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Jeffrey Knipmeyer

Divorce and separation Attorney at Chicago, IL

4.2   10 reviews
  • State Years
    Illinois - IL 26 years
    Missouri - MO 27 years
  • Licensed for 26 years
    State IL
    Acquired 1997
    Status
    Active and Authorized to Practice Law No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 27 years
    State MO
    Acquired 1996
    Status
    Administrative - Not Authorized to Practice No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Jeffrey

Learn Jeffrey’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Divorce and separation
    50%
    A divorce lawyer helps you if you no longer want to be married. Whether you want a legal separation or the marriage ended, divorce lawyers assist you to arrange financial and family matters, typically in a negotiation with your spouse's lawyer. Alimony, child custody, child support, and a fair division of assets (like who keeps the house or how your checking and savings accounts are divided) are matters that a divorce lawyer is trained to help determine.

    27 years

  2. Family
    40%
    Family law includes laws of marriage, civil unions, same-sex relationships, domestic partnerships, divorce, separation, property settlements, alimony, spousal abuse, adoption, child abuse, child support, child custody and kidnapping. If you need help with a family-related legal issue, a family law attorney can advise in family disputes as well as represent you in lawsuits.

    27 years

  3. Marriage and prenuptials
    10%
    A prenuptial agreement can be especially important if you have financial interests you've accrued earlier in life and wish to clarify how they will or won't be shared with your new spouse. A written prenuptial agreement sets out the financial expectations of your marriage and anticipates what will happen to your assets should you divorce.

    27 years

I previously served as a State’s Attorney, primarily litigating child support, child abuse, and neglect cases. Before joining Nottage and Ward, LLP, I worked for 7 years in a general litigation firm, where I not only honed my expertise in divorce, custody, child support, and juvenile matters, but also acquired a diverse knowledge in a full range of other legal areas: estate planning and administration, criminal defense, personal injury, juvenile, insurance, and real estate. I was also frequently appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem. My prior experiences give me a unique perspective and advantage in addressing all of a client’s legal needs and concerns; this translates into an advantage for my clients in understanding and resolving their cases and moving forward into the future. I bring not only my wealth of litigation experience and expertise to family law matters, but also my practical, common sense approach to issues, as well as my courtroom-tested toughness.
    
My goal as an attorney is to assist people in improving their lives. Having practiced in many different areas of law during my career, I came to realize that divorce/family law is the practice area where attorneys make the single biggest difference in the personal lives of their clients. It is also the area of law where I can vividly see the product of my work from the beginning of a case to the end and, when it is over, I know that I have helped a client survive a very traumatic situation.

Nottage and Ward provides a unique environment in which to practice law – we are a small, boutique firm with the ability to handle any case, against any firm. There is a lot of experience and a well-deserved reputation behind the name Nottage and Ward. After 5 minutes in the office you will understand the confidence that comes with our experience and reputation. At the same time, there is no pretense. Everyone is friendly, straight talking, and dedicated to the job we do. The people who work here want to work here and that makes all the difference.

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Contact Jeffrey

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Nottage and Ward, LLP
10 N. Dearborn
11th Floor
Chicago, IL, 60602-4209

