Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
52 Client Reviews
PRO
Raiford D. Palmer
also known as Raif Palmer, Raiford Dalton Palmer
Virtual Consultation Available
About Raiford
Biography
I concentrate in complex family law and divorce matters, especially those with substantial or complex assets such as closely held businesses. I have guided many clients through difficult divorces, both amicable and contested. Our skilled team can help with your divorce, parentage (paternity) or post decree matter. Experienced with child support, alimony, child custody, business valuation issues, retirement assets, and more. I practice Collaborative Law, Cooperative Law, and litigation. I also handle private mediations for divorce matters. Please contact me today to discuss your case.
---
I am a divorced and remarried father of two sons, and I live in the Chicago suburbs. I enjoy wakeboarding, running, wall climbing, surfing, and sailing. I'm interested in architecture and military history. Born at Ft. Benning, GA, I grew up in River Forest, Illinois.
I fix Chicagoland divorce problems. From complex trials to amicable and uncontested divorces. I've written a bestselling book about divorce on Amazon, "I Just Want This Done, How Smart, Successful People Get Divorced Without Losing Their Kids, Money, and Minds." Check out my reviews.
I concentrate in divorce cases. I provide honest assessments and a cost-benefit based approach.
With experience in business law, I am uniquely qualified to work on prenuptial agreements.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
35%
24 years | 1,000 cases
Uncontested Divorce
20%
24 years
Marriage and Prenuptials
15%
24 years
Alimony
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 31 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
STG Divorce Law, P.C.
(630) 626-8235
Mobile
650 E. Diehl Road, Suite 115, Naperville, IL, 60563
go.stglaw.com/get-started-v2Law Offices of Raiford D. Palmer
22 West Washington St. Suite 1500, Chicago, IL, 60602
go.stglaw.com/get-started-v2Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Raiford online.
Raiford D. Palmer's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (51)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (25)
Practice Area Knowledge (19)
Case Results (18)
Professionalism (16)
Recommendation (14)
Character & Conduct (12)
General Knowledge (11)
Responsiveness (11)
Communication Style (10)
Cost of Services (8)
Trustworthiness (7)
Compassion (6)
Staff & Support (4)
Free Consultations (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by David | March 15, 2018 | Divorce & Separation
Amazing. Raif is the difference you want.
Raif knows how things work, inside and out. His advice is always solid and never off point. He is very easy to talk to, excellent at walking you through the basics and complexities in terms you can understand. Divorces get heated and that gets expensive, Raif brings cool, calm, knowledgeable approach...
Posted by Nathan | September 29, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Long Term Advocate
I have had to deal with a difficult ex for over a decade and Raiford has been invaluable by my side through it all. He has been tenacious in court and comes up with forceful arguments. He is also very good at writing agreements where he tunes the language to be more powerful than it appears. I can ...
Posted by anonymous | April 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Really challenging experience made massively easier
Raif represented me in the dissolution of my 19 year marriage. With Raif's guidance, we got through the process in a manner that was expedient, equitable, and unthreatening to both parties. My divorce was the most emotionally difficult experience of my life. I won't say Raif made the experience ea...
Posted by Mike | November 19, 2014 | Divorce & Separation
Honest and objective lawyer
Raif was my divorce attorney this year. According to Raif, I was a high income individual so protecting my interests while being fair (my concern) was paramount. I must say that not only was I pleased with Raif's knowledge through the process and demeanor in the joint sessions, but also I was espec...
Posted by anonymous | November 01, 2013 | Divorce & Separation
Not your typical divorce lawyer
Recently, I found myself in the unenviable position of having to hire a "big guns" litigator to replace a friend-of-a-friend, jack of all trades lawyer. My original lawyer was hired merely to review a presuit agreement my ex and I negotiated with the help of a respected Mediator. When my ex hired a...
Raiford D. Palmer's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. raif and i have had cases together and also worked together on various bar assn. committees. he is extremely knowledgeable about illinois family law, a true gentleman and scholar. courteous to other lawyers, the court, and clients. i have referred cases to him in his geographic area and will continue to do so."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Raif and I have opposed each other on several occasions. I have found him to be well prepared, conscientious, a zealous advocate for his clients and knowledgeable about the law. Raif works hard, brings creative solutions to difficult problems."
