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Margaret A. Bennett

Divorce and separation Attorney at Oak Brook, IL

4.8   25 reviews

also known as Maggie Bennett

  • State Years
    Colorado - CO 20 years
    Illinois - IL 46 years
  • Licensed for 20 years
    State CO
    Acquired 2002
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 46 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1976
    Status
    Retired No misconduct found

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

About Margaret

Learn Margaret’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    60%
    In the 25+ years that Margaret Bennett has practiced family law, she has successfully represented many clients through the collaborative law process, negotiations, settlement, hearings and trials.

    41 years

  2. Mediation
    20%
    Ms. Bennett does not believe there are any real disadvantages to mediation. Though, not every matter can be mediated because the process requires two willing participants. Two willing participants can overcome most disadvantages through mediation.

  3. Child support
    15%
    Ms. Bennett was instrumental in drafting the income shares child support legislation for calculating child support. Please schedule an appointment if you are interested in revisiting your child support payments utilizing the new income shares model.

  4. Marriage and prenuptials
    5%
    Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements are becoming the standard. Many people have found that pre-nuptial agreement mediation can be the friendliest approach to an often uncomfortable topic.

Margaret Bennett

Highly Experienced Illinois Family Law Attorney Named as a Top 50 Super Lawyer

Margaret A. Bennett is the principal of Bennett Law Firm in Oak Brook, Illinois, having practiced family law, and litigated and mediated divorces for over 30 years.  During her career as a family law attorney, Ms. Bennett received legislative appointment to serve on the Illinois Family Law Study Committee that revised state law provisions relating to family law, child support, child custody, spousal maintenance, and the allocation of assets.

Ms. Bennett is an appointed member of the Illinois Child Support Advisory Committee wherein child support guidelines are reviewed and recommended changes, if any, are made to the state legislature.  Ms. Bennett is an appointed member of the Family Law Section Council for the Illinois State Bar Association (2009 - 2020).  She recently co-authored articles on child support and the new Spousal Maintenance Guidelines for the Illinois State Bar Association Bar Journal.  Ms. Bennett testified before the Judiciary Committee of the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield, Illinois on family law issues (2014 - 2018).  She is the Co-Chair of the Child Support Subcommittee of the Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section for the term 2010 - 2020.  Ms. Bennett served as Chair of the DuPage County Bar Association Family Law & Practice Committee.

Margaret Bennett has written and contributed numerous articles to various publications, the most recent of which are the Child Support and Maintenance Calculation Guide published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and, Serving the Best Interests of a Child with Significant Developmental Delays published by the Illinois State Bar Association's Section on Family Law.  Ms. Bennett was instrumental in drafting the Income Shares Child Support legislation, the updates and guideline changes to the spousal maintenance statute, and The Parentage Act of 2015.  Ms. Bennett conducts legal seminars relating to the new legislation.  The seminars are offered in Illinois to fellow attorneys, to judges, and to paralegals, all of whom are involved in the practice of family law.

Margaret Bennett's dedication to her profession has not gone without notice.  She has been the recipient of many honors and awards.  She was recognized as one of the top 100 Illinois Super Lawyers (2012 - 2020).  Ms. Bennett has also been named as a Top 50 Illinois Women Super Lawyers (2013 - 2020).  She was presented with the prestigious Richard H. Teas Legislative Support Award by the Illinois State Bar Association in recognition of her dedication to the practice of family law.  The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys recognized Ms. Bennett as one of the 10 Best Attorneys for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Services.

Martindale-Hubbell rated Ms. Bennett AV Preeminent, the highest rating available, since 1998.  Ms. Bennett was named to the Martindale-Hubbell Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers (2011 - 2020).  Additionally, Ms. Bennett attained the highest possible rating by , one of the leading lawyer-rating websites. 

Currently, Margaret Bennett specializes in collaborative and cooperative divorces and legal separations, and serves as mediator for divorces, child custody matters, and parentage matters.  She received specialized training to conduct mediations and work in the collaborative divorce law process.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit  or call.

