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Rachel Nicole Hernandez

Family Attorney at Saint Charles, IL

5.0   16 reviews

also known as Rachel Hernandez

  • Licensed for 17 years
    State IL
    Acquired 2005
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

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

About Rachel

Learn Rachel’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Family
    10%
    When parents and children face difficult situations requiring emotional and legal intervention, an experienced, compassionate lawyer is essential. At Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC, we understand the reality of family-related challenges.

    18 years

  2. Adoption
    9%
    Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC practices adoption law, assisting those who desire to adopt, including step-parents who wish to adopt the child of a significant other.

    18 years

  3. Child abuse
    9%
    A judge can offer anyone who has experienced abuse by a family or household member an emergency or long-term protective order, including children. Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC has experience in resolving child abuse situations.

    18 years

  4. Child custody
    9%
    When deciding the allocation of parental responsibilities (child custody), Illinois courts implement the best interests of the child as a standard. Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC ensures that children maintain strong bonds with both parties.

    18 years

  5. Child support
    9%
    Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC practices child support law under the new set of Illinois laws (as of July 2017), which moved the child support system from an “income shares” to a “fixed percentage” system.

    18 years

  6. Divorce and separation
    9%
    Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC employs the collaborative divorce process as a method that promotes mutual and joint problem solving between spouses. By approaching the matter in a benevolent way, couples are often able to avoid litigation.

    18 years

  7. Domestic violence
    9%
    Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC has dealt with behaviors that can constitute domestic violence, including physical abuse harassment, intimidation of a dependent, interference with personal liberty, and willful deprivation.

    18 years

  8. Guardianship
    9%
    Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC practices guardianship law for those who wish to obtain guardianship over adult family members or children in need of immediate care. As a Guardian Ad Litem, Rachel Nicole Hernandez may also represent children.

  9. Marriage and prenuptials
    9%
    Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC practices marriage and prenuptial law, drafting and creating both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for clients looking to get married or undergo a significant change, but protect individual assets.

    18 years

  10. Mediation
    9%
    Mediation is considered an out-of-court solution that allows the parties to resolve legal issues in an amicable manner. At Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC, our team helps parties define the issues at hand, facilitating communication.

    18 years

  11. Uncontested divorce
    9%
    Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC uses an uncontested divorce for those who can peacefully resolve the allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time child support, the division of assets and debts, and potential spousal support.

    18 years

Known for promoting litigation alternatives in family-related legal disputes, Rachel Nicole Hernandez is a collaborative family lawyer & the founder of Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC, a collaborative law & family law firm with offices in St. Charles & Sycamore, Illinois.

Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC helps families resolve legal issues without going to court, whether it be through mediation, collaborative process, uncontested divorce, pre-divorce legal counseling, or limited scope representation. Rachel Nicole Hernandez provides advice to clients regarding their rights with respect to marital/non-marital assets & debts, maintenance, & child custody issues. Rachel Nicole Hernandez solicits the expertise of financial advisors, accountants, & mental health professionals to help resolve complex family law matters.

Rachel Nicole Hernandez developed a passion for helping others by working with the Community Crisis Center. This commitment led her to enroll in the Northern Illinois University College of Law earning her JD in 2005 as a Dean's Scholar. Prior to family law, Rachel Nicole Hernandez served as an Assistant State’s Attorney, handling cases involving domestic abuse, child abuse, child neglect, & delinquency.

As a mediator, Rachel Nicole Hernandez has served as a coach with Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies & is regularly appointed by the court to assist litigants in parenting disputes. She serves as a court-appointed guardian ad litem & has been trained as a parenting coordinator.

Rachel Nicole Hernandez is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, the Association of Family & Conciliation Courts, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Kane County Bar Association, & the DeKalb County Bar Association. Rachel Nicole Hernandez serves as Secretary of the Community Crisis Center Board of Directors & the Northern Illinois University Alumni Council.

Practice Areas:

  • Family Law
  • Collaborative Practice
  • Mediation
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • Limited Scope Representation

Bar Admissions:

  • Illinois

Education:

  • Northern Illinois University College of Law, J.D.
  • Western Illinois University, B.S., Law Enforcement & Justice Administration

Professional Associations:

  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois
  • Association of Family & Conciliation Courts
  • Kane County Bar Association
  • DeKalb County Bar Association
  • Community Crisis Center, Board of Directors
  • NIU College of Law Alumni Council

