Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
Joseph Pierce O'Brien
also known as Joe O'Brien
About Joseph
Biography
I have focused on the practice of family law for my entire legal career. I have opened up my own firm Opal O'Brien LLC where we do things differently than most other law firms. Our level of service is paramount, and our clients will be able to tell, above all else, that we genuinely care about our clients and getting them the best possible results.
I practice all areas of family law, including, but not limited to, divorce, paternity, child custody, visitation, removal litigation, grandparent visitation, adoption, child support, maintenance and spousal support formerly known as alimony, orders of protection, enforcing court orders and judgments, guardinaship, and post-judgment litigation, in DuPage, Kane, Will, Kendall, and Cook County. I do not generally charge my clients for any travel time or parking related expenses.
I also handle appeals. I have argued in front of the Second District Court of Appeals and I have drafted numerous briefs at the Appellate Court level.
I pride myself on keeping my clients informed and in the loop during the divorce process. Communication is paramount in having a successful attorney-client relationship. I have substantial experience trying cases and putting on hearings. I also have the skills to succesfully negotiate cases so as to avoid the expense of a full-blown trial.
My firm also handles criminal defense cases. We handle just about every criminal case, including but not limited to domestic battery, DUI, traffic tickets and other felonies.
I am proud of my recent award of emerging lawyer, a distinction earned by fewer than two percent of all lawyers licensed to practice law in Illinois who are 40 years old or less or practicing 10 years or less.
Contact me by phone or by email. My email is and my phone number is. Consultations are free (on the phone or in person). I will make myself available to meet with you after normal business hours or on weekends.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
95%
18 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 17 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Opal O'Brien LLC
310 S. County Farm Road Suite D, Wheaton, IL, 60187
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Joseph Pierce O'Brien's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
264 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (264)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation (143)
Child Custody (47)
Family (47)
Lawsuits & Disputes (43)
Child Support (11)
Litigation (11)
Alimony (9)
Appeals (3)
Uncontested Divorce (3)
Business (2)
Criminal Defense (2)
Adoption (1)
Bankruptcy & Debt (1)
Commercial (1)
Debt Settlement (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Ethics & Professional Responsibility (1)
Guardianship (1)
Marriage & Prenuptials (1)
Social Security Disability (1)
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (152)
Case Results (147)
Recommendation (124)
Professionalism (104)
Responsiveness (94)
Communication Style (71)
Character & Conduct (64)
General Knowledge (64)
Practice Area Knowledge (64)
Compassion (51)
Trustworthiness (51)
Cost of Services (47)
Staff & Support (23)
Free Consultations (7)
Punctuality (5)
Payment Plans (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 264 reviews
Posted by Stacy | April 02, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Best Divorce Lawyer
Mr. O’Brien represented me in my divorce case. He was always well prepared and kept me informed throughout the process. He was well prepared for trial. We walked away with everything that we asked for. He listens to what you want and will fight for you to ensure you get what you deserve. Would hi...
Posted by Raymond | March 09, 2026 | Hired Attorney
An Amazing Lawyer
Such a great person and experienced lawyer. Joe has handled my case with concern and care. I would definitely recommend Joe O'Brien if you are in need of a respectable and efficient lawyer
Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Divorce
Joe O’Brien was excellent and attentive in my divorce . I would recommend him to anyone going through divorce and custody issues . He makes himself available and is extremely responsive.
Posted by anonymous | February 11, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Winning Attorney!
Joe O'Brien represented me during my divorce, and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a great attorney. Joe is professional, knowledgeable, and was determined to help me finish my case with the best possible outcomes. Having Joe in my corner ensured that everything that should have gone m...
Posted by Jeffrey Dunham | December 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family
I never felt like he was wanting to do anything to run up a bill
Joe was a strong advocate for myself and my daughter, I never felt like he was wanting to do anything to run up a bill. He gave me good solid information / advice to allow me to make educated decisions. Joe is kind and he cares about family.
Joseph Pierce O'Brien's Lawyer Endorsements
"Joe has always focuses directly on the client and what they want!"
