Marissa Rivera Hanson

Marissa’s journey to becoming a family law attorney was shaped by her early life experiences. Growing up in Las Vegas, Nevada, with parents from diverse backgrounds, her American father and Mexican mother encountered numerous marital challenges. These conflicts, which included intense disputes over various post-divorce issues like visitation rights and child support, left a lasting impression on Marissa. Witnessing these familial struggles from a young age, she quickly understood the significant role that attorneys played in resolving such conflicts, sparking her aspiration to pursue law.

Today, Marissa has established herself as a dedicated advocate for her clients, leveraging her deep understanding and personal experience to guide them through complex family dynamics. Her practice focuses on areas crucial to family law, including divorce, child custody, and support, as well as paternity issues, visitation rights, and adoption. Moreover, she is a certified family mediator and Guardian ad Litem, actively serving in Kane and DeKalb counties. Her skills extend to assisting in foreclosure mediation within Kane County’s sixteenth judicial circuit.

Based in St. Charles, Illinois, Marissa enjoys a balanced personal life with her husband and two beloved dogs, Pickles and Olive. Her interests extend beyond the courtroom; she is passionate about dog training and delights in singing. The comfort of home and family is a cherished part of her daily life.

Marissa’s educational background includes a Juris Doctorate from Northern Illinois University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Arizona. She is licensed to practice in Illinois as well as in the Northern District of Illinois. Her linguistic capabilities in Spanish enable her to reach a broader spectrum of clients, providing them with more accessible legal assistance.

Her commitment extends beyond her legal practice; Marissa is an active participant in community service and professional development. She regularly volunteers through the Kane County Bar Association, contributing to initiatives like “Ask a Lawyer Day” and “KCBA Cares.” Her dedication to social causes is further reflected in her role as a volunteer attorney with The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, where she advises survivors of abuse and violence.

Marissa’s professional affiliations are extensive. She is an active member of several bar associations including those in Kane County, DeKalb County, DuPage County, and the Illinois State Bar. Additionally, she contributes to the Kane County Family Law Committee, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing her expertise and giving back to the legal community.