Donald Erwin Ray

Donald Erwin Ray

also known as Ray Law Office

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 32 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

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

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 with

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 32 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

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Donald Erwin Ray's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

105 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 32 reviews | Child Support

Posted by LindseyParksChamberlin | August 18, 2013 | Child Support

great atty with knowledge and loyalty

Donald has been more than great to my husband and I . He is very knowledged in family law and child support matters. My husband had a really messed up case in Boone County and had been taking to the cleaners with previouse attorneys. When we got Donald everything changed. He was awesome and even thou...gh we were going against another really good attorney Donald did not back down like others had in the past. He fought for us and showed us that we did not have to go through what we were previously going through. He stuck with is for almost 5 yrs and never gave up. We are more than grateful for all his hard work and loyalty to us. Thanks so much for everything. If I know anyone that has a family case I tell them to call Mr. Ray and will continue to do so.

Posted by RACHEL | January 15, 2013 | Child Support

DON RAY IS WORTH A MILLION IN MY BOOK

I'VE BEEN TOLD MANY NEGATIVES ABOUT LAWYERS, BUT DON PROVES THEM ALL TO BE FALSE. HE IS TRUELY ONE IN A MILLION LAWYER!!! DON, KNEW WHAT I WAS THINKING BEFORE I EVEN SAID IT!!! HE IMPRESSED ME WITH HIS: KNOWLEDGE, FAST RESPONSES, COST, PERSONALITY, AND CARING FOR MY WHOLE SITUATION. HE WAS MORE OF ...A FRIEND THAN SOMEONE I HIRED! DON GOT MY FAMILY SUPPORT IN ONE MONTH WHEN I WAS WAITING A YEAR BEFORE MEETING HIM. HE WENT AGAINST MY EXS LAWYER WHOM WAS MONEY HUNGRY, VERY MEAN, AND A LIAR!! I WON'T SAY HER NAME(CHERI GREENLEE)!! OOPS!!! SHE WILL TAKE EVERY PENNY YOU HAVE AND STILL NOT HAVE A CLUE IN WHAT SHE IS TALKING ABOUT. DON STEPPED UP TO HER LIKE SHE WAS A TINY PUPPY WITH A BIG BARK!!! CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF DON DOES NOT WANT BOTH PARTIES TO CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR MORE MONEY, HE ALWAYS TOLD ME IF MY EX AND I AGREE IT WILL BE CHEAPER. HE JUST WANTED TO DO HIS JOB GOOD FOR ME AND MY FAMILY . HOWEVER, IF I DIDNT LIKE SOMETHING HE STOOD BY ME AND FAUGHT!!! HE ALWAYS GOT ME WHAT I NEEDED!!! THANK YOU VERY, VERY, MUCH DON RAY FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK IN ALL MY CASES!!!

Posted by anonymous | July 09, 2012 | Child Support

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, 2012

I 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 Tammy | February 28, 2012 | Child Support

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 ...deserved it. I would recommend him to anyone going through a divorce/child support/custody case. He definitely knows what he is doing and found time for us when we needed it.

Posted by anonymous | September 09, 2011 | Child Support

I will never go anywhere else again.

I have used Don several times over the last 6-7 years for two children. He has handled custody, out of state visitaion, and child support matters for me. I had 3 lawyers before him. One child's father lives out of state and Don did not let this fact hinder his progress or outcome. Don is very effecti...ve with communication to the other party. He always answered my inquiries timely and always provided more than enough information. My child's father tried a couple different ways to swindle me and Don was there to give me the laws, pros and cons of my decisions, and vague past situations to help guide me to my decision. Every obstacle was met with a plan to overcome the situation, and of course, I got everything I asked for. I absolutely will never go to another lawyer for any family matter.

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

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution