Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.8 /5.0
107 Client Reviews
Free Consultation
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PRO
Donald Erwin Ray
also known as Ray Law Office
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
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.
Ray Law Office represents clients throughout Winnebago and Boone Counties, Illinois, including Rockford, Belvidere, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Roscoe, Rockton, South Beloit, Poplar Grove, and surrounding communities. The office also represents clients in Ogle and Stephenson Counties. The practice emphasizes divorce and related financial matters, including property and debt division, maintenance (alimony), child support, retirement accounts, business interests, and cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin.
Limited to issues of family law and child support employer withholding problems.
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
Awards
2021 2017 2016
...
+
6
Licenses
Licensed in Illinois for 32 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Ray Law Office
(815) 407-7790
Mobile
1437 South Bell School Road, Suite 4, Rockford, IL, 61108
raylawoffice.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Donald online.
Donald Erwin Ray's Reviews
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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 41 - 45 of 45 reviews | Advocacy
Posted by anonymous | June 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney
He’s Not one to sugar coat things.. in a good way..
Attorney Ray is extremely professional and he will not lead you down the sugar coated path to make you more comfortable, he’s upfront, honest , real,sincere, and he will help You get prepared as well and he’s very responsive to emailing and returning phone calls. it’s reassuring that he’s very up to ...
Posted by Jeff | February 06, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Good trial lawyer but does not bother to double check
During my trial, Attorney Ray did well but something he failed to do that had lasting effect on my parenting time was double check the plaintiff's work. In their parenting plan draft, the plaintiff's attorney deliberately excluded the Court's own memorandum that specifically stated I was to have Thur...
Donald Ray
Replied last February 06, 2021I have talked to the former client about this issue which occured in 2017. In the event the former client is right and the attorneys/Judge made an error it is unfortunate that the former client waited over 3 years to say anything. I disagree that the Order drafted and reviewed by the Judge was incorrect. It is possible that an error is made in an order and with that said if there is truly a misatke due to a scrivener error such error will be corrected. I instructed the former client to raise the issue with the Judge as soon as possible.
Posted by anonymous | July 09, 2012
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 Brian | April 29, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Not your guy
Please do not make the mistake of hiring this attorney. If his “tough guy”, “bulldog” schtick is ineffective on the opposing counsel and your case ultimately goes to trial his unpreparedness will cost you dearly. He was uninterested in hearing what my responses would be to allegations made about me a...
Donald Ray
Replied last May 02, 2022A client always has the righto a trial and not choose to settle. A client can demand a trial to show to the Judge her or his view of the facts and to use witnesses to convice the court of her or his defense. If you admit in testimomy to multiple acts of domestic violence and your best defense is that the spouse should have not poked the bear a trial may not produce the results one thinks the Judge will determine. There may be better attorneys than me. I do use a laptop in court. The fees owed to my ofifce are 3x less than what the second attorney has charged. The second attorney has now also withdrawn.
Posted by Elizabeth | February 01, 2010
TERRIBLE AND HOT HEADED!!!! DO NOT HIRE DONLAD RAY!
Donald Ray has been my lawyer for the past three months, and we have not gotten anywhere! I rarely recieved any information from him after court dates unless I contacted him myself. When I did contact him, he was rude and very matter of fact. He acted as if I were beneath him, and as if he was giving...
Donald Ray
Replied last February 09, 2010In my own defense I can not respond to conversations between myself and a client pursuant to the Attorney Client privilege. I however can state as matter of public record this client received temporary child support within a short period of time and the delay was due to the untimely death of the other attorney. The case has only been since November 23, 2009.
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
2026
Notable, Martindale-Hubbell
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