit a friend in Florida. My Ex lied on the restraining order and said I was threatening to take the kids out of state which was a complete lie. When I retu...rned and realized I had a restraining order against me I was in disbelief. I couldn't even stay in my own home because if I looked at him the wrong way I know he would call the police. So I stayed at my Moms, and within a day I met with Mr Gauthier and explained the situation. Mr Gauthier was very professional, easy to talk to and get ahold of very easily if I had a question. Within a matter of days we went to court and he got the restraining order revoked. I even thought that was it and started going home. Little did I know he had several copies of proof from the JUDGE that the order was revoked. So he actually went out of his way and instructed me to keep a copy in my purse, glove compartment and a 3rd copy at my residence. He got me out of a very bad situation within a matter of days. I highly recommend him for any divorce, or ANY Family Law. He is definitely an excellent attorney that is SO easy to talk to and very understanding. In my eyes, he is the best of the best.

Posted by Ashley | June 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney

Best Lawyer in McHenry County

I was very blessed and highly pleased with Michael's Representation during my Relocation to Minnesota & Child Custody Case. He is very professional, knowledgeable, easy to talk to, understanding and always had my best interest at hand. Michael was always available to reach and quick to respond to my... phone calls and emails. Michael is an awesome lawyer he is, he truly does care. I am extremely happy with Michael and choosing him to represent me. He is the Best Lawyer. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone going through a Relocation Case or any family matter.

Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Michael Gauthier

I was at a point in my life when I needed help with a custody issue and did not know what to do next because I had never been in this particular situation before. I turned to the help of Michael Gauthier and my situation turned around instantly. His office was very professional from the beginning. Mi...chael Gauthier knew exactly what to do and dealt with it right away. He assured me not to worry and he was there for me every step of the way. I would highly recommend Michael Gauthier as an attorney to anyone and I will go to him again if need be. He knows exactly what he is doing and will give you nothing but the best.

Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney

Not what I expected

I went to see Michael to file for divorce. I was pregnant and had 3 kids all with my now ex husband. I respected him and was very happy with my choice in the beginning. It was when he stopped communicating with me and not answering my emails and calls that things went downhill. We had also agreed upo...n a retainer fee which I paid upfront. As the case was coming to a close I asked Michael if I should be prepared to pay additional funds. He replied "we were square." Against my better judgement I did not get that in writing. I put my trust in Michael to help get me through one of the toughest times in my life. I felt like he had no regard for my feelings and a lack of respect for my situation. I would not recommend Michael to anyone.

Michael Gauthier

Replied last March 21, 2016

I was surprised to read this review, as I clearly remember this client and her legal issues -all of which were successfully and overwhelmingly resolved in her favor. This includes confronting the Judge on her behalf when I believed she was being treated unfairly due to her becoming pregnant toward the end of her case. It appears to me that this review is based upon her disagreement with my legal fees, which were increased considerably by her becoming pregnant toward the conclusion of her case and the additional work that caused in order to resolve all of her issues at one time as opposed to getting her divorced and then later coming back to court after the birth of her newest child (which would have incurred much greater attorney's fees). I will not discuss what was said privately and confidentially between her and I in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege, but I do not believe her overall rating of me is a fair reflection of my services. I am proud of the work that my firm performed for her and the results we achieved.

See All Client Reviews

Michael John Gauthier's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Michael Joseph Salvi headshot
Michael Salvi

Litigation lawyer | 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."

Marc Emery McCallister headshot
Marc McCallister

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Michael Borcia headshot
John Borcia

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jeannie Marie Ridings headshot
Jeannie Ridings

Litigation lawyer | Nov 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Personal injury lawyer | Nov 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Saam Seyed Ghiaasiaan headshot
Saam Ghiaasiaan

Unknown lawyer | 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."

Richard Todd Rosenstein headshot
Richard Rosenstein

Unknown lawyer | 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."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Divorce and separation lawyer | 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."

Thomas William Gooch III headshot
Thomas Gooch

Litigation lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. I work with him. He's one of the best"

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

David L. Carrier headshot
David Carrier

Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Martin Osinski headshot
Martin Osinski

Unknown lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Bryce A. Fetter headshot
Bryce Fetter

Family lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Michael Phillips headshot
John Phillips

Unknown lawyer | 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."

Baskin Lowber Jones headshot
Baskin Jones

Family lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Other

"If you need a family law attorney in Illinois, may I suggest Michael John Gauthier."

Jorge Luis Rodriguez headshot
Jorge Rodriguez

Family lawyer | 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."

Jon Martin Pettis headshot
Jon Pettis

Unknown lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael James Duffy headshot
Michael Duffy

Unknown lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joan M Bundy headshot
Joan Bundy

Family lawyer | 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."

Wesley Kent Hill headshot
Wesley Hill

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Fiona Alicia McCormick headshot
Fiona McCormick

Family lawyer

Michael Joseph Salvi headshot
Michael Salvi

Litigation lawyer

Sabina D. Walczyk headshot
Sabina Walczyk

Divorce and separation lawyer

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Unknown lawyer

Thomas William Gooch III headshot
Thomas Gooch

Litigation lawyer

Martin Osinski headshot
Martin Osinski

Divorce and separation lawyer

Catherine Elizabeth Bennett headshot
Catherine Bennett

Unknown lawyer

Israel Lynda Kunin headshot
Israel Kunin

Unknown lawyer

Robert Edward Heyman headshot
Robert Heyman

Unknown lawyer

Junior Pulayya headshot
Junior Pulayya

Unknown lawyer

Harry Edward Hudson Jr headshot
Harry Hudson

Unknown lawyer

Luis Alberto Guerra headshot
Luis Guerra

Unknown lawyer

Arthur Harold Geffen headshot
Arthur Geffen

Unknown lawyer

Megan Misiti Cumbo headshot
Megan Cumbo

Unknown lawyer

Carl Michael Shusterman headshot
Carl Shusterman

Unknown lawyer

Jeffrey Adam Devore headshot
Jeffrey Devore

Unknown lawyer

Jason Allan Sarver headshot
Jason Sarver

Unknown lawyer

Stephen Samuel Messutta headshot
Stephen Messutta

Unknown lawyer

Edgardo Rafael Baez headshot
Edgardo Baez

Unknown lawyer

Nicklaus James Misiti headshot
Nicklaus Misiti

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Top 10 Attorneys Under 40, National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys

2015

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates

2013

Featured Attorney- Divorce, Avvo

2013

Top Contributor - Divorce, Avvo

2012

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

Named to the Trial Bar, United States District Court

2012

Certified Arbitrator, Circuit Court of Cook County

2011

Fastcase50 Nominee, Fastcase

2011

Certified Arbitrator, 19th Judicial Circuit

2005

Dean's Honor List, Chicago-Kent College of Law

2004

Cali Award for Excellence, Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction

2004

Dean's Honor List, Chicago-Kent College of Law

2002

Academic Scholar Award, Chicago-Kent College of Law

1996

Deerpath Award, Lake Forest College

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Attorney, Gauthier Family Law

2010 - 2010

Senior Attorney, Law Firm of Wendy R. Morgan

2010 - 2017

Attorney Founder, Gauthier & Gooch

2009 - 2010

Attorney, Wakenight & Associates, P.C.

2005 - 2009

Attorney, Law Offices of Thomas W. Gooch, III

Associations

2012 - Present

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

2005 - 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

1998 - 2000

Libertyville Boys Club Football

Head Football Coach

Sample of Legal Cases

Katten v. All Pro

Bench Trial

LeRose v. McDonnell

Settlement in favor of client

Buffalo v. Citgo

Settlement in favor of client

(Plaintiff's name redacted) v. Kara

Defendant's full policy limits awarded to client

Miller v. Harris

Settlement in favor of client

Zvertivnev v. Exotic Motors

Jury verdict for Defendant

Hunter v. Adcock

Judgment for Plaintiff

Dore v. Exotic Motors

Judgment for client

Christopherson v. Franklin

Succeeded on Appeal, case remanded to trial court

Christopherson v. Franklin

Currently on appeal and set for oral argument on April 4, 2011

Kasny v. Coonen & Roth

See appellate opinion below

See More Legal Cases

Education

2005

Chicago-Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology

J.D.

2000

Lake Forest College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

University of Havana

Speaking Engagements

2011

Appellate Court, Second Distrist

Christopherson v. Franklin - oral argument of professional malpractice appeal

N/A

Libertyville High School

Racial and Economic Relations in Cuba

Publications

2014

Lake County Suburban Life Downtown Sign Prompts Police Visit

2013

Illinois Appellate Court Miller v. Harris

2013

Illinois Appellate Court 2nd Dist Hoch v. Boehme

2013

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Oral Contracts Increase Accountants' Exposure to Breach of Duty Claims

2012

Appellate Court of Illinois, 2nd District Timan v. Ourada

2011

Appellate Court, 2nd District Christopherson v. Franklin

2011

2011

Above the Law Motion of the Day

2011

Huffington Post, New York Daily News, Chicago Sun-Times, London Daily Mail Multiple issues in cases in Cook County

2011

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Issues involving multiple cases throughout Chicagoland

2009

Illinois Appellate Court, 2nd District Kasny v. Coonen & Roth

2001

Grand Central Publishing The Genesis of Justice (contribution)

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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