William Lowell Opal

Hiring Bill Opal was hands down the best decision I made. We needed a strategy to prevail over the contentious dissent around maintenance (alimony) and its dependence on the fidelity of the agreements detailed in the disillusion of marriage. This uphill challenge was flat out hard work, and Bill deli...vered. It took considerable research, depositions, and the conception of a bold argument against adverse odds to compel a favorable decision. At trial, opposing council was experienced, smart, charismatic and well prepared. It was Bill's attention to detail and his brilliant, sincere and confident delivery in the courtroom that resulted in a favorable ruling. Bill’s guidance, ethics, and communication are exceptional. Hire him.

Bill was forthcoming from the start. Outlining what should take place. Used his experience to provide good advice based on facts and not emotions. Fast response to questions and concerns with honest billing practices. Kept the momentum going. Truthful about what different paths would cost (not jus...t monetarily) even if it would come at a loss to him. Good focus on what was best for the children and parents.

I hired Bill to represent me in a divorce. He handled my case with care, kept me up to date with anything I needed to know or any pending deadlines. I had no idea what to expect while going through this process and Bill made a difficult time easier to handle. I would highly recommend Bill to anyon...e looking for a professional attorney. The outcome of my case was favorable and it was not a foregone conclusion how things would work out. I owe that to Bill.

Bill represented me the first time post divorce when I had no access to a 529 education fund to be set aside for our (3) children's college tuition. In our original decree my ex husband was court ordered to deposit 32% of his year end bonuses into a 529 plan. This was in lieu of paying me directly in... some form of child support. Our oldest was ready to head off to Marquette, not a cheap school- sticker price 54k and I had no knowledge of much less access to the 529 education fund. At this point 10 years of 32% net was allegedly being put into an account. It was not. Turns out, funds were misappropriated, numbers weren't really adding up and I was in no place financially to cut a check for 1/3 of Marquette tuition. After months of not repeatedly asking for documents, W-2's, 529 account information and access to, my ex husband turns this information over to Bill. Please understand the longer the delay one side takes to rack up attorney's fees for the other person only means they've got the money to play and toy with you/me until you have no money left to fight and you once again have to give in. I couldn't give in, Bill asked for my attorney's fees to be paid by my ex due to his non compliance. It was granted. Ironically enough, my child support went up quite a bit even though I was receiving support for 2 children and not 3 at this point. After another round in court when I went in solo....no attorney (not a good move) I got pretty hosed. My income is 25% of what my ex husbands is yet, in IL everything is 50/50 and then tuition is 1/3 split. Bill Opal was my last chance. I asked for the following: 1. any and all FAFSA grants awarded based on my application & income, be allotted to my portion of tuition at 1/3 (as opposed to being divied up by 3) 2. any FAFSA Loans, work study etc. be allotted to our child's portion (as opposed to being divied up by 3) 3. any additional applications I personally fill out for aid, grants, etc. from the University my child attends be allotted to my portion (as opposed to being divied up by 3) 4. all shared expenses be 70% 30% no longer 50/50 The judge awarded these to me. I'll put it into a financial perspective- 3 kids in college at the time time. Tuition, room/board alone average 150,000.00 total a year (doesn't include books, life, travel) That's not only steep- it's 3 times my annual salary. I couldn't do it. Yes, tuition is still around 18k out of pocket for me, but that's a far cry from 50k plus. I will say this about Bill Opal, he is fair and honest, determined and not remotely spiteful. He sticks to the facts rather than firing up an angry client to go for the guttural. I walked out of court feeling as though the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. I've already referred Bill to a few of my friends in similar situations. Normally the word trust and lawyer don't go in the same sentence. They do here. I trust Bill Opal.

To be totally honest, you could not find a better lawyer than Bill. Absolutely wonderful. Bill was so helpful with anything I needed or any questions or concerns I had. Any phone call, text message, or email was immediately answered. I would highly recommend Bill to anyone. You would definitely be do...ing your self a favor by hiring him. I always felt he 100% cared about my case, me, and most importantly my son. He fought for me every step of the way. Can’t thank him enough for what he did for my son and I. Bill is simply amazing.