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.

Rachel Nicole Hernandez

Family Attorney at Saint Charles, IL

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Smart, Practical and Excellent

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.

About Rachel

Learn Rachel’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

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.
... Read more
18 years
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
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.
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18 years
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.
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18 years
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.
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18 years
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.
... Read more
18 years
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.
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18 years
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.
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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.
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18 years
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.
... Read more
18 years
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.
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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

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Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC — St. Charles Office

619 West Main Street

Suite D

Saint Charles, IL, 60174

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Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC — Sycamore, Illinois Office

139 South Sacramento Street

Sycamore, IL, 60178

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

16 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by John | March 10, 2022

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

Rachel is the best!

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Posted by anonymous | January 24, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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Publications

Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC
"Stay at Home" for Co-Parents: Illinois Governor Pritzker Executive Order of March 20, 2020
2020

Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC
Co-Parenting and Behavior Under Executive Order
2020

Bruckner Hernandez Legal Solutions, LLC
DIY Divorce – Details About the Process
2020

DuPage County Bar Brief
The Illinois Collaborative Process Act: A Positive Alternative to Litigation For Family Disputes
2018

Dupage County Bar Association
Members
2017

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 Nothing
2010

DCBA Brief
DCBA Brief
2010

Winnebago County Bar Association
Journal
2007

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Kane County Bar Association
Children in Mediation
2019

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

Michael Biederstadt

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."

Victor Puscas

Family Attorney | Jan 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Anthony Scifo

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."

Matthew Shaw

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."

Julie Pirtle

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."

Stephen Brown

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."

Danelle Wozniak

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."

Jeffrey Muntz

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."

Emily Rapp

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."

Catherine Battista

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."

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Family

Family

Family

Family

Family

DUI and DWI

Family

Divorce and separation

Jamie Mosser

Domestic violence

Jeffrey Muntz

Divorce and separation

Joseph Lucas

Business

Patrice Koch

Family

Emily Rapp

Family

Avvo Contributions

11 Legal Answers 0 Legal Guides

Q&A
I am a dad and non-custodial parent My daughter is now 15 and im wonder if i can move out of state and get visitation in summers
27 Apr 2018
Q&A
How do i get custody of my niece. Her mom has full custody, but is a drug addict.
24 Feb 2017
Q&A
What do can I do as a father with a brand new baby and DCFS is involved
18 Feb 2017

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Rachel Nicole Hernandez

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