Skip to main content

Melissa Kuffel

Divorce and separation Attorney at WHEATON, IL

4.8   16 reviews

also known as Melissa J. Webber

  • Licensed for 14 years
    State IL
    Acquired 2008
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found

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

About Melissa

Learn Melissa’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    25%

    85 cases

  2. Child custody
    20%

    15 years, 300 cases

  3. Child abuse
    15%
    I have extensive knowledge and experience working with DCFS. As a GAL for the Cook County Public Guardian's Office of 7+ years I worked with DCFS on a daily basis.

    15 years, 275 cases

  4. Adoption
    10%
    Very few attorneys have the extensive background in contested Termination of Parental Rights Hearings like I do. It is a very complicated area of law that requires expertise.

    15 years, 12 cases

  5. Child support
    10%

    90 cases

  6. Family
    10%
    I have experience and knowledge in all areas of family law including divorce, custody, maintenance, child support, adoption, guardianship, and orders of protection.

    100 cases

  7. Guardianship
    10%

    15 years, 10 cases

I have a distinct background from working at the Cook County Public Guardian's Office representing abused and neglected children for 7 years, which gives me an edge over many other fellow family law attorneys. I honed my litigation skills fighting state's attorney's and public defenders every single day in court.   That experience also lead to my nomination as the Chair of the Children's Advocacy Section in DuPage and to many GAL appointments around the area.  I pride myself on being the go-to attorney in the area for DCFS cases, child custody, guardianship and adoption cases.  Notwithstanding my zealous advocacy in the courtroom, I value your money and your time and I do everything in my power to avoid unnecessary drama and keep your legal fees down. Call today to set up a consult.

Contact Melissa

Similar lawyers nearby

Kuffel Law, LLC
400 KNOLL STREET SUITE B
SUITE
WHEATON, IL, 60187

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
5 Star
 
94%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
6%
Posted by Kathy | September 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing results
I retained Melissa on two separate occasions to help me with custody matters. She is so friendly while remaining professional at all times. I never once felt like she was rushing through things. Never felt like my questions or concerns were stupid or a waste of her time. I have worked with other lawyers in the past that I felt nickeled and dimed me and I never felt that this was the case here, the price was well worth the results. So satisfied with the outcome both times I worked with her. Would absolutely recommend Melissa to anyone needing assistance in difficult times like these. Would hire her again but hopefully won’t need to!!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | May 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very resourceful lawyer
Ms. Kuffel is a rich experienced and supportive lawyer. Even though our case was so tough, she always devoted herself to making the best solution. And her explanation was always so clear. We are very satisfied with her services. Even the issues which were not her specialties, she introduced us to the best knowledge specialist.
Posted by Marc | November 1, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent lawyer!
Missy was my divorce lawyer and went above & beyond throughout the entire process. She even worked with me after the divorce was finalized & was very responsive & helpful! I highly recommend her to anyone in need of an excellent attorney. She was extremely knowledgeable & pleasant to partner with!
Posted by Karen | March 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce and Post Decree
I have worked with a few attorneys and Melissa is by far, the most compassionate. Her willingness to take the time to listen and her communication skills are exemplary. Her logical thinking ability and creative approaches are extraordinary. I can truly trust I am in good hands when Melissa is on my case.
Posted by anonymous | February 10, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
False Child Abuse Claim Help
Melissa Kuffel was great. She was responsive and understood how to approach a false child abuse claim that was filed against me. Due to her knowledge of how DCFS works and the system in general she was able to overturn DCFS' finding. She was very kind yet professional. I would hire her again in a heartbeat.
Posted by Jerry | November 25, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Smart and dedicated attorney
I hired Missy as the attorney on my divorce case. I can attest that she is smart, hard-working, and always professional. She clearly understands the hardships of divorce and was able to navigate my case from start to finish. She listened well, was compassionate, and clear in setting expectations as things moved forward. I always felt Missy was on my side and looking out for my best interests. I highly recommend Missy as a great attorney.
Read less
Posted by Tara | April 8, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Child support
She was kind and compassionate. Always attentive and responsive to my concerns and questions. She was honest and upfront and advocated for my son and I every step of the way. Thank you!
Posted by anonymous | April 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Attorney!
Melissa was logical, reasonable and a strong advocate for my position. She has an excellent courtroom demeanor and makes powerful, articulate arguments. Highly recommended.
Posted by Babette | April 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Definitely a lawyer worth every penny
I cannot say enough great things about Melissa. I hired her because my ex did not want to pay child support. What should have been an easy case led into a year of my ex filing motions. But with Melissa on my side I never lost faith. She is knowledgeable of the law and she listens to what you have to say. She’s honest and up front. She isn’t there to spend your money and time in court. But she’ll be there with you every step of the way. I feel like she is more of my friend then my lawyer. She’s been there to hear me vent but guides me with what the law says not how I feel. If you’re thinking of hiring her, do it!!
Read less
Posted by Dana | March 26, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, and compassionate
Melissa handled my recent divorce case. She was very compassionate during this difficult time in my life. Melissa was extremely responsive to all of my questions. She and her paralegal, Holly, were both sensitive to my needs during the divorce process. I would recommend Melissa over and over again. Her fees were more than fair.
Read less
Posted by Susan | December 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fast, Great Service and Attention
Melissa persisted despite attempted delays by opposing counsel, quickly determining strategies to proceed and guiding me through contentious situations. If Melissa hadn't been as responsive and active in problem-solving the divorce process would have reamined stalled.
Posted by John | August 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professionalism
Melissa was truly focused on the outcome and maintained her professionalism throughout the entire process even though there were some very challenging moments. Melissa briefed us routinely on her perspective and what she thought would happen in the future. We are very pleased with her work.
Posted by Jen | May 19, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Absolutely fantastic advocate for me and my children
Melissa was amazing from the start. She was always very honest and made sure that I understood what was happening. She gave advice and shared probable outcomes based on choices and decisions that had to be made. She did everything that she could to work out the best end result that she possibly could with my situation. I would hire her again in a heartbeat should the need ever arise.
Read less
Posted by Tara | February 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Caring and Supportive Family Law Attorney
I was married 19 years, together almost 25. It was very difficult for me to see such a significant part of my life coming to an end. Any attorney can file paperwork, Melissa always took the time to actually listen to me, advocate for me, laugh with me, cry with me. She has a gift of making an uncomfortable process bearable. She was always available to take my phone call and promptly answered my emails. If you are looking for a family law attorney that will actually care about your family, I highly recommend Melissa.
Read less
Posted by Amy | December 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Divorce
Melissa is extremely professional. She always returned my calls promptly and handled my concerns compassion and understanding. She made my divorce process a lot easier and I would recommend her to anyone looking for a divorce attorney.
Posted by Rick | June 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Will milk you for every penny and drag your case out
Told me I could get my wife for half of what she has so I wouldn't have to pay child support then denied an annulment agreement we had with my wife so that she could get more money by the hour rather than end the case there. Now I have to pay child support and pay fees. Don't listen to her she's only looking to drag your case out.
Read less
Response from Melissa Kuffel June 12, 2023
Hi Rick, I think you may have posted this review for the wrong attorney. I don’t have any clients with annulment agreements, nor do I have any clients that have had to pay attorneys fees for the other side. Child support is ordered by statute and is not based on the division of the marital estate, so I’m not sure who told you that. I’d be happy to further discuss this offline. My email is [email protected]. Please feel free to contact me.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 350-350 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Kuffel Law, LLC
  • 2021 - Present
  • Associate Attorney
  • Mulyk Laho Law, LLC
  • 2018 - 2021
  • Associate Attorney
  • Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, PC
  • 2015 - 2018
  • Assistant Public Guardian (GAL)
  • Office of the Cook County Public Guardian
  • 2008 - 2015
View all work experience

