Donald Erwin Ray

Donald Erwin Ray

also known as Ray Law Office

4.6
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

Child support Lawyer at Rockford, IL
Practice Areas: Child Support, Divorce & Separation, 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%
Business 10%

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

21 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%
Uncontested Divorce 10%

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

10%
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%

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 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Compassion

Posted by jessica | November 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family

Donald Ray

Donald Ray is one awesome lawyer he always took your call he was always there when you need him to answer a question he always looks for the best interest for you and your child. He gets down to business right away he's the type of guy that won't let you get down.. thanks for all you done for me Don...ald Ray

Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2016

PLEASE READ

Very disrespectful and rude, I came to him thinking he could help, I saw good reviews and everything but don't judge someone by what other people say about him. I tried to explain to him I was seeing someone else, didn't feel like I trusted the other Lawyers and wanted someone to understand my sistua...tion and he has the nerve to say I don't care; he has a bad attitude, If he isn't getting paid he could careless about you or you're family. He has hung up on me on purpose three times, I would NOT risk it.

Donald Ray

Replied last November 14, 2016

The person Jeff Fahrenwald 81590492** who left this review never consulted with me and has never met me face to face. He did seek a meeting "as soon as possible" and I scheduled a meeting for him the next day on Saturday November 5, 2016 at 6:00 am. He did not show nor call to cancel. He called on November 10, 2016 to try and reschedule. I would not let him reschedule without paying the consultation fee first. His response to this requirement was to explain/justify not showing or calling that he just received his funds back from the previous attorney he fired. I did respond and told him that "I did not care about that". He then hung up on me. I never hung up on him at any time. He called me back 5 minutes later. My office did not answer and he left a profanity voicemail stating how he hung up on me and he was going to leave "1 to 10 bad reviews". This review was posted by AVVO within 24 hours after his voicemail. Mr. Fahrenwald's review was contested. I have been informed that people can write a review based upon a single form of contact (call to even set an appointment) and thus AVVO determined it was required to leave the review posted. If anyone wishes to hear his voicemail please feel free to contact me or you may listen to such at my office during a consultation.

Posted by David | January 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Absolutely the best attorney

My first impression of Don was...Wow!! He's very intelligent, and has a incredible personality! I went into his office regarding a child support modification issue. I was highly stressed and somehow came out of his office laughing because of his humor. Anyone having to through court matters knows it ...is a stressful situation. Knowing that you have an honest and straight up no *BS* attorney that is fighting for you...not your money is hard to come by. I've been pleased with the quick responses back regarding my emails. You won't go wrong by hiring Don as your attorney. The best attorney in Rockford,Ill. In my opinion. I highly recommend Donald Ray! Very impressive!!

Posted by Arielle | November 12, 2014 | Family

ABSOLUTE BEST LAWYER YOU CAN FIND!

I was in such a desperate situation with my sons father. We had been in court for 3 years while another attorney handled my case and I was dug deeper and deeper into a hole. It was to the point where I could not see a light at the end of the tunnel. Every court date I felt I was just in a more hopele...ss situation than the last time. It was so discouraging. After hiring Don Ray everything immediately changed pace. He made me feel like he actually cared about the result and I knew he was putting his all into it. He made sure I understood everything about the bigger picture and helped me make the best decisions for the best outcome. If you want someone who will FIGHT for your rights this man is the one to go to. I am for ever in debt to you, Don. Thank you for everything.

Posted by Jeff | July 11, 2014 | Child Custody

BEST FREAKING LAWYER EVER!!

Ok so your here looking for a Great Lawyer... well your search is complete!! Don, is by far the best lawyer I have ever come across. I was in a desperate situation with my psychotic ex wife that love to make false allegations in an attempt to mess with my summer visitation with my son. Don took cont...rol immediately and made me feel relieved knowing that he had things under control. At no time did I ever lose faith in Don, even when things looked at its worst Don stood strong and set me at ease and made my ex wife's and her attorney look like lliteral fools. I feel sorry for anybody that has any other attorney besides Don... Thanks Don for everything!!!!! Jeff

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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