"I endorse this lawyer. If you need a family law attorney hire Raiford! He's a member of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, which membership requires comprehensive peer review of his qualifications and legal knowledge. Raiford is a highly experienced trial attorney for complex large asset divorces and custody cases. Not all family attorneys are willing or able to try cases, a fact you won't realize until settlement isn't possible and your attorney tries to coerce you to settle under bad terms. Raiford is also an incredibly nice guy, a fact not to be overlooked when you are going through the emotional turmoil of family legal proceedings."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Raif on many collaborative divorce cases. He is exceptionally skilled in finding the path to resolution. Raif understands the law well, and is able to guide his clients to a settlement that will meet their goals and allow them to get on with their life. Raif is a true gentleman and skilled diplomat. He is very business savvy, and knows how business people think. He does not prolong the case and is very cost effective. More than anything, though, he is honest and trustworthy, and a pleasure to work with."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Raif was the second attorney for his client on a very difficult divorce matter. As soon as he was involved, we were able to effectively settle the case in an amicable fashion much to the delight of both parties. I highly endorse this attorney."
"I endorse Raif Palmer. Raif is a highly skilled lawyer who represents his clients his clients with dedication and loyalty."
"I highly endorse Raif Palmer. He is a devastatingly effective matrimonial litigator - he is handsome, charismatic, professional, aggressive and, most importantly, highly highly skilled in family law matters. Great Lawyer!!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Raif is a pleasure to work with as he is polite, cooperative, works hard to compromise and to strategize unique resolutions with mutual benefits. Yet he is a strong and knowledgable advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Raif and I worked together on a collaborative divorce. We represented opposing parties. I found him to be extremely professional and a solid advocate for his client. He was very knowledgeable. His focus remained on his client's best interests at all times. I would be happy to work with Raif again on any matter, and would highly recommend him to any client."
"Raif is my law partner. Great attorney, great partner. Of course, you cannot go wrong with an attorney in our firm!"
"I"ve known Raif for 10 years. He is an enterprising, energetic and clever advocate for his clients, as well as a swell guy to be around. I don't say this about many in this profession, but I can say it about Raif: he is not only a great lawyer but a great guy."
"Raiford Palmer is a rising star in our legal community, and he deserves all the accolades he receives. He is a very talented attorney who genuinely cares about people. He works hard, smart, and quick. Raif knows the law and he knows how to have the law benefit his clients. I give Raiford Palmer all five stars."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked with Raif on several cases and have found him to be very competent and trustworthy. I would highly reccomend him."
"Mr. Palmer is a creative, aggressive attorney whom you can count on to fight for your best interests. I would recommend him highly."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He has a strong yet calm approach to all matters."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He has the highest integrity and is a strong advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is practical, intelligent and a hard worker."
Rahul Ananth Iyer
Divorce and separation lawyer
Jennifer Rice
Divorce and separation lawyer
Carrie Luelling
Divorce and separation lawyer
Kimberly Cook
Divorce and separation lawyer
Theresa Kulat
Divorce and separation lawyer
James Lenahan
Divorce and separation lawyer
Melissa Kuffel
Divorce and separation lawyer
Michael Nigro
Debt collection lawyer
Bradford Bennett
Family lawyer
David Pinsel
Divorce and separation lawyer
James Urtis
Personal injury lawyer
Anthony Vechiola
Family lawyer
Laura Baldwin
Family lawyer
Joanna Challacombe
Divorce and separation lawyer
Lisa Gaspero
Family lawyer
Gary Schlesinger
Divorce and separation lawyer
Elliot Heidelberger
Divorce and separation lawyer
Lynn Mirabella
Family lawyer
Kari Cornelison
Divorce and separation lawyer
Terence Mullen
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2020
Super Lawyer - Family Law, SuperLawyers
2020
Leading Lawyer - Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network
2019
Super Lawyer - Family Law, SuperLawyers
2019
Leading Lawyer - Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network
2018
Super Lawyer - Family Law, Super Lawyers
2018
Leading Lawyer - Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network
2017
Super Lawyer - Family Law, SuperLawyers
2017
Leading Lawyer - Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network
2016
SuperLawyer - Family Law, SuperLawyers
2016
Leading Lawyer - Family Law, Leading Lawyers Network
2016
Top Attorneys in the Western Suburbs, West Suburban Living Magazine
2015
Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network
2014
Pro Bono Service Award, DuPage Legal Assistance Foundation
1998
Recognition for Contributions as Coach, Lewis University Mock Trial Team
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Shareholder, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, PC
2010 - 2012
Partner, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, P.C.
