Marilyn Fletcher Longwell

I met Marilyn several years post-decree after an extremely acrimonious and prolonged divorce lasting more than half a decade. Marilyn was the 4th lawyer I retained during the life of this case and most certainly the last one I hope I’ll ever need. In any event she’s by far the best divorce lawyer... I’ve ever dealt with. She is polished, highly experienced and also a very much respected member of Chicago’s Legal Community. She’s knowledgeable about both the law and it’s practical real-life applications and interpretations, in a wide and deep sense regarding family issues in Cook County. She knows a lot more than that too! Her earlier professional background is also not unimpressive, look her up (I did) and you’ll see her experience. My divorce got a bit complicated because I got a new job during my divorce pre-decree. My new job paid handsomely and I was blessed to be able to sign a decree, in good faith at the time, to pay a very generous maintenance + child support figure amounting to mid six figures per year to my ex. I am proud to have paid it every month and always on-time and for many, many years I did just that. I retained Marilyn after I lost my job referenced above (a material change in circumstance) and attempted to file "pro-se" or on my own for a temporary reduction and/or abatement in my support obligation until I found a new job. I had already completed my maintenance payments several years ago so I merely wanted to abate/adjust my child support. I didn't think I required any further legal advice because I was not seeking anything complicated, simply financial relief. Her Honor denied my claim. Because of this, I had to go to trial. Trials are unpleasant and exhausting no matter who wins. However, if you must go through this experience, find the best trial lawyer you can find, and then hope/pray for the best. Marilyn is just that, the best, and this is why I think she did such an excellent job on my behalf. In a trial, I have learned, there is the law and then there are the facts. Furthermore there are two opposing parties in a court room, and on top of that-two lawyers representing those opposing parties with all the zeal and vigor they can muster, all in an effort to convince a judge one side or the other’s portrayal of the facts or perception of reality is true. That being the case, you want Marilyn by your side in that situation. She’s equally passionate about both the law, and the facts to the best interest of her client, but overall she is concerned about the fairness in which it is applied practically speaking. This is a rare thing to encounter in the legal arena I have found. Fairness is something that she strongly believes in, and I’m glad there are lawyers out there that I can respect for that reason. I’m even happier she’s not my adversary.

Ms. Longwell handled my divorce and custody. She was able to settle the case before trial and got me a fair settlement, which provided for my child and my future. Through her efforts, a business partnership not previously disclosed, was discovered. Ms. Longwell was professional, yet thoughtful and... considerate in her dealings with my family.