"Joe is kind and compassionate attorney. While he is a zealous advocate for his client, he does take the time to consider peaceful solutions for everyone. He will not simply bend to someone's will, but he is reasonable, kind, funny, and smart. He is almost always a pleasure to work with."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Joe is both a terrific person and an attorney. In a very difficult business, Joe practices with integrity and honesty and STILL EFFECTIVELY advocates on behalf of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Agnes Zielinski Olechno
Divorce and separation lawyer | Oct 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. O'Brien is an extremely talented attorney; I did not qualify my endorsement by stating his age, as his skill level is highly advanced for his number of years in practice."
"Joe is a top notch lawyer and human being. It is rare to find an attorney who knows the law, court system, and how to relate to clients in an effective, down to earth manner. I've known Joe for many years, and have recently worked with him successfully. I recommend him highly and without hesitation."
"Mr. O'Brien is truly an expert in the area of family law. He is very competent and responds to his clients quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend Mr. O'Brien."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Joe is always a gentleman in court and I would recommend him to any potential client."
Michelle Truesdale
Family lawyer
Lindsay Stella
Family lawyer
Mikal Stole
Family lawyer
Gregory Jumbeck
Family lawyer
John Conniff
Family lawyer
Timothy Reeb
Family lawyer
Tricia Goostree
Divorce and separation lawyer
Aaron Vanagaitis
Family lawyer
Neal Simon
Marriage and prenuptials lawyer
David Pinsel
Divorce and separation lawyer
Sean McCumber
Divorce and separation lawyer
Angel Traub
Divorce and separation lawyer
Robert Kaplan
Family lawyer
Zachary Williams
Family lawyer
Kristie Fingerhut
Divorce and separation lawyer
Brian Blitz
Family lawyer
Mario Palermo
Personal injury lawyer
Lisa Giese
Family lawyer
John Demling
Family lawyer
Richard Roberts
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
Emerging Lawyer, Leading Lawyers
2016
2017 Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2015
2015 Top Contributer Award, Avvo
2015
2016 Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
2014
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2014
Top Contributor, Avvo
2014
2014 client's choice award, Avvo
2013
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2013
Featured Attorney, Avvo
2013
Top Contributor, Avvo
2008
Cali Award-Secured Transactions, The John Marshall Law School
2007
Dean's List, The John Marshall Law School
2007
Law Review, The John Marshall Law School
2006
Dean's List, The John Marshall Law School
2004
Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honors Society, Marquette University
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Partner, Opal O'Brien LLC
2010 - 2015
Attorney, Roberts PC
2008 - 2008
711 assistant, Cook County State Attorney's Office, Felony Trial Division
2008 - 2010
Attorney, Denis J. McKeown and Associates
2007 - 2007
Research Assistant, The John Marshall Law School
2007 - 2008
Legal Intern, Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Civil Actions Bureau
2007 - 2007
Law clerk, The Honorable Richard J. Elrod
2006 - 2006
Legal Intern, Cook County Public Defender
Associations
2015 - Present
Illinois State Bar Association
2014 - Present
Inns of Courtmember
2012 - Present
DuPage County Legal Access Committee
2010 - Present
DuPage County Bar Association
2011 - 2012
Young Lawyers Committee
2006 - 2007
John Marshall Law Review
Sample of Legal Cases
Will County Hearing
Successful
Oral Argument-Second Circuit Court of Appeals
successful
Motion to Terminate Maintenance Based Upon Cohabitation
Successful-maintencance terminated retroactively
Family Law removal case and subsequent appeal
Successful
Kane County Divorce Case
Successful
Education
2008
John Marshall Law School, Chicago
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Marquette University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2014
Inns of Court
Alternative Fee Arrangements
2014
DuPage County Bar Association
Family Law Intake
2011
DuPage County Bar Association
(Assisted) Section 503(g) Trusts and "Adult" Child Support under Section 513 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act
Publications
2007
The John Marshall Law Review
Is Chicago's Plan for Transformation Promoting Integration or Reinforcing Segregation?
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I appeal ruling to temporarily move child from her home state to different state for one semester?
22 Dec 2020
Q&A
I live in Mchenry Il changing child support lowering the amount approved by my ex-wife
20 Dec 2020
Q&A
Question?My divorcing spouse left the home for 4 months but want to take child for overnight but refuse to give an address! ?
16 Dec 2020