2009 - 2010
Attorney, Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, P.C.
2006 - 2009
Partner, Momkus McCluskey, LLC
2001 - 2006
Director, Angelina & Palmer, PC
2000 - 2001
Senior Associate, Angelina & Garelli
1998 - 2000
Claims Representative, Westport Insurance
1994 - 1998
Attorney, Momkus Ozog & McCluskey LLC
1994 - 1994
Intern - Law Clerk, DeKalb County State's Attorney
1992 - 1994
Law Clerk, Wm. J. Sneckenberg & Associates
1990 - 1992
Clerk, Gould & Ratner
Associations
2014 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
2014 - Present
Chicago Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Will County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Collaborative Law Institute of IllinoisFellow
2007 - Present
International Academy of Collaborative ProfessionalsMember
2007 - Present
Trial Bar, United States Supreme CourtMember
2006 - Present
DuPage County Bar Association, Family Law CommitteeMember
1994 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
1994 - Present
U.S. District Court, Northern District of IllinoisAdmitted to Practice
2015 - 2017
Family Shelter Service of DuPage, Inc.Vice President, Board of Directors
2013 - 2017
Family Shelter ServiceDirector
2012 - 2014
18th Judicial Circuit Court Access to Courts CommitteeMember
2011 - 2015
DuPage County Bar FoundationDirector
2010 - 2011
DuPage County Bar Association Membership CommitteeChairman
2010 - 2011
Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council Dissipation CommitteeCo-chair
2010 - 2011
Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Section Legislation CommitteeMember
2010 - 2011
Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law Section Case Law CommitteeMember
2009 - 2010
DuPage County Bar Association Membership CommitteeVice-Chair
2007 - 2009
Circuit Court, Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, DuPage County, IllinoisGuardian ad Litem/Child Representative
2007 - 2010
DuPage County Bar Association Planning CommitteeMember
2007 - 2011
Illinois State Bar Association, Family Law SectionMember
2004 - 2018
Federal Trial Bar, U.S. District Court, Northern District of IllinoisMember
1994 - 1998
DuPage County Bar AssociationMember
Education
2011
College of DuPage
n/a
1994
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
McHenry County Bar Association Family Law Committee
Pretrial Litigation Tips and Tactics
2016
Columbus Day Seminar 2016
Motions to Vacate Judgments
2015
What's New In Illinois Family Law? Everything!
Temporary Relief (Amendments to the Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act) - The All-Important Changes
2014
Divorce Law: Common Mistakes in Dividing Assets
Proper Valuation of Assets in Divorce Cases
2014
Divorce Law: Common Mistakes in Dividing Assets
How to Obtain and Interpret Financial Documents in Divorce
2013
Collaborating Financially
The Importance of the Team in Collaborative Divorce
2013
Advanced Issues in Divorce
Ethical Dilemmas
2013
Advanced Issues in Divorce
Resolving Disputes and Speeding up The Process
2012
Trial Advocacy Program
Trial Advocacy Program
2012
LawTalkRadio
The Business of Family Law In Chicago
2011
Guardian ad Litem Training
Written Reports for The Guardian Ad Litem
2011
Continuing Legal Education Seminar
The New Illinois Rules of Evidence in Dissolution of Marriage Cases
2010
DuPage County Bar Association Mega Meeting
Understanding Martial Settlement Agreements, Joint Parenting Agreements, Postnuptial Agreements and Separation Agreements
2009
"Navigating the Storm of Divorce"
Divorce Law Basics
2008
The Oasis Experience Family Law Seminar
Introduction to Divorce Litigation
2007
Private Conference
Introduction to Illinois Business Forms
2007
Introduction to Family Law
Introduction to Illinois Divorce Law and Practice
Publications
2009
DuPage County Bar Association Brief
Tax Issues for the Non-Traditional Couple
2008
DuPage County Bar Association Brief
Valuation and Division of Business Assets in Divorce
2007
Illinois Divorce Weblog
Illinois Divorce Weblog
2007
Illinois Business Law Weblog
Illinois Business Law Weblog
2007
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will paying myself and loaning the money back to my company be considered in a divorce settlement when dividing a business?
14 Apr 2020
Q&A
Divorce support over payment recovery?
28 Feb 2020
Q&A
Can my parents press charges against my boyfriend for contact with a minor?
02 Mar 2020