John M. D'Arco

If you're about to go through a divorce or custody litigation, DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON ANY OTHER ATTORNEY. Let me repeat this: DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON ANY OTHER ATTORNEY. I was referred to John at the beginning of my litigation and due to his retainer requirements, I used other attorneys (2 ...to be exact) because their retainer was "cheaper." After thousands paid to the other attorneys and ultimately a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, I now know my initial decision was a mistake. After my second attorney, I had to become my own "attorney" and legal advocate by printing out the 750 ILCS 5/505 statute to study it in depth. Once litigation became too much (self-employed and needed to focus on business rather than typing motions, replying to motions, filing motions, etc.) and my stress level was through the roof (to the point of exhaustion and anxiety ridden), I called John again. As I recited sections of the 750 ILCS 5/505 that applied to my case, he would finish my sentence with the remaining language of the section I was referring to. My other attorney's did not adhere to the statute at all during my litigation, kept "kicking the can down the road," and filed non-legal based motions/responses. The 750 ILCS 5/505 statute should be your "bible" if you're a family law attorney and it amazes me how neither of my previous attorneys adhered to the statute. After that conversation, I knew I had to "beg, borrow, or steal" to get his retainer (I should also mention his hourly is very reasonable!). Once I hired John, the Judge had a different tone, the GAL had a different tone, and the opposing counsel had a different tone. In fact, everything was finalized within one month of hiring John. I can't say enough good stuff about John. John, if you read this review, please know I'm forever grateful for your services and the emotional & mental relief you brought to my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!!!