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Bennett Law Firm LLC
2015 Spring Road
Oak Brook, IL, 60523-3912

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  25 customer reviews
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Posted by Thomas | July 30, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Lawyer – Highly Experienced, Professional and Companionate
It is difficult to express my full appreciation of the work that Ms. Bennett and her team accomplished in what I would consider a difficult divorce. Although, by definition it was a collaborative divorce process, it seemed at times to press the boundaries. Ms. Bennett’s strengths that successfully brought my case to a close were her knowledge of the law, her scope of experience and skills, her compassion and professionalism, and most of all her tenacity. The determination and effort she placed on the final push to bring my case to a successful completion was impressive!
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Posted by Paul | January 25, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Top expert in current Family Law Practice
Margaret Bennet teaches lawyers' associations about the ever changing field of family law. I have attended her presentations which are informative, interesting and on the cutting edge of new laws because Margaret is also called upon to assist in writing new legislation. Further, I have met two young lawyers who worked for Margaret when they started practicing Family Law and they are now renowned in the field in part because they apprenticed with Margaret.
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Posted by Tania | July 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent knowledge, skills and compassion
I hired Margaret to help with my divorce. My ex-husband did not have an attorney and we needed someone that could help create an amicable agreement. Margaret helped navigate all of the potential pitfalls and really helped execute the divorce quickly and made it as simple as possible. She also helped greatly with how to handle our two children and was a wonderful advocate on their behalf.
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Posted by Corinne | July 20, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Thank you Ms. Bennett
I would like to thank Margaret Bennett for her diligent work in Family Law to educate us regarding the laws which she was instrumental in drafting. Her articles on the new income shares child support guidelines as well as the Parentage Act were extremely helpful and I appreciate her generosity of time in making presentations to practitioners to clarify the requirements and fine points of the new laws. Her contributions to the practice of family law in Illinois have been invaluable. Her recognition from the Illinois State Bar Association with the Richard H. Teas Legislative Support Award was richly deserved.
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Posted by Stephen | April 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic lawyer and staff for collaborative divorce
I found Ms. Bennett randomly on Collablaw.com, but she was also recommended to me about a week later by a friend who was referred to her by friends in upper-level management from several well-known companies in the area. From day one Ms. Bennett and her staff were completely professional, timely, and focused on my case. More than that, I never felt like I was being contacted or billed excessively. Communication between me, Ms. Bennett, and her staff was always concise and everyone always seemed to be on the same page. Also, while divorce is a complicated, foreign and exhausting process, they were patient and persistent getting information from me. Ms. Bennett has actively involved herself in Illinois family law and it showed during collaborative meetings as well as one-on-one phone conversations and in-person meetings. She absolutely used that knowledge to represent me to the best of her abilities, but you must remember that she can only pursue what you tell her. One thing that took me some time to realize is to be very specific in terms of what your wants and needs are -- she can't know what you want if you don't tell her. When I felt we were maybe drifting away from what I wanted it was a quick conversation to get back on track. Myformer spouse and I didn't want to -- and couldn't afford -- a long, drawn-out divorce, and I believe Ms. Bennett took that to heart. I would absolutely recommend Margaret Bennett for a collaborative divorce and can only imagine what she would be like for the standard process -- either way, I wouldn't want to be on the opposing side.
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Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Leader in passing important parentage legislation
Congratulations and much appreciation to Margaret Bennett for her leadership of the Family Law Section Council and their work to pass important Illinois parentage legislation.
Posted by Andrew B. | August 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The most knowledgeable and caring attorney!
Ms. Bennett is the best family law attorney in the Chicagoland area! Not only does Ms. Bennett care about her clients and the results of the cases she is involved in, but she cares about improving the state laws surrounding child support, maintenance, and other family law related issues. I highly recommend Ms. Bennett and her team to anyone looking for the best possible family law advice out there.
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Posted by Michelle | September 15, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Satisfied
Maggie and her team were exceptionally prepared, and handled my case with professionalism and confidence. I was going through a very stressful time because of my divorce, and the firm did their absolute best in managing my case and ensuring I reached the conclusion of my divorce with favorable results. I'm pleased and eager to report that Maggie did a fantastic job, and I am more than satisfied with her knowledge of my case, and her overall performance.
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Posted by Kathy | April 28, 2015
Excellent representation, successful result.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Margaret Bennett and her associate Emily Hansen on my divorce filing. The advice and guidance provided by Bennett Law was honest, accurate and proved to be a game changer in my proceedings. I highly recommend them for both mediation and extended divorce services.
Posted by Ron | April 25, 2015
Highly Recommend
I was very pleased with Ms. Bennett and her staff. My divorce was a difficult time for me, as I imagine it is for most. Throughout the entire process, from initial consultation through to the last day in court, Maggie was professional, knowledgeable, thorough, and caring. She and her staff were prompt to reply to my questions and always very understanding. My best interest was always at the center of everything they did. I highly recommend Bennett Law Firm.
