Whether I am working with families in crisis, either by divorce or custody dispute, or working with families building their family through adoption or surrogacy, I work with compassion, diligence, and integrity. My goal is to provide quality legal service at a reasonable price while advocating for the client or advising the client on difficult legal decisions. I enjoy working with clients on creative solutions to difficult problems. I will be direct and forthright in my counsel and will not sugarcoat or puff any issue just "get the client." You are paying money for great representation, not a "yes man." Please contact me should your issue involve: divorce, parentage, child custody disputes, juvenile abuse & neglect, juvenile delinquency, adoptions, egg or embryo donation, surrogacy, or guardianships of minors or disabled adults.
Practice areas
This includes financial matters and custody disputes and visitation modifications; paternity; name changes; dissolution; representation of children
19 years, 600 cases
Stepparent adoptions, contested adoptions, LGBT adoptions. This includes assisted reproduction technology and surrogacy and gamete donation and embryo matters
23 years, 300 cases
19 years, 140 cases
Delinquency, Abuse/Neglect, Truancy, and DCFS
23 years, 100 cases
Languages spoken
French, Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 1998 | 03/13/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Leading Lawyer (Alternative Dispute Resolution) | Leading Lawyers Network | 2017 |
Illinois Super Lawyer | Chicago Magazine | 2014 |
Leading Lawyer (Family Law) | Leading Lawyers Network | 2014 |
Leading Lawyer (Adoption & Reproductive Technology) | Leading Lawyers Network | 2013 |
Illinois Super Lawyer - Rising Star | Chicago Magazine | 2013 |
Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Chicago Magazine | 2012 |
Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Chicago Magazine | 2011 |
Lawyer of the Year | DuPage County Bar Association | 2010 |
Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Chicago Magazine | 2010 |
Illinois Super Lawyers - Rising Star | Chicago Magazine | 2009 |
Director's Award | DuPage County Bar Association | 2008 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Sullivan Taylor & Gumina, PC | 2005 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys | Fellow | 2013 - Present |
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys | Fellow | 2012 - Present |
DuPage County Bar Association | Member | 2005 - Present |
DuPage County Bar Association - Civil Law & Practice Committee | Chair | 2015 - 2016 |
DuPage County Bar Association - Immigration Law Committee | Chair | 2014 - 2015 |
DuPage County Bar Association, Family Law and Practice Committee | Chair | 2010 - 2011 |
DuPage County Bar Association Intellectual Property Law & Practice Committee | Chair | 2009 - 2010 |
American Inns of Court | Member | 2007 - 2014 |
DuPage County Bar Association - Legal Aid | Chair | 2006 - 2008 |
Illinois State Bar Association | Child Law Section Council | 1998 - 2012 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
DCBA Brief | And They Call It Puppy Love: Pet Custody in Illinois | 2018 |
DCBA Brief | The Dance of the Discovery Deposition: Dealing with Dodges | 2015 |
DCBA Brief | Recognizing Difficult Clients: The Who, The What, The How to Avoid, and The What to Do When You Have One | 2013 |
DCBA Brief | The Importance of an Independent Judiciary: An Essay on Judicial Selection in Illinois | 2012 |
DCBA Brief | Show Me the Money: The New Statewide Comprehensive Financial Disclosure Statement | 2012 |
DCBA Brief | Are the Notes of Guardian ad Litem Discoverable? | 2011 |
DCBA Brief | Neither Admit Nor Deny: Proper Responses to Requests to Admit in Domestic Relations Proceedings | 2011 |
ISBA Child Law Section Council | Child Issues Under the New Civil Union Act | 2011 |
ISBA Child Law Section Council | Visitation Enforcement on Non-Custodial Parents | 2010 |
DCBA Brief | Can God Get a Copyright Exemption: Use of Copyrighted Music at Religious Services | 2009 |
ISBA Child Law Section Council | Next Friends: Can the Attorney for the Minor Act as Next Friend in Emancipation Proceedings? | 2009 |
DCBA Brief | Winning the Race: Drafting Corporate Sponsorship Agreements that Won’t Trip You Up, | 2008 |
ISBA Child Law Section Council | Bringing Adoptions Out of the Closet: Open Adoption | 2008 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign | JD - Juris Doctor | 1998 |
Illinois State University | B.A. | 1995 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Family Law Class | Assisted Reproduction Law | 2019 |
Family Law Committee | Special Topics for GALs in Domestic Relations | 2015 |
Probate & Adoption GALs | Discovery and Depositions for Guardians ad Litem in Probate & Adoption Matters | 2014 |
Adoption 101 | Adoption 101: Ethical Issues | 2014 |
Family Law Committee | Cross-Examination of Custody Evaluators | 2013 |
Adoption Law Start to Finish | Adoption 101: The Basics | 2013 |
Topics in Advanced Family Law | Advanced Family Law: Ethics | 2012 |
GAL Training | Discovery Issues for Guardians ad Litem | 2012 |
Child Advocacy Committee | Guardians ad Litem in Adoption Proceedings | 2012 |
Monthly Meeting | Visitation Interference, Parental Kidnapping, and Federal Child Custody Laws | 2011 |
Mega Meeting | Overview of Civil Unions, Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnerships, and the Illinois Civil Unions Act | 2011 |
Mega Meeting | Custody and Visitation Issues Parties May Face in Civil Unions | 2011 |
GAL Training Seminar | Ethical & Discovery Issues for Guardians ad Litem (and Child Representatives and Attorneys for Children) | 2011 |
Family Law Committee | Ethical Issues for Guardians ad Litem (and Child Representatives and Attorneys for Children) | 2011 |
DuPage County Evaluation Program | Preparations for Examinations of Custody Evaluators | 2010 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
United States v. Thomas, 284 F.3d 746 | Conviction reversed on grounds of sufficiency of the evidence |
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Joseph O'Brien, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 11, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Although we have disagreed on issues as adversaries on cases, I can always say Mr. McCumber always works hard, is always prepared, and always maintains his professionalism. That’s why I can always say no matter how many times we may disagree or oppose each other on a matter I always respect him as a professional advocate at the end of the day, and an asset to the legal community.