Photos and videos

Contact Rachel

Similar lawyers nearby

Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC — St. Charles Office
619 West Main Street
Suite D
Saint Charles, IL, 60174
Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC — Sycamore, Illinois Office
139 South Sacramento Street
Sycamore, IL, 60178
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
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Posted by John | March 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Smart, Practical and Excellent
Rachel took on my somewhat complex financial case, and proved herself in all areas of finance, communication, Illinois law and negotiation. She was successful in expediting a fair and balanced outcome using her talents and level headed approach with minimal cost. I am very happy I found Rachel and her team.
Posted by Joe | February 1, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Rachel is the best!
With Rachel on the case, I was able to move quickly to secure my parental rights AND work with my ex to work out a peaceful, positive resolution that was easy on all of us. She turned what started off as one of the worst experiences in my life into the foundation of something super positive for us that has fostered an amazing co-parenting environment for our 3 year old daughter. For any legal family matters at all, I would recommend Rachel and her team hands down. They are the nicest, hardest working, and most amazing legal team I have ever worked with. While I hope I never have to work with them again, if I do, they will be my first call.
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Posted by anonymous | January 24, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Personable and Professional
Rachel was extremely patient and professional while working with her. I was given personalized attention and practical support through a difficult situation with a focus on promoting respectful resolution, minimizing conflict and creating a parenting plan that was focused specifically on the needs of our unique situation. I am truly grateful for her and her assistance with my case.
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Posted by Laura | January 19, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
Rachel Hernandez is an excellent lawyer. She responded quickly to all my questions, listened attentively to the details of my case, and put me at ease in a very stressful situation. She is an extremely knowledgeable, patient, and capable attorney. I highly recommend her.
Posted by Jenny | January 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Supportive attorney
Rachel represented me in an unnecessarily drawn-out divorce. She was patient with me and sympathetic to the events that were out of my control. She's the same person in and out of the courtroom, which is also helpful. I knew what to expect from her at all times. Rachel allowed me to participate in the entire process, I never felt like an outsider to my own divorce. We ended up with fair agreements all around.
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Posted by Elizabeth | January 12, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Tremendous Attorney!
Very organized, diligent and responsive. Did great with evaluating the case, discussing strategies with me, and communicating with opposing counsel. Was clearly on my side but did not provide false hope or misleading information. I never felt dismissed or ignored. Very knowledgeable regarding family law. Truly one of the greats!
Posted by Gina | November 21, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional
Working with Rachel was wonderful. She aimes for an amicable divorce and puts everyone at ease. She is competent, poised and has excellent strategies and ideas.
Posted by Karina | February 27, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Rachel
Rachel demonstrated her legal expertise and knowledge when I hired her to represent me in a child custody case. My needs were put first and 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. Rachel fought hard for me she went above and beyond and did everything she could to ensure a great outcome. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. Thank you, Rachel!
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Posted by John | January 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client-Focused, Thoroughly Professional
Rachel represented me very well and is a very diligent attorney. She is client-focused, pays attention to detail, and is very reasonable with her billing for services. If I was ever in this situation again, I would definitely look to retain her services. She is the consummate professional.
Posted by ryan | December 14, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child custody case
Rachel H. is the best lawyer you can have. I truly am thankful for the work her and her team provided for me. Her communication is outstanding. She has very quick response on any question or concerns I had. She is extremely professional but very caring as well and wants the best for you and your family. I truly appreciate everything she has done for me and my kids. I would recommend her to anyone!!!!
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Posted by anonymous | May 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great experience
Very professional, listens and makes sure you fully understand what is happening. Has a genuine interest in helping get the result that you want. Would defenetly hire her again and recommend.
Posted by Liz | December 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Parenting Time
I hired Rachel after my divorce to help against an unfair adjustment in parenting time. She was extremely kind, caring, and professional. . I truly appreciated everything she had done for me and my family. I will definitely reach out to her again if I have any other issues that need to be handled. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated her timeliness and communication with me during all of this. I wish I would have hired her from the beginning of my divorce. She was much more effective than my original lawyer and way more cost effective. I cannot say enough good things about her.
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Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Adoption
Rachel helped my husband and I with the adoption of our daughter. She was the most compassionate, thorough and helpful attorney. She went above and beyond all aspects to help us. She even met us at the courthouse when we were there regarding another matter that she was not even representing us on. She stepped up and helped us with a problem we needed resolved very quickly. She has changed our thoughts about how a lawyer should treat their clients. We would definitely recommend her services to anyone.
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Response from Rachel Hernandez May 5, 2017
It was a sincere pleasure to help your family, thank you for your kind words. I'm so pleased that everything worked out so well!
Posted by Jennifer | July 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child custody case
Ms Hernandez was professional intelligent and a very good negotiator. She resolved my case with an agreed order instead of a trail. i highly recommend her.
Posted by Kiya | July 27, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Extremely Efficient and Helpful
Rachel handled a contracts case for my small business. It was a contract where our accounts had been mismanaged by an outside agency, and as a result we lost a significant amount of time and money. After over a year of attempting to reach an agreement with the other party, I began to work with Rachel so that she could facilitate fair compensation and closure with this agency. Over the course of a couple of months she was able to help us reach a settlement with the other party. Throughout the process she proved to be timely, efficient, and communicative with all aspects of the case. She also helped to advise me on recommended course of action throughout. Overall she was extremely helpful and took a significant amount of stress off of my plate, which is extraordinarily helpful for a small business owner.
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Posted by Debra | July 5, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and compassionate
I received a ticket for a school bus violation, which requires a mandatory ninety day suspension of one's drivers license. Rachel was professional and showed compassion as well, as this was my first traffic violation in a very long time. Rachel explained all my options thoroughly so that I had full understanding of my choices. With Rachel's expertise, I received and excellent outcome, and did not have my license suspended. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a lawyer.
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Response from Rachel Hernandez July 15, 2016
Thank you so much Debra, you were wonderful to work with. Wishing you the best!!
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner, Founder, & Collaborative Divorce Attorney
  • Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC
  • 2016 - Present
  • Founding Attorney, Mediator, & Guardian ad Litem
  • Hernandez Hoag Legal Solutions, LLC
  • 2016 - 2018
  • Of Counsel Attorney
  • Van Der Snick Law Firm
  • 2015 - 2018
  • Attorney & Mediatior
  • Rachel Hernandez
  • 2008 - 2016
  • Assistant State's Attorney
  • Winnebago States Attorneys Office
  • 2006 - 2008
  • Assistant State's Attorney
  • Boone County State's Attorney's Office
  • 2005 - 2006
  • Intern Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 711
  • Kane County State's Attorney's Office
  • 2003 - 2005
View all work experience