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Posted by Kim | April 20, 2015
Excellent Lawyer and Team!
With the help of Ms. Bennett and the Bennett Law Firm, my divorce was successfully completed in 2014. Though I was thousands of miles away during the proceedings, I never doubted that I was in capable hands. Ms. Bennett and her team helped me achieve a result that I firmly believed to be unobtainable. A few months after the completion of my divorce, I contacted Bennett Law Firm to assist me in a post-decree matter. Within hours, I received a response to my email regarding my post-decree issue and within a week, the issue was resolved! Ms. Bennett and her team provided me, as they always have, with the most professional and genuine assistance. My attorneys’ fees were very reasonable and well-worth the outstanding representation I received. It is comforting to know that if any further post-decree situations arise, I can turn to Bennett Law Firm for a quick and lasting resolution. I highly recommend Bennett Law Firm for all of your pre and post-decree matters.
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Posted by anonymous | April 8, 2015
Margaret Bennett & Bennett Law Firm, LLC
I retained Margaret Bennett and Bennett Law Firm, LLC to handle my divorce in 2014. I immediately felt at ease. She was understanding, and immediately understood the direction we needed to go. She and her team are professional, efficient and knowledgeable. I understood what was going on every step of the way. I would not hesitate to recommend Margaret Bennett and her firm. She and her team know how to get things done fairly, efficiently, and are very responsive to their client. Many thanks!
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Posted by Kimberly | November 13, 2014
Excellent Attorneys!
I hired Margaret Bennett and Bennett Law Firm, LLC in 2013 to represent me in my divorce which contained serious parenting issues. Without missing a beat, Ms. Bennett and her team jumped right to work to help me achieve the best outcome for myself and my child. Though my case had many obstacles and tough times, I knew I was in trustworthy hands. Maggie and Emily helped me to understand the complex issues and documents in my case, informed me of the outcomes of court dates and the necessary steps in moving forward. Maggie explained her strategy and walked me through how she was going to obtain the best result possible. She provided insightful advice to the specific issues I was facing. Wendy and Holly kept me up to date on the status of my case and helped me to keep things in order and on track. Every email I sent received a timely response and I never hung up the phone without definitive answers to my questions. I truly felt like I could focus on other aspects of my life and leave my divorce in the capable hands of Bennett Law Firm. Even after my divorce was finalized, Bennett Law Firm helped me to execute various documents and remained dedicated to helping me overcome any problems I encountered. Thanks to Maggie and her team, I was able to continue with my life during and after my divorce. If you’re looking for qualified, knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys, I highly recommend Bennett Law Firm.
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Posted by Kimberly | October 31, 2014
Excellent Lawyer and Team!
Ms. Bennett and the Bennett Law Firm team just successfully completed my divorce case. Ms. Bennett fought for me in court and achieved an excellent outcome on my behalf. My case was extremely complex and she took the time to properly prepare my case in court. She returned each and every one of my phone calls and emails immediately. Margaret did not waste time prolonging my case beyond getting the best outcome. The fees charged were fair and reasonable. The Bennett Law Team treated me with great compassion and kindness. I felt the Bennett Law Firm Team cared about me and my future. Given my overwhelmingly positive experience with the Bennett Law Team, I would highly recommend Margaret and the Bennett Law Firm.
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Posted by anonymous | December 27, 2013
HIghly recommended divorce and family law attorney
Margaret Bennett provides outstanding service and support. Margaret clearly knows and understands family law. She willingly spends time to communicate and explore options, provide her guidance and supports the final decision. She is highly sensitive to the needs of family and children. She keeps all parties informed and is quick to respond to questions and needs, as does her very professional staff. Above all, Margaret maintains her compassion for the human element of the legal process.
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Posted by B. | April 9, 2012
Making divorce proceedings easier
Maggie was recommended to me by another attorney group I knew. She was the consummate professional, not only providing me with a good understanding of the law applicable to my case but also the practical considerations necessary to bring my divorce to a successful close without unnecessary litigation and confrontation. She efficiently and forcefully defended my rights while protecting total assets--an important consideration for both sides in a divorce. I would not hesitate to recommend her. She is always at the top of her game.
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Posted by Pam | July 7, 2011
Thank you!
A friend recommended Margaret Bennett to me when I was searching for an attorney to handle my divorce. Her empathic and professional guidance helped me tremendously to get through this stage of my life with as little difficulty as possible. I am very grateful that Margaret and her staff were there for me during this last year. I highly recommend her and her firm to anyone who needs a divorce attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | April 22, 2011
Good Litigator and Efficient Law Firm
I hired Margaret Bennett to handle my custody matter. She was aggressive, organized, elequent in court and I won my case. Sam
Posted by anonymous | March 29, 2011
Very pleased
I can't thank you enough for all the effort and work you and Bennett Law have done on my behalf. I know the outcome of this divorce would have been a lot different without all of you. I am so grateful for such a positive outocome.
Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2011
Good Experience
I want to take this opportunity to thank the Bennett Law Firm for the expertise in resolving my complex divorce. Margaret Bennett and Bradford Bennett are outstanding lawyers who are aggresive and efficient. I recieved excellent results and the fee was reasonable.
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Bennett Law Firm, LLC
  • 1982 - Present

