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Rachel Nicole Hernandez

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also known as Rachel Hernandez
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About Rachel

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
Read More

Practice areas

OtherChild custodyMediationUncontested divorceFamily
  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.

    16 years

  2. 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.

    16 years

  3. 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.

    16 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.

    16 years

  1. 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.

    16 years

  2. 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.

    16 years

  3. 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.

    16 years

  4. 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.

    16 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.

    16 years

  6. 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.

    16 years

  7. 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.

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1111717 1525392260

Contact

Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC — St. Charles Office

619 West Main Street
Suite D
St. Charles, IL, 60174

Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC — Sycamore, Illinois Office

139 South Sacramento Street
Sycamore, IL, 60178

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
ILActive And Authorized To Practice Law200503/13/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers11
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Mentor of the YearNorthern Illinois University2011
Outstanding WomanNorthern Illinois University2005
College of Law Dean's ScholarNorthern Illinois University2005
College of Law Dean's ScholarNorthern Illinois University2004
College of Law Dean's ScholarNorthern Illinois University2003
College of Law Dean’s ScholarNorthern Illinois University2002
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Partner, Founder, & Collaborative Divorce AttorneyBruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC2016 - Present
Founding Attorney, Mediator, & Guardian ad LitemHernandez Hoag Legal Solutions, LLC2016 - 2018
Of Counsel AttorneyVan Der Snick Law Firm2015 - 2018
Attorney & MediatiorRachel Hernandez2008 - 2016
Assistant State's AttorneyWinnebago States Attorneys Office2006 - 2008
Assistant State's AttorneyBoone County State's Attorney's Office2005 - 2006
Intern Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 711Kane County State's Attorney's Office2003 - 2005
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
International Academy of Collaborative ProfessionalsN/A2017 - Present
Collaborative Law Institute of IllinoisN/A2017 - Present
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (Illinois chapter)N/A2017 - Present
Kane County Bar AssociationMember2015 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember2015 - Present
NIU College of Law Alumni CouncilMember2009 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC"Stay at Home" for Co-Parents: Illinois Governor Pritzker Executive Order of March 20, 20202020
Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLCCo-Parenting and Behavior Under Executive Order2020
Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLCDIY Divorce – Details About the Process2020
DuPage County Bar BriefThe Illinois Collaborative Process Act: A Positive Alternative to Litigation For Family Disputes2018
Dupage County Bar AssociationMembers2017
Dupage County Bar Briefs“DREW’S LAW”: Why the Media Frenzy over Illinois’ Hearsay Exception for Intentional Murder of a Witness is Much Ado About Nothing2010
DCBA BriefDCBA Brief2010
Winnebago County Bar AssociationJournal2007
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Northern Illinois University College of LawJD - Juris Doctor2005
Western Illinois UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science1997
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Kane County Bar AssociationChildren in Mediation2019
Family Spring SeminarThe Illinois Collaborative Process Act & The Nuts and Bolts of Collaborative Practice2018
Criminal Law and Practice SeminarNew Cannabis Laws in Illinois2016
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Motion to Modify Parenting TImeClient obtained the desired by way of an agreed order

Reviews

(15)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
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0%
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1 Star
0%
Review Rachel Hernandez

Rachel is the best!

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Personable and Professional

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Highly recommend

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Supportive attorney

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Tremendous Attorney!

Posted by

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!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Exceptional

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Rachel

Posted by

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!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Client-Focused, Thoroughly Professional

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Child custody case

Posted by

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!!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great experience

Posted by

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.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(10)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Michael Biederstadt, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 13, 2021
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.

Victor Puscas, Family Attorney on Jan 13, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. She is extraordinarily empathetic and effective.

Anthony Scifo, Family Attorney on Jan 12, 2021
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.

Matthew Shaw, Mediation Attorney on Jan 12, 2021
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.

Julie Pirtle, Family Attorney on May 7, 2018
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.

Stephen Brown, Family Attorney on May 5, 2017
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.

Danelle Wozniak, Family Attorney on Feb 27, 2017
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.

Jeffrey Muntz, Family Attorney on Feb 24, 2017
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.

Emily Rapp, Family Attorney on Jul 19, 2016
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.

Catherine Battista, Family Attorney on Apr 8, 2016
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.

Cost

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      30 minutes
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