Reviews

4.2 / 5.0
  10 customer reviews
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Posted by Kris | June 25, 2014
Divorce Attorney Recommendation
Jeff handled my divorce proceedings which took approximately 14 months. Divorce is very difficult but Jeff managed to make this painful process a bit more bearable. Jeff was very professional and direct in his approach, while at the same time very funny and able to diffuse the tension when needed most. He is smart, incredibly patient and a great advocate to have on your side. I was pleased with the outcome and will definitely use him again if the need arises.
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Posted by Laura | June 24, 2014
Awesome attorney!
Jeffrey is an awesome attorney! He was a very strong, thorough, tough advocate for me at a very difficult time in my life. Not only was Jeffrey terrific at handling the current issues in my case, he also helped me think about and plan for my future life after the case. Jeffrey is truly a great advocate.
Posted by Lonnie | June 24, 2014
Terrific, aggressive attorney
Jeffrey is a force in the courtroom. Period. If you want an attorney who will aggressively and successfully advocate for you, then this is the attorney for you. I am thankful that I had Jeffrey on my side and not against me.
Posted by Jeremy | May 16, 2014
Excellent divorce attorney in downtown Chicago.
Jeffery Knipmeyer handled my divorce proceedings. I started the process with zero knowledge of what my financial and legal obligations to my spouse would be going forward. Jeffrey provided a likely range of outcomes and the entire process was settled in a matter of weeks. He is extremely professional, knowledgeable and prompt. I strongly recommend Jeffrey Knipmeyer as an attorney.
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Posted by Gil | May 16, 2014
An experienced and knowledgable attorney for divorces
After a very frustrating experience with another attorney on my divorce, I shifted to the firm of Nottage and Ward, and ended up working with their attorney Jeff Knipmeyer to represent me. He was very knowledgable and well organized, and tough when he needed to be in order to move the case forward. His experience in contested divorces was very helpful to me at an extremely difficult time. I especially appreciated the fact that he did not sugar coat the situation and was very straightforward with me about what to expect, and what I needed to do.
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Posted by Jennifer | May 8, 2014
A True Family Advocate
Mr. Knipmeyer is a matter of fact attorney. He gets to the heart of the matter and gets results. I was also impressed with the office as a whole. I always knew what was going on with my case and my concerns were always addressed quickly. I know he had other clients but it never felt that way. When it comes to my family, I would not settle for anything but the best representation and that is why I selected Mr. Knipmeyer.
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Posted by Terri | June 22, 2010
Jeffrey Knipmeyer
Jeff & his partners/firm were a great help in keeping track of numerous details & complications in a very messy divorce action. My case covered a 16 month period, but included 19 appearances in court during 1 calendar year. Multiple financial consultants were used to collect & correlate background information. Jeff was able to compile their results & have a convey an overview of it for me. Jeff understood that I needed to know what was happening & updated me routinely. My inquires were always promptly & clearly & professionally answered. Due to the unusual circumstances of the case, there were many times that Jeff had to research issues & react quickly to problems that occurred. He often conferred with other members of his team to reach a decision. I felt comfortable that Jeff could handle my case & would protect my future interests related to maintenance & property issues. Jeff's partners & his firm recommended several professionals to me for use in tax & financial planning that were very knowledgeable & helpful. I would highly recommend Jeff & his firm for any friends that would need the services of a divorce attorney.
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Posted by Jessica | May 25, 2010
A GREAT LAWYER!
Jeff helped me through a long and protracted divorce.His patience and unerring knowledge and instincts were of great benefit to me.He is a smart,funny man..with killer instincts! I recommend him and his talents with no reservations.
Posted by anonymous | January 27, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Not the guy you want
Jeffrey was suppose to be the law expert on my case but the only thing he was good at was being greedy and unprepared, and useless. I hired him for 6 weeks for a family custody matter, it cost me almost $10,000. Jeffrey told you what you wanted to hear at the first meeting like "this is an easy case" or "you won't be in contempt" or "this is not complex." He lied and told the mediator "I could of just called the other lawyer but I wanted to go to court." Please! Who wants to go to the Daley Center's basement and get treated like crap? I could go on and on but I don't want to waste another minute on this guy or Notting and Ward firm. Don't make the same mistake I did.
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Posted by Carrie | May 19, 2014
Worst and most unethical lawyer I've encountered in my life.
I have never met a more incompetent lawyer. He lost my custody case when even his own boss could not imagine him losing. Knipmeyer charged 125 an hour. My children were left to be raised by a psychopath who had barely been in their presence. He was dishonerable and dishonest and he nearly ruined the lives of two of my children.hour. en. a 15 minute one . call was .125 per.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 350-500 per hour
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.4 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Nottage and Ward, LLP
  • 2004 - Present
  • Attorney
  • Wallace & Greenwell
  • 1997 - 2004
  • State's Attorney
  • State of Missouri
  • 1996 - 1997

Education

  • DePaul University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1996
  • University of Missouri, Columbia
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1993

Legal Cases

  • Marriage of Steverson
  • Judgment after trial in favor of husband (my client).
  • Marriage of Elissa and Chambers
  • I prevailed on behalf of my client, Elissa.
  • Levin v. Stein
  • Favorable property distribution and support award.