Education

  • College of Law, London
  • QLTT
  • N/A
  • Loyola University of Chicago School of Law
  • J.D.
  • N/A
  • University of California - Berkeley
  • BS - Bachelor of Science (with honors)
  • N/A

Associations

  • Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois
  • Fellow
  • 2013 - Present
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • State of Illinois Child Support Advisory Committee
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Section
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • Appointed by Illinois House of Representatives to Family Law Study Committee
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Society of English and American Lawyers, United Kingdom
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • The Law Society, United Kingdom
  • Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Standing Committee on Judicial Advisory Polls
  • Member
  • 1997 - Present
  • DuPage County Bar Association, Family Law and Practice Committee
  • Chairperson
  • 2011 - 2012
  • DuPage County Bar Association Custody Evaluation Committee
  • Member
  • 2007 - 2008
  • International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
  • Member
  • 2006 - 2011
  • Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois
  • Fellow
  • 2006 - 2011
  • DuPage County Bar Association Family Law Fee Arbitration Committee
  • Member
  • 1997 - 1999
  • DuPage County Family Court Task Force
  • Member
  • 1997 - 2001
  • DuPage County Bar Association, Professional Responsibility Committee
  • Chairperson
  • 1996 - 1997
  • DuPage County Bar Association Family Law Mediation Rules Committee
  • Member
  • 1996 - 1999
  • DuPage County Bar Association, Real Estate Law Committee
  • Chairperson
  • 1994 - 1995
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Attorneys in Illinois
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2020
  • Richard H. Teas Legislative Support Award
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • 2017
  • Top 50 Women Attorneys in Illinois
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2017
  • Top 50 Women Attorneys in Illinois
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Attorneys in Illinois
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 50 Women Attorneys in Illinois
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Attorneys in Illinois
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2015
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • Top 50 Women Attorneys in Illinois
  • Illinois Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer in Family Law
  • Illinois Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • AV Preeminent for 15 Years
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • Super Lawyer in Family Law
  • Illinois Super Lawyers List
  • 2013
  • Top 50 Women Attorneys in Illinois
  • Illinois Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Top 100 Attorneys in Illinois
  • Illinois Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • Super Lawyer in Family Law
  • Illinois Super Lawyers List
  • 2012
  • Named Who's Who in American Law
  • Who's Who In American Law
  • 2010
  • Named Leading American Attorney
  • Leading Lawyers in America
  • 2008
  • Woman of the Year Award
  • The International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England
  • 2008
View all awards