Rebecca Krawczykowski, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 18, 2019
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse Sean for all types of family related legal matters. Sean is the most experienced attorney for adoption and emerging areas in family law that I know. I have had cases against Sean and found him to be a strong advocate for his clients, while also being fair and reasonable. What sets Sean apart from other attorneys is his focus on the best interests of children, which is rarely a priority for other attorneys when cases become contentious. I frequently refer cases to Sean because I trust that he will do an exceptional job.
Joseph O'Brien, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 11, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Although we have disagreed on issues as adversaries on cases, I can always say Mr. McCumber always works hard, is always prepared, and always maintains his professionalism. That’s why I can always say no matter how many times we may disagree or oppose each other on a matter I always respect him as a professional advocate at the end of the day, and an asset to the legal community.
Rebecca Krawczykowski, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 18, 2019
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse Sean for all types of family related legal matters. Sean is the most experienced attorney for adoption and emerging areas in family law that I know. I have had cases against Sean and found him to be a strong advocate for his clients, while also being fair and reasonable. What sets Sean apart from other attorneys is his focus on the best interests of children, which is rarely a priority for other attorneys when cases become contentious. I frequently refer cases to Sean because I trust that he will do an exceptional job.
Lisa Giese, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 16, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sean is an experienced guardian ad litem, mediator, and litigator. He is an active member of the legal community and is constantly spreading his knowledge to others via speaking engagements and writing articles. Sean's clients can always rely on his honest and strategic advice and his professional and thoughtful approach to even the most difficult situations.
Jessica Defino, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 11, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sean is one of the most well-respected attorneys in DuPage County. He is a fierce advocate for his clients and a sharp litigator. I highly endorse Sean.
Denise Patton, Adoption Attorney on Apr 11, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Sean and I have worked as opposing counsel in adoption matters as well as numerous contract matters (Sperm Donor and Egg Donor Agreements) and I have appreciated his timely responses, knowledge of the law and his professionalism in representing his clients and working with him. I am always happy to work with him and recommend him to others!
Monika Blacha, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 10, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sean is an excellent attorney. He is a great advocate and has superior knowledge in the area of family law.
Rachel Fugett, Family Attorney on Nov 14, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Vincent Machroli, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 15, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Kyle Rockershousen, Family Attorney on Dec 2, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
James Nelson, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I have a great amount of respect for Sean. He is extremely knowledgeable, hard working and honest.
John Casey, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 20, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
One of the most knowledgable Family lawyer in DuPage County!
Brent Christensen, Family Attorney on Jul 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I whole-heartedly endorse Sean McCumber.
Michael Waddington, Family Attorney on Jun 7, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Sean. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Gail Hercule, Unknown Attorney on Oct 23, 2013
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I endorse this lawyer.
J. Kulerski, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jun 9, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Sean Mccumber is a premier divorce lawyer who is highly respected in the legal community. I give Sean all five stars.
Bradford Bennett, Unknown Attorney on May 30, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer.
Steven Armamentos, Family Attorney on Apr 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Sean for years, both as a fellow lawyer in and around DuPage County, and as a friend. In addition, we were in a band and the DuPage County Bar Association's annual Judges' Nite show together for several years. Sean's one of those guys who seems to know everything and is always a zealous advocate of his clients interests.
Sean Lazzari, Family Attorney on Nov 10, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sean, in addition to having a great first name, is a highly skilled attorney who represents his clients in a professional and skilled manner. Sean is an attorney that will make you feel good about yourself as he is cleaning your clock.
Lynn Mirabella, Family Attorney on Oct 18, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Sean is great to work with and is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients.
Andrew Cores, Divorce and separation Attorney on Sep 20, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Sean exhibits the experience, knowledge and intergrity that one would expect from an experienced attorney.
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