Associations

  • TransLife Center
  • Co-Chairman of the Board, Legal Advisory Board
  • 2016 - Present
  • Friends of the Chicago River
  • Board Member
  • 2015 - Present
  • TransLife Center
  • Board Member, Legal Advisory Board
  • 2014 - Present
  • Friends of the Chicago River
  • Gala Committee Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Domestic Relations Commitee of the CBA
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Committee for LGBT Rights
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Family Law Section of ISBA
  • Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • International Network of Boutique Law Firms
  • Member
  • 2009 - Present
  • DuPage County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2008 - Present
  • Chicago Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • DePaul University Alumni Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • Family Law Section of ABA
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • University of Missouri Alumni Association
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • 41st Judicial Bar Association
  • President
  • 2002 - 2003
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Leading Lawyer
  • Leading Lawyers Network
  • 2016
  • Leading Lawyer
  • Leading Lawyers Network
  • 2015
  • AmJur Award for Criminal Law
  • American Jurisprudence
  • 1995

Speaking Engagements

  • International Network of Boutique Law Firms
  • The Impact of Divorce Proceedings on Businesses: The Business/Business-Owner Perspective
  • 2014
  • Horwood Marcus & Berk in-house CLE
  • Exit Strategy
  • 2014
  • GoodSmith Gregg Unruh in-house CLE
  • Exit Strategy: A Divorce Overview and Primer
  • 2014
  • Kelley, Drye & Warren in-house CLE
  • Exit Strategy: A Divorce Overview and Primer
  • 2013
  • Balasa Dinverno Foltz in-house seminar
  • A Divorce Primer for Wealth Managers
  • 2013
  • Family Law Conference
  • Direct and Cross-Examination of Business Valuation Experts
  • 2010
  • Balasa Dinvern Foltz In-house Presentation
  • High Income and High Net Worth Divorces
  • 2009
  • The Chicago Bar Association
  • Discovery: From Beginning to End
  • 2008
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)
Given (8)
Endorse Jeffrey
Family Attorney | Aug 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly endorse Mr. Knipmeyer. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who gets great results in representing clients. Keep up a great work!"
Family Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Jeffrey. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Family Attorney | May 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Jeffrey Knipmeyer for his exceptional skill, knowledge and experience as a divorce and family law attorney. He is a fierce advocate for the best interests of his clients."
Family Attorney | May 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend Mr. Knipmeyer in all types of family law matters. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law, and is force with which to be reckoned. Mr. Knipmeyer is professional with the court and his opponents, but never loses sight of his client's interests."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 07
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Divorce and separation Attorney | Jul 08
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 24
Relationship: Other
"Jeff is a smart and knowledgeable attorney who genuinely cares about his clients. He has a keen understanding of their legal and emotional needs. Jeff's approach to his practice makes him an effective and efficient advocate for his clients. Our profession would benefit from having more attorneys like Jeff."
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I am impressed by the philosophy and approach of Jeffrey in the very difficult area of Divorce. The combination of Jeffrey's style and experience makes him one of the top lawyers in Divorce. I would recommend contacting Jeffrey to those considering Divorce."
Divorce and separation Attorney | May 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I met Jeff in law school and was impressed by his strong work ethic and drawn to him because of his humanity. Now that we have both been practicing for over a dozen years, I've seen his dedication to his clients. He still works hard and cares deeply about what he does."
Family Attorney | May 20
Relationship: Other
"I met Jeff at a legal conference. His knowledge of the law was clear. However, what really drew my attention to Jeff was his passion for his work and for his clients. This "triple threat" is rare. I recommend Jeffrey Knipmeyer."
Family Attorney | May 18
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I recently worked with Jeffrey and found him to be highly intelligent, extremely well spoken, enormously passionate and committed to representing clients in family law and divorce. I believe his temperament, insight and attention to detail serve his clients well and would highly recommend him to anyone needing family law and divorce representation. I will not hesitate to refer him cases whenever the opportunity presents itself."
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