Publications

  • Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter
  • House Bill 6191 - The Illinois Parentage Act
  • 2012
  • Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter
  • A Summary of Illinois House Bill 6191
  • 2011
  • Illinois Bar Journal, Volume 88, December 2000
  • Legal Practice Tips
  • 2000
  • Illinois Bar Journal, Volume 86 (Copyright assigned to West Law), September 1998
  • The Real Estate Lawyer’s Divorce Primer (and the Divorce Lawyer’s Guide to Real Estate)
  • 1998
  • DuPage County Bar Brief, November 1997
  • Mandatory Matrimonial Fee Arbitration
  • 1997
  • Illinois Family Law Report, April 1997
  • Another View of House Bill 365 (Leveling the Playing Field in Matrimonial Law)
  • 1997
  • Illinois Family Law Report, October 1996
  • The Allocation of Stock Options Upon Dissolution of Marriage
  • 1996
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Chicago Bar Association Seminar
  • Future of Child Support Calculations in Illinois: Income Shares vs Percentage of Income
  • 2013
  • Illinois Child Support Advisory Committee Meeting
  • Income Shares and Calculation of Child Support – Net Income
  • 2012
  • Illinois Child Support Advisory Committee
  • Why Illinois Should Retain the Net Income Approach When Determining Child Support
  • 2011
  • Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council’s Mid-Year Seminar
  • Real Estate Law for Divorce Attorneys
  • 2001
  • Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council’s Annual Seminar
  • Real Estate Pitfalls Affecting the Divorce Practitioner
  • 2001
  • Illinois State Bar Association Real Property Section Council’s Annual Seminar
  • What Every Real Estate Attorney Should Know About Divorce Law and What Every Divorce Attorney Should Know About Real Estate Law
  • 1998
  • DuPage County Bar Association, Family Law and Practice Committee Meeting
  • The Allocation of Stock Options Upon Dissolution of Marriage
  • 1998
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)
Given (7)
Endorse Margaret
Mediation Attorney | Sep 26
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"Maggie is an excellent attorney and mediator. As an attorney, she has repeatedly been recognized as a Super Lawyer (which less than 5% of attorneys receive). Her expertise has been used by Illinois legislators in drafting new family law statutes. Maggie aggressively defends her clients, is highly effective in the courtroom and receives results for her clients. As a mediator, Maggie's deep understanding of the law allows her to resolve disputes and approach each side with an unbiased perspective. I would not hesitate to seek Maggie's services. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Margaret ("Maggie") is a frequent lecturer teaching fellow attorneys updates in the law. Her knowledge and experience make her a great advocate and counselor."
Unknown Attorney | Feb 05
Relationship: Other
"Hardworking and determined. I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Dec 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Margaret has been a colleague of mine for many years and we have shared numerous divorce cases (as opposing counsel). Margaret is very well-respected in the legal community, by lawyers and judges alike. Margaret's knowledge of statutory and case law is unmatched. She knows her cases inside and out and is always prepared. Margaret is a strong advocate for her clients but also displays a high degree of integrity and courtesy toward her fellow lawyers. Top notch!"
Divorce and separation Attorney | Nov 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Sep 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Aug 04
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have known Attorney Bennett for almost 30 years and have seen first hand her dedication to clients and the expertise in the law. She was appointed as a Guardian ad Litem in several matters I handled in DuPage County, handling each matter with professionalism and sensitivity. I heartily endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Margaret works hard for issues she believes in. Her work on the Family law committee with the Illinois State Bar Association was so valued that she was asked to lead the committee relating to child support matters. Great advocate."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Oct 07
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Mediation Attorney | May 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have sent several difficult cases to Ms. Bennett for court ordered Mediation purposes. She did an outstanding job solving matters that we thought would not be resolved. She listens and applies her years of experience as an attorney to solving my client's divorce and custody issues. I give her five stars as both an attorney and a mediator. She is an outstanding professional in every way! I recommend and endorse this attorney."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jun 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Margaret (Maggie) Bennett professionally for over 15 years. She is exceptionally competent and hard working. She has a wonderful reputation in our bar associatio and in our corner of the world."
View more endorsements
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation

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Oak Brook Divorce and separation Lawyer Margaret A. Bennett
Margaret A. Bennett
Divorce and separation Attorney
Oak Brook, IL
Licensed for 46 years