William Lowell Opal

William Lowell Opal

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Wheaton, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody, Child Support

310 S. County Farm Rd., Suite D, Wheaton, IL

About William

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Family 30%

My courtroom experience enables me to effectively and efficiently represent all types of clients a variety of family law matters including divorce, child custody, visitation, paternity, child support, removal, spousal maintenance, guardianship, pre-nuptial agreements, orders of protection, college expenses, and contempt petitions.

30%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 400-400 per hour

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 6 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2020

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Florida for 14 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2011

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 18 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2007

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Opal O'Brien LLC

310 S. County Farm Rd., Suite D, Wheaton, IL, 60187

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William Lowell Opal's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

85 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Family

Posted by Andrea | February 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Family

Bill Opal for President!

I came to Bill in trauma. His poise and stealth demeanor saved me in that moment, and 3 years later, he still does. I knew he was the man for the Order of Protection, my son with Autism, abuses, my broken teen, and the finances in complete disarray, moments after hearing his voice on the phone. I int...erviewed a dozen attorneys as I divorced a Judges son. Not pretty. Did not phase Bill! We started with playing musical courtrooms for someone just to hear us fairly. Did I mention Pandemic divorce? Since then, Bill has not missed a beat, he does exactly what he says he will, when he will. What is ultra special about Bill Opal, is that he listens with the awesome ability to also put his boundaries up gracefully, and keep them up, for what's right, and for the greater good. Best counsel in the history of counsel. He is my hero. We're still in it. Divorced by default, now entangling DCFS, custody evaluations, the GAL, a tax mess, and more importantly, a child with autism, all his therapies, and special education. Bill has never let me down. I always feel protected, and my children. His gallantry and politeness is intriguing to any judge. Bill Opal has a perfect stoic combination of courtliness and elegance at all times. Being dapper and clever in court matters too, and he will represent your case with brilliance and knowledge. Every time. Bill, as well as his entire team, have changed my life. They make it all look so easy. I respect Bill Opals gentlemanliness in Law more that anything. Thank you, to the moon and back.

Posted by Fred | July 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Family

Straightforward Approach

I was referred to Mr. Opal by a friend who is an attorney. I was immediately struck by his straightforward approach and hired him to handle my divorce. He told me what to expect and talked me through each step of the process. He was prompt at responding to any questions I had along the way, and he re...ached out to explain documentation that was ready for my review. His professionalism and thoroughness won my trust and made me confident that my case was in the right hands. I have every intention of retaining Mr. Opal again for future issues related to my divorce.

Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family

Bill Opal is the best

I was referred to Bill Opal by a family friend. Hiring him was the best decision. He was helpful throughout the process of requesting child support and a child care agreement. He worked in a timely and efficient manner. During our court hearings Bill was well prepared, professional, and reliable. I... would highly recommend hiring Bill for your legal needs.

Posted by Dan | June 08, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Family

Trustworthy, phenomenal experience

I have had a couple attorneys over the past 10 years with my family case and I don't think I will need to find another ever again. I would recommend Bill to anyone! Bill did a fabulous job of handling my life in a equitable manner that anyone can trust. I say my life because my kids are my life an...d as a Dad sometimes you can feel helpless. He made me feel that he is not just there to get paid but to help me get back to life with my child. He gave me clear direction and was never more than a phone call away. The things you see as important he investigates thoroughly but he will also be that down to earth reasoning that made me feel comfortable at every step. As for his performance in court, the times we were in front of a judge Bill was the sharpest person in the room. He was truly fighting for me and was extremely well prepared for all instances. When the other lawyer tried forcing false claims about my income shut that down right away and had solutions that the other lawyer wasn't prepared for because they were sensible which the judges seem to like. He also found the other parent hiding six figures that went undisclosed. I truly feel that he had my best interest at all times and today I share equal placement of my child along with equal responsibilities with the child's other parent. If I had to do it over again I would still use Bill Opal.

Posted by Bobby | November 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Family

Very strongly recommend Bill Opal

I very strongly recommend Bill Opal and his firm. My ex filed for divorce and I hired Bill after my mediation failed and he took over the case. My ex and I had a very contentious relationship during the divorce process. Bill was extremely professional and was available at all times regarding var...ious issues that came up - even after hours and weekends - and was always responsive. Bill was a constant source of guidance, support and reason. Even when my head and heart were in different places at times during the divorce process, we were able to break down issues and deal with them rationally and professionally and what was in the best interest for my kids and me. Bill was extremely pleasant to work with and I am grateful he was there to represent me and support me during this difficult period. We were able to settle shortly prior to trial which allowed me to move on and get closure and get on with life. In the end, I consider Bill a trusted friend who helped me during this rough period in my life - perhaps the strongest thing I can say about Bill. I would very highly recommend him to anyone going through this difficult period.

See All Client Reviews

William Lowell Opal's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse William
Joseph Pierce O'Brien headshot
Joseph O'Brien

Family lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"Bill is an excellent attorney in all regards. I do not know anyone more hardworking that Bill. What impresses me most about Bill is his compassion for his clients. I know Bill prides himself on communicating with his clients at all hours, even in the middle of the night if need be, so that they always feel comfortable and they always know what is going on. This is vital for individuals charged with crimes and also for those going through the difficult process of divorce. There are many attorneys out there who are primarily interested in making money off of their clients. Bill is not one of those attorneys, he genuinely cares about his clients and obtaining the best possible results for them. I would highly recommend Bill to anyone looking for a criminal defense or divorce attorney!"

Daniel Gold-Kessler headshot
Daniel Gold-Kessler

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have opposed Bill in divorce litigation. He is smart, thoughtful, and reasonable--a forceful advocate without unnecessarily incurring fees by exacerbating litigation where the cost/benefit does not warrant it."