Education

  • Northern Illinois University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2005
  • Western Illinois University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1997

Legal Cases

  • Motion to Modify Parenting TIme
  • Client obtained the desired by way of an agreed order

Associations

  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • 2017 - Present
  • Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois
  • 2017 - Present
  • Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (Illinois chapter)
  • 2017 - Present
  • Kane County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • NIU College of Law Alumni Council
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Mentor of the Year
  • Northern Illinois University
  • 2011
  • Outstanding Woman
  • Northern Illinois University
  • 2005
  • College of Law Dean's Scholar
  • Northern Illinois University
  • 2005
  • College of Law Dean's Scholar
  • Northern Illinois University
  • 2004
  • College of Law Dean's Scholar
  • Northern Illinois University
  • 2003
  • College of Law Dean’s Scholar
  • Northern Illinois University
  • 2002
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Family Spring Seminar
  • The Illinois Collaborative Process Act & The Nuts and Bolts of Collaborative Practice
  • 2018
  • Criminal Law and Practice Seminar
  • New Cannabis Laws in Illinois
  • 2016

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (13)
Endorse Rachel
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have worked with Rachel as a Guardian ad Litem, collaborative divorce, and litigation. We have also worked together in various international and local collaborative law organizations. She is an excellent attorney, extremely knowledgeable, and I highly endorse Ms. Hernandez."
Family Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She is extraordinarily empathetic and effective."
Family Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known Attorney Hernandez for a number of years now, and her ethics and passion are superior to many of our colleagues. She looks for real world solutions in matters and anyone would be lucky to have her as their counsel. I endorse her whole-heartedly."
Mediation Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Rachel and I have worked on several cases, through the collaborative process and using our mediation skills, to resolve matters out of court."
Family Attorney | May 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Rachel is a great advocate who pays attention to detail. She has compassion and she cares for her clients. She is a worthy opponent."
Family Attorney | May 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She is very professional, bright, and hard working. Not only will she advocate fiercely for her client, she is also willing to explore and create solutions that may benefit both parties."
Family Attorney | Feb 27
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Rachel and I were opposing counsel on a divorce that involved marital assets and the issue of spousal maintenance. Rachel was a great advocate for her client and handled herself in a very professional manner. Rachel and I were able to work out an agreeable settlement for our respective clients. It was a pleasure working across the court room with her."
Family Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have worked with Ms. Hernandez on multiple cases, and I have found her to be a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable, and works vigorously to obtain the best results for her clients."
Family Attorney | Jul 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Rachel is very knowledgeable in both family and criminal law. She is very thoughtful and strives to excel in every case she takes on. Great attorney."
Family Attorney | Apr 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"It is my pleasure to endorse Rachel Hernandez as an attorney practicing in the areas of family and criminal law. I have known Rachel since we were interns at the State's Attorney's Office. She is not only bright and hardworking - but sophisticated. Any client would be lucky to have her as their counsel."
View more endorsements