David N. Schaffer

David N. Schaffer

3.7
Rating: 9.3

Licensed for 41 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Naperville, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Marriage & Prenuptials, Family

2020 Calamos Court, Suite 200, Naperville, IL

About David

Biography

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 41 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1984

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Schaffer Family Law, Ltd

2020 Calamos Court, Suite 200, Naperville, IL, 60563

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David N. Schaffer's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.7 /5.0

14 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Jennifer | July 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Champion for his clients

David was a needed ally during what was undoubtedly the most difficult experience of my life. In my wildest dreams I couldn’t have imagined that, along with the breakdown of my marriage, I would be forced to navigate being a party in a Hague Convention case. David artfully navigated the complexities ...of my case, using his extensive experience and expertise in this and international family law to make clear the key issues, direct the needed actions, and ultimately, helped me settle what I would call an “unsettle-able” case. He’s relentless when it comes to championing his client, but equally important, he treats his clients with kindness and respect while never losing sight of the end goal.

Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Disappointed in the follow through

Mr. Schaffer presents himself as an expert in international child custody issues. However, the Hague petition he filed on my behalf was immediately rejected as inadequate by the U.S. Department of State. Elementary issues including translation to the appropriate language and adequate evidence of habi...tual residence - central to the case - were lacking. Getting David to correct these errors took way too long given the time sensitivity of the case. The delay proved costly in other ways, requiring my own time, that of other attorneys, and additional international travel relative to the plan that he outlined. He had some useful advice for me during a difficult time, but his execution of the legal processes - his primary responsibility - proved disappointing.

David Schaffer

Replied last July 05, 2023

I do not recognize this reviewer as a client. Further, I wonder their motivation(s) for posting what is also an illogical "hit piece" against me: One does not file a Hague "petition" with the U.S. Department of State. One files an "application" to the Dept. of State - the Central Authority for the U.S. to be forwarded to the Central Authority of the country to where the children have been abducted or are being wrongfully withheld. It is the "left-behind" parent that files and signs the application. I help organize the facts and documents necessary for same. Further, if the application country-specific "checklist" obtained from the US Department of State country officer for where the abducted child(ren) are at, includes that the application also be submitted in another language besides English, I assist the client in finding a professional translator for this purpose. I have never had a client's application to the Dept of State "rejected." In addition, the United States' Central Authority (the US Dept of State) does not make a decision on the adequacy of evidence for habitual residence. That is for the court where the actual Hague petition will be filed - another reason why this person's "review" is quite a bit "off" - or as Dr. Spock from Star Trek would say - "quite illogical." I also have never had a case requiring "other attorneys and additional international travel" to fix things. The only "other attorneys" would be the ones who filed the actual Hague petition in the country where the children are located. That said, I always refer my clients to equally qualified "local" overseas counsel in the country where the children have been wrongfully retained or abducted to for filing of the Hague "petition" in their court system. If this person still thinks I ever represented him or her, I ask that they at least have the decency to call me directly rather than remain "anonymous." I have devoted and continue to devote a good part of my practice and time to help my clients go through what I consider a parent's "second" worst nightmare. I also have and continue to publish scholarly articles and teach on international child custody law. As such I please ask that anyone reading the Anonymous review focus instead on my experience and qualifications and my other real reviews.

Posted by Garg | March 14, 2013 | Child Custody

David Schaffer is all you need!

David is the shield between your ex and your child(ren). When my mom and I met David, we were impressed. He takes the time to evaluate every case and will prepare you for successful outcomes. He will keep your fears away and calm you down in every situation. He is not an attorney that will have sym...pathy for the opposing party and that is very hard to find. If you don't hire David for your custody/order of protection/visitation matter you will make a big mistake. He is very personable and I am proud I hired him. He stands out, and is extremely confident in court and he is all you need . David shows the utmost respect, reliability, and trustworthiness and he won't give you an unrealistic outcome. He is outstanding and well respected by the judges & has a track record of success. Thank you David for all of your hard work!

Posted by Derek | January 17, 2013 | Child Custody

International Child Custody/Hague Petition

Before Mr. Schaffer took on my case he made it quiet clear that I had to be upfront and honest with him and took the time to go through the whole history of my situation. If you are looking for a straight talking Lawyer then you have found one. Mr. Schaffer never makes any empty promises or gives fal...se hope. He is thorough regarding facts and keeps you informed of the process every step of the way. He always took the time to address my questions and concerns and always replied to my calls and emails. Given the complexity of my case which was already in its fourth year and involved two countries I can highly recommend Mr. Schaffer as extremely competent and knowledgeable in his field. He aims for positive results and strives for justice and fairness. If you are unjustly separated from your child and you are looking for an Attorney who is capable of righting a wrong then Mr. Schaffer should be your first stop. International Child Custody cases are not for the faint hearted. Mr. Schaffer excels in this area and gives hope where hope may have otherwise been lost. Personally I feel that I have a lot to be thankful for regarding the work Mr. Shaffer has done for me and my family. I would recommend Mr. Shaffer to any Parent who needs a Professional who will work in partnership with you, who really listens, who will treat you with respect and dignity, who will work endlessly and tirelessly and who will ensure what needs to be done will get done.

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David N. Schaffer's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
James Patrick Nelson headshot
James Nelson

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. David is extremely acknowledgeable in the area of divorce and family law."

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Experience

Rating:  9.3 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2007

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Education

1984

Indiana University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1981

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

1996

Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education

The 'Shrinking' of Child Custody Cases

Publications

1996

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin Child, Spousal Support Law Work in Tandem

1996

DuPage County Bar Association Brief The Use of Revenue Rulings in Marital Appraisals

1995

Illinois Family Law Report Amended Supreme Court Discovery Rules

1995

Chicago Daily Law Bulletin An Analysis of the Legitimacy of 750 ILCS/5/505(a)(5)

Languages

English

Activity

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution