Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
Donald Erwin Ray
also known as Ray Law Office
About Donald
Biography
My office focuses on the representation of all family law financial issues including bitcoin transactions, concealment of cryptocurrency, capital gains modification of child support, modification of maintenance, arrearage and interest calculations, divorce without children, preparation of and enforcement/defense to prenuptial agreements, seeking penalties for improper income withholding a contingency fee basis as well as the enforcement of existing maintenance or child support orders. My office has experience with Bitcoin (cryptocurrency) since 2018.
The office is no longer handling disputed parenting ( formerly known as custody) issues.
My office is physically located in Rockford, Illinois though my experience and use of electronic forms of communication provide me with an ability to assist clients throughout the state. Gone are the days where a it is necessary in which a lawyer requires you to make an appointment at his or her office to sit down to review numerous documents with you on your time which in addition you are billed for. The law has been around many years and the legal aspects are constantly changing. The method of communication between a client and attorney should not ignore the use of email communication. Every voicemail a client leaves is sent directly to my email and to my client's electronic folder. This process not only expedites and allows me to respond to clients 24 hours a day but significantly reduces billing costs.Practice Areas
9
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
30%
26 years
Child Support
20%
26 years
Alimony
10%
26 years
Family
10%
26 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 200-350 per hour
Contingency
30%-30%
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Illinois for 31 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Ray Law Office, P.C.
1437 S. Bell School Road #4, Rockford, IL, 61108
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Donald Erwin Ray's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
105 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (105)
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
Case Results (57)
Recommendation (50)
Advocacy (45)
Professionalism (44)
Practice Area Knowledge (37)
Character & Conduct (33)
Communication Style (32)
Trustworthiness (30)
Responsiveness (29)
Cost of Services (28)
General Knowledge (18)
Compassion (12)
Free Consultations (4)
Punctuality (3)
Payment Plans (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 71 - 75 of 105 reviews
Posted by JJ | October 23, 2012 | Divorce & Separation
I am very grateful for Attorney Ray
I worked with Attorney Ray for a year and a half for my divorce and custody case. He was consistently honest (when he could have just tried to make me feel good), aggressive, and extremely knowledgable. He would suggest to me the way he thought things might go to the point of knowing my ex's next ...
Posted by anonymous | July 09, 2012 | Litigation
Long drawn out case with no results
We spent two years in court and Atty Ray did nothing for us. Child support was set quickly (we paid) and he never got us any kind of visitation, even with no abuse involved.
Donald Ray
Replied last July 18, 2012I would be interested to know which client of mine had no visitation with their child for a two year period. I can not think of any mom or dad that I represent where they have no visitation at all. In some cases it may take longer than a reasonable person would think to have visitation ordered. The system sets requires steps to be followed when parents can not agree, mediation, appointment of Guardian ad Litem, and judicial discretion to require an evidence hearing even prior to setting temporary visitation. If in fact two years had passed, even if 60 days had passed and this client has had no visitation "of any kind" this client should have fired me. AVVO does not to my knowledge investigate the validity of negative comments.
Posted by Dan | June 02, 2012 | Lawsuits & Disputes
WELL WORTH IT....!
One of many things i can say about Don is that he is very upfront with how your case is going. I like the fact he explains the way a case is going in terms one can understand,and isnt afraid to some times give bad news. However will back it up with a positive plan B. I will be using his service agai...
Posted by christopher | May 07, 2012
thanks don almost done paying
Don i really would like to thank you for helping me 13 and a half years of hell is coming to close 3.5 left always we tell people about you ..thanks for helping us out
Posted by Tammy | February 28, 2012 | Divorce & Separation
An Attorney that you can like
Don is an amazing attorney. He stayed in contact with us throughout the 16 mos. that our case was active. He even went out of his way to answer the numerous emails I sent him. He is the first attorney that I just sent money because of everything he did for us and he never asked for it but greatly ...
