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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
Child Support
20%
26 years
Divorce and Separation
20%
26 years
Alimony
10%
26 years
Business
10%
21 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 200-350 per hour
Contingency
30%-30%
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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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
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Donald Erwin Ray's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
105 Client 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 1 - 5 of 37 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Victor | July 07, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Excellent Lawyer
It was a pleasure having Attorney Donald E. Ray represent me in my divorce. He is a good listener, communicator and able to weed through what was actually pertinent to my case. He is direct and to the point. His rates are fair and his quote was accurate. I highly recommend him.
Posted by Matthew | November 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Professional, efficient and effective!
I'm very happy I hired Don Ray to handle my divorce case. He was very clear with how this process worked and solved any issues that came up. He was extremely knowledgeable on the entire process and was very reasonably priced. I highly recommend him to anyone wanting a clean and efficient divorce case...
Posted by Scott | September 03, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Custody/child support
I hired Don Ray to help me with my custody battle for my daughter he made the process really easy and was on top of the case!! He got my child support dropped after 14 yrs dealing with her mom when she has been staying here primarily!!! He did all the court stuff I didnt have to go to any court dates...
Posted by anonymous | June 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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 | Child Custody
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.
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
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Gary Schlesinger
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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