Donald Erwin Ray

Donald Erwin Ray

also known as Ray Law Office

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Rockford, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Support, Family ... +6 more

1437 S. Bell School Road #4, Rockford, IL

About Donald

Biography

Practice Areas

9

Practice Areas

Child Support 20%

Each paternity and divorce case requires the issues of custody, visitation, and financial support to be addressed by the court and my experience with multiple counties, attorneys statewide, as well as an working relationship with child support state agencies provides me with the tools to assist your needs and goals. I contend that I am the most experienced attorney in the State of Illinois as it relates to child support matters.

26 years

20%
Alimony 10%

In Illinois the legal term is Maintenance. This is a required issue in any divorce case. Many factors are involved with calculating proper maintenance taxes and forms of income.

26 years

10%
Family 10%

Divorce, Child Support, Maintenance

26 years

10%
Financial Markets and Services 10%

Todays financial system is not your Grandpa's ticker tape anymore. If you financial family/divorce case involves cryptocurrency you need someone with experience in the field.

9 years

10%
Business 5%

Assistance with compliance of Child Support garnishment process and affirmative defenses to $100.00 per day penalty for alleged improper compliance

21 years

5%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

The use of prenuptials to safeguard financial interests certainly can be done. Make sure to consider choosing an attorney who has a history with cryptocurrency, bitcoin. In my 25 years plus of divorce cases only a very few involve these agreements.

26 years

5%
Mediation 5%

Assist parties with determining options for child support calculations, agreed to property allocations reflected in proper formal documentation, arrearage negotiations

2 years

5%
Uncontested Divorce 5%

Our office handles these cases when both spouses are not comfortable with the required forms and legal pitfalls that can occur due to the required formal paperwork. There is no need to hire any attorney. The Supreme Court provides free forms.

26 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 200-350 per hour

Contingency

30%-30%

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 31 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1994

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Ray Law Office, P.C.

1437 S. Bell School Road #4, Rockford, IL, 61108

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Donald Erwin Ray's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

105 Client Reviews

Showing 96 - 100 of 105 reviews

Posted by anonymous | September 22, 2008

Marilyn

I have a rather unique problem and I had know idea how to get answers to my questions. I was on line searching and by chance I found Mr. Ray. I sent him a message and wasted no time replying to me. I told me that yes my case was unique and he would find the answers that I needed. He did just th...at, in a very short amount of time he researched and found answers for me and emailed them back. Most people including me at times, see Attorneys as not very nice people, yes jerks if you will. Mr. Ray has helped me see that all Attorneys are not created equal because some never lose their heart and he is a great person.

Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2008

Client Review

I had a consultation with Donald Ray and he was very knowledgeable and experienced in the information that he was able to provide to me. He was also very open to questions and answered them at full capacity. I know a lot more about the issues that I presented to him and I feel much more confide...nt in what steps I need to take next. Thanks Don

Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2008 | Child Support

Good Dad In Need of Advice

I contacted Donald Ray on behalf of my husband who is a good and devoted father to his daughter and needed advice on child support issues as the non custodial parent. He was very informative and extremely knowledgeable about Illinois law and what to expect and what not to expect. Also, his prompt... responses to follow up questions weresuperb. He is very honest and upfront about the issues that you will face and doesn't sugar coat anything which is appreciated. He is highly recommended to anyone who wants an attorney who is responsive, honest, and extremely knowledgeable. From the initial consultation, we know that we will retain him when that time comes.

Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2008 | Child Support

I HIGHLY recommend Donald Ray

Mr. Ray represented me in an usual & very complicated child support case. He pursued the case tirelessly when I thought I had no chance at all of prevailing. (We were successful thanks to his considerable efforts.) He is forthright & VERY knowledgeable. As other reviewers have noted, he will ...keep his client informed at all times & he really made an effort with me to detail various potential outcomes. This made a big difference to me - I had no surprises since he gave me such a good idea of what to expect. Again I recommend Mr. Ray without hesitation particularly in matters concerning family law & child support.

Posted by anonymous | June 04, 2008 | Child Support

More than expected...

My husband and I contacted Mr. Ray one year ago. Upon reviewing several attorney profiles and credentials late one night, I stumbled across Mr. Ray's child support website. Although my case concerned my ex-husband attempting to change a child support order and Donald Ray's area of practice is prima...rily child support, I contacted Mr. Ray. From Mr. Ray's court experience and people experience, he told me from the start how to handle my ex-husband and his attorney. Donald knows the law, and not soley child support...he identifies one' needs quickly and desrcibes the processes your about to go through. I am a talker, but this man is blunt and will not allow someone to waste their time/money on issues (typically of the heart) that are not valid in the courts eyes. HOWEVER, IF YOU FEEL STRONGLY ABOUT SOMETHING, HE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU... He doesn't like to lose a battle, and is agressive when he knows it is going to work. I am a talker and could write all day about my experience with this attorney. I have had a female jewish attorney who overbills, a brilliant attorney who will charge your weekly paycheck for a phone call, and have spoken to many women and men regarding their legal experiences, and I truly believe God guided me to Mr. Ray. From the first communication ( a phone call) until my last email, the following are all the reasons my family feels Mr. Ray is an asset to the legal community in helping people who truly need guidance: 1. He is an honest man; whether you agree or not, he will provide you with his truth about the legal system and where you stand 2. He is fiesty and agressive when he needs to be. 3. Won't over bill; I am a talker and I am well aware and thankful for those times he acted as a psychologist and let me vent for minutes when he only had seconds to talk. 4. He listens, but is firm with your options. 5. He is not flashy in his dress or language....very down to earth. He doesn't posses the attitude that he cannot learn from other people. 6. Knowledgeable about child support, child custody, and other family laws, and if he is unsure, he is humble enough to let you know that and find the answer. 7. Communicates effeciently and effectively. I never felt I was going to court unprepared. 8. This one is for me...unquestionably I knew he believed in me and what I said my son needed. This was the most important to me. If you can convince someone to believe in you, they will fight for you. Although in my case, my ex-husband negotiated in the end and I caved a little to get an agreement, I know if we would have went to trial (although he appeared in court several times) Mr. Ray would have shined in court on behalf of my son and the rest of our family. He is just a good man, and I don't think that can be said of many in his profession anymore.

See All Client Reviews

Donald Erwin Ray's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Donald
Maureen M. Lawson headshot
Maureen Lawson

Family lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Eric William Arnquist headshot
Eric Arnquist

Family lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Phil Kesler headshot
Phil Kesler

Family lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Bradley Robb Tengler headshot
Bradley Tengler

Family lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Donald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Brian Anthony Grady headshot
Brian Grady

Child support lawyer | Dec 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Raiford D. Palmer headshot
Raiford Palmer

Child support lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

View All Endorsements
Phil Kesler headshot
Phil Kesler

Personal injury lawyer

Alexis Marie Kraft Simmons headshot
Alexis Simmons

Domestic violence lawyer

Bradley Robb Tengler headshot
Bradley Tengler

Family lawyer

Gary L. Schlesinger headshot
Gary Schlesinger

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Association

Member

2016 - Present

Boone County Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

Illinois State Bar Association

Member

Professional organizations and associations

Member

2002 - 2006

National Child Support Enforcement Association

Member

2000 - 2001

Winnebago County Bar Association, Young Lawyers Section

Past President

2000 - 2020

Winnebago County Bar Association

WCBA Chairperosn 2019-2020 resigned

2000 - 2001

Winnebago County Bar Association

Former 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

See More Legal Cases

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

2013

Winnebago County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Child 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

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