Education

  • The John Marshall Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2008
  • University of Wisconsin, Madison
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
  • 2004

Associations

  • Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • DuPage County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • DuPage Association of Women Lawyers
  • 2nd Vice-President
  • 2020 - 2021
  • DuPage County Bar Association
  • Chair of the Child Advocacy Section
  • 2018 - 2019
  • DuPage County Bar Association
  • Vice Chair of the Children's Advocacy Section
  • 2017 - 2018
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • 2021 Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2021
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Legal Assistance Foundation
  • 2018
  • Herzog Moot Court Competition- Best Oralist
  • The John Marshall Law School
  • 2007
  • Scholarship for High Academic Achievement
  • The John Marshall Law School
  • 2005
View all awards

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • DCFS: Investigations and Appeals- Family Law Section
  • DCFS: Investigations and Appeals
  • 2021
  • Family Law A-Z
  • Child Custody and Visitation
  • 2019
  • WCBA GAL Committee Meeting
  • Shared Parenting Time (HB4113)
  • 2018
  • DCBA Continuing Legal Education
  • DCFS: Navigating the System
  • 2018
  • NBI Divorce Boot Camp
  • Client Intake and Initial Steps
  • 2017
  • DCBA Paralegal MCLE Training
  • GAL: Practical Knowledge
  • 2017
  • Lawyer Lunch and Learn Panel
  • What is means to be a GAL
  • 2010
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (9)
Given (3)
Endorse Melissa
Unknown Attorney | May 11
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse Melissa Kuffel. Her vast background working with families and children, proves her to be an honest, hard-working, and dedicated attorney."
Family Attorney | Apr 27
Relationship: Co-worker
"Melissa is a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney who goes above and beyond for her clients. She is a skilled trial attorney, and she exercises assertive but fair advocacy in the courtroom. I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Apr 26
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa has an incredible attention to detail and always acts in her client's best interests."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Feb 17
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is a great advocate but is also able to provide compassionate counsel when necessary. Melissa's dedication is only topped by her integrity."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 31
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"I wholeheartedly endorse Melissa. She is a hardworking and dedicated advocate for our firm's clients. She has an extensive background with the Cook County Pubic Guardian's office as an advocate for children and this experience has paid off in her work in private family law and divorce practice. I am very glad to work with her in our firm."
Family Attorney | Jan 31
Relationship: Co-worker
"Melissa is an excellent attorney - she is a strong advocate for her clients and is able to resolve cases efficiently and professionally. I have had the pleasure of working with Melissa over the past year and highly recommend her services."
Family Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Melissa is a zealous advocate for her clients. She is also a quality human being who strives to do what's right and genuinely cares about her clients, unlike many others."
Family Attorney | Jun 24
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse Melissa. She is a compassionate, zealous advocate for her clients, and she exemplifies the highest level of integrity. I would definitely recommend Melissa for anyone dealing with a family law issue."
Family Attorney | Jun 20
Relationship: Co-worker
"Melissa is a strong advocate for her clients. She does not let the opposing attorney intimidate her or try to push her off her stance. She provides guidance and counsel to those she represents with compassion and knowledge. I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements