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 - 5 of 5 reviews | Responsiveness

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 Joy | February 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Beware - Not reliable

We hired and paid money upfront believing his every word and assuming he would be professional and live up to his word. But immediately after we paid he failed in following up with every single action item he promised. I called and multiple times left voice messages and my calls weren't returned nor ...were my emails answered. When I was able to get hold of them - they would ask me send another baseless document and from lawyer side nothing was done at all. Completely frustrated we started looking for other lawyers and they asked me to ask for refund and the lawyer never responded to refund and again wouldnt call or email reply back. And from lawyer side literally no action was taken and issue got resolved on its own. When he promised to provide a service he didnt and but wanted payment for it? Absoluetly unprofessional and I contacted the BAR association and left complaint as well. Dont trust this lawyer and dont make poayment upfront and once he gets paid he just disappears you cant even catch hold of him in office. Beware and stay away from this lawyer

Posted by Sahil | December 29, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Family

David is the best

David represented me in a family law matter. This guy is a sweetheart to his clients but a beast to the opposing party. As far as fees, he is willing to work with you. The guy below reviewing David must have been a real pain in his rear because when I told David my funds were getting low, he offered ...something no other family law attorney would offer and I am not going to speak of it on here. additionally David was there for me 7 days a week and at odd hours. I wish David the best, even though he won't have lunch with me. I enjoyed his company but I get attached to good people. He's a busy guy so I can appreciate that. And remember everyone, he prepares for his clients like he is facing the 2'nd best attorney in family law. David being the 1st. Best wishes all, Sahil

Posted by Daniel | April 17, 2015 | Divorce & Separation

At attorney that will stand up for what you believe in!

I hired David Schaffer in August of 2013 in a difficult divorce battle that would stretch out over the next 18 months. After extended research, consultation with other attorneys and reading about some media attention David received after other cases, I decided with great confidence that David would ...be the right man to fight on behalf of my children and I. My ex-wife had an attorney who wasn't afraid to cross the line of what was not only ethically questionable, but he would also make a point to drag things out, filing motion upon motion in court just to cash in on the award while my ex-wife and I was paying the bills. David will work on behalf of you, he will stand up and argue in court when things are out of control and most importantly, he will keep you and your end result in mind at all times. There are a long list of attorneys who walk around in court with great posture and professional attire, but when they open their mouth in court there is much left to be desired. My wife's attorney was one of them and I am grateful that when David opens his mouth in court, he is the attorney you want to have battling on your behalf. He's vicious, confident, and very knoweldgeable about the law, something he makes clear in court. Particularly when there's a trial or hearing, David shines and will fight hard for you. On another note, David's entire team of paralegals in the office was nothing but the most wonderful people I had the pleasure of working with during the past 18 months. Katie was incredible and extremely organized, always being able to answer any questions I might have had, making me feel that it wasn't just any other case they were dealing with. All of that said, I highly recommend David and Schaffer Law Office. He's exactly the type of attorney you want when fighting a difficult divorce battle. Great job David and the rest of your team!!!

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.

See All Client Reviews

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."

View All Endorsements

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This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

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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