Sean Patrick Sullivan headshot
Sean Sullivan

Family lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Bill on several matters in the past. I have always found him to be a very knowledgeable and skilled advocate for his clients. I always enjoy working against Bill on resolving a family law issue."

Aaron Joseph Vanagaitis headshot
Aaron Vanagaitis

Family lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Other

"When I have an issue revolving around family matter I come to William Opal because I know he has likely experienced the issue I am having."

Michael Allen Biederstadt headshot
Michael Biederstadt

Divorce and separation lawyer | Apr 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I would highly recommend Attorney Opal as he is a zealous advocate on behalf of his clients and an excellent attorney."

Michael J. Chiero headshot
Michael Chiero

Family lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Excellent lawyer; strong negotiator; and, fair with his billing."

Patrick J. Weiland headshot
Patrick Weiland

Family lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alexander Anthony Sendlak headshot
Alexander Sendlak

Family lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dominick R. Dolci headshot
Dominick Dolci

Family lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brian Nigohosian headshot
Brian Nigohosian

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Patrick O'Donnell headshot
Michael O'Donnell

Family lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Sean P. Connolly headshot
Sean Connolly

Family lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill is an outstanding attorney and my go-to-guy for all family law matters. He is a true professional with impeccable integrity."

Michelle Elaine Dahlquist headshot
Michelle Dahlquist

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Katarzyna M. Naugle headshot
Katarzyna Naugle

Unknown lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

William Sabin Thayer headshot
William Thayer

Unknown lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Co-worker

"Bill is a fantastic lawyer who is always willing to make sure that his client's matters are represented the right way from the minute he comes in on the case. Whether it is a criminal or family law matter, Bill is a zealous advocate who takes the time to make that the client understands what is going on and is comfortable with the plan for their representation. He keeps the client informed and always treats their case with the respect and attention it deserves."

Keith Edward Roberts Jr. headshot
Keith Roberts

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Timothy P. Martin headshot
Timothy Martin

Family lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Bill is one of the very smartest and best lawyers in the courthouse. He is tough and aggressive as well. The Judges love this guy! i would highly recommend him to people in need of a great Lawyer."

Michael R Hudzik headshot
Michael Hudzik

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Aaron Joseph Vanagaitis headshot
Aaron Vanagaitis

Unknown lawyer

Boris Djulabic headshot
Boris Djulabic

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Colin Valenti headshot
Thomas Valenti

Family lawyer

Mark Patrick Connolly headshot
Mark Connolly

Personal injury lawyer

Dominick R. Dolci headshot
Dominick Dolci

Criminal defense lawyer

Patrick J. Weiland headshot
Patrick Weiland

Criminal defense lawyer

Alexander Anthony Sendlak headshot
Alexander Sendlak

Divorce and separation lawyer

Judith M. Jenz headshot
Judith Jenz

Family lawyer

Kristian Kraszewski headshot
Kristian Kraszewski

Securities and investment fraud lawyer

Brian Nigohosian headshot
Brian Nigohosian

Divorce and separation lawyer

Sean P. Connolly headshot
Sean Connolly

Criminal defense lawyer

William Sabin Thayer headshot
William Thayer

Litigation lawyer

Timothy P. Martin headshot
Timothy Martin

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Gold-Kessler headshot
Daniel Gold-Kessler

Divorce and separation lawyer

Matthew Christopher Downs headshot
Matthew Downs

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Pierce O'Brien headshot
Joseph O'Brien

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Outstanding Misdemeanor Prosecutor, DuPage County State's Attorney's Office

2007

Business Law Review, University of Miami School of Law

2004

Magna Cum Laude, University of Notre Dame

N/A

Dean's List, University of Notre Dame

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Partner, Opal O'Brien LLC

2012 - 2015

Attorney, Roberts PC

2007 - 2012

Assistant State's Attorney, DuPage County State's Attorney Office

2005 - 2005

Judicial Extern, Second District Court Of Appeal

2005 - 2007

Law Clerk, DuPage County State's Attorney's Office

2000 - 2004

Law Clerk, Norton, Mancini, Weiler & DeAno

Associations

2015 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

2015 - Present

Federal Trial Bar for the Northern District of Illinois

Member

2011 - Present

DuPage County Bar Association

Member

2014 - 2015

DuPage American Inn of Court

Member

2013 - 2014

DuPage County Bar Association, Planning Committee

Board Member

2008 - 2014

Link Unlimited

Volunteer

Education

2007

University of Miami School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

University of Notre Dame

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

NVHS Law Classes

Civil/Criminal Law

2015

February 2015 CLE Meeting

Non-Lawyer Ownership of Law Firms

2015

DuPage County Bar Association

Criminal Law for Paralegals

2014

Substance Abuse Panel

Law & Consequences

2014

Family Law Intake 101

Family Law Intake

2014

Benet Academy - Entire School

Teenage Pitfalls

2014

Alumni Speaker Series

Legal Profession - Trial Attorney

2013

Young Lawyer's Division

Moving Up and Moving On

2011

Trial Techniques

Cook County & Collar Counties State’s Attorney DUI Training

2010

Probationary Trooper Joint Training Day

DUI Tips and Techniques

2009

DuPage County Police Association

Recent Trends in DUI Law and the 2009 Changes

2009

2009 Railroad Safety Education and Enforcement Workshop

Legal Perspectives on Railroad Safety

Publications

2015

Illinois Trial Court Divorce Digest Exclusive Possession Denied

2014

Illinois Trial Court Divorce Digest Interest Not Applicable

Languages

English

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
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