Donald Erwin Ray's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have worked with Attorney Ray on several cases as an appointed Guardian ad Litem and as opposing counsel. Attorney Ray is professional, hard working and does an excellent job on behalf of his clients."
"I endorse Don Ray. Don is an outstanding advocate for his clients. He is extremely knowledgeable in issues related to family law and is incredibly hardworking."
"I have known Don to be an excellent family lawyer who is trustworthy and diligent in helping clients through hard times. I have referred several client to him and continue to do so."
"Don is an exceptional attorney and fierce advocate in the family courtroom. In addition, his humor brings a sense of humanity to the divorce practice - a very important trait to assist clients with the emotional stress that they will experience with this kind of litigation. He is also respected in our community as one of the most knowledgeable, if not most knowledgeable, attorney in the area of child support litigation and notices to withhold. I highly recommend Don."
"I endorse Donald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Donald Ray is the authority on all child support related matters in the State of Illinois. I have know Mr. Ray for many years and utilize his expertise when I have a difficult legal matter involving child support. I highly recommend Donald Ray in all divorce related matters and recommend anyone who requires legal assistance in Rockford area to contact Mr. Ray."
"Don is a very skilled family law attorney. We work together on some child support matters and I am glad to have a working relationship with him. On any child support matter he is our "go-to" person."
Phil Kesler
Personal injury lawyer
Alexis Simmons
Domestic violence lawyer
Bradley Tengler
Family lawyer
Gary Schlesinger
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
2016
Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
Certificate of Appreciation Young Lawyers President, Winnebago County Bar Association
Work Experience
1999 - Present
Solo Practioner, Ray Law Office, P.C.
1997 - 1999
Attorney, Gilbert & Associates
1995 - 1997
Attorney, City of Rockford
1994 - 1995
Attorney, Crosby & Associates
Associations
2016 - Present
Ogle County Bar AssociationMember
2016 - Present
Boone County Bar AssociationMember
2000 - Present
Illinois State Bar AssociationMember
Professional organizations and associations
Member
2002 - 2006
National Child Support Enforcement AssociationMember
2000 - 2001
Winnebago County Bar Association, Young Lawyers SectionPast President
2000 - 2020
Winnebago County Bar AssociationWCBA Chairperosn 2019-2020 resigned
2000 - 2001
Winnebago County Bar AssociationFormer Board of Directors
Sample of Legal Cases
In re the Marriage of Clark http://www.state.il.us/court/R23_Orders/AppellateCourt/2013/2ndDistrict/2121061_R23.pdf
Trial court overturned. Interest is to be accounted for.
In re the Marriage of Smith, http://www.state.il.us/court/Opinions/AppellateCourt/2004/2ndDistrict/March/HTML/2030183.htm
The award of past due support for my client was upheld
Education
1991
Northern Illinois University
BS - Bachelor of Science
1988
Northern Illinois University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2019
Child Support & Maintenance 7th Biannual Master Teacher Seminar
Income Withholding Maintnenance & Child Support
2018
Winnebago County Bar Association Family Law CLE
Cryptocurrency 101 and How it may Impact your Practice
2017
Divorce Law Boot Camp
Negotiating The Final Settlement And Trial
2013
Winnebago County Bar Association, Family Law Section
Child Support
2013
Child Support and Maintenance with Gunnar
Update Regarding the Non-Support Punishment Act (NSPA) and the 2013 Requirements of Withholding for Support
2012
Family Law CLE
Income Withholding for Support
2006
WCBA Family Law Seminar
Child Support Interest Laws
2005
NSWBA Family Law Seminar
Child Support Interest Calculations
Publications
2009
Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
The Illinois Income Withholding “Notice” (Order) and S.B. 100
2005
Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
The Math of the 2006 Interest Laws
2003
Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter
The Application Of Child Support Interest, More Than Just A Sharp Pencil.
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can wage garnishment amount change automatically after a certain amount of time?
19 Dec 2018
Q&A
When do you get child support if payments are made bi weekly?
26 Oct 2015
Q&A
Child support order when changing jobs???
24 Jun 2015