FAQs
How can we help you?
What type of cases do you handle?
Our skilled and experienced attorneys can represent our clients in the areas of Divorce and Family Law, Employment Law, Real Estate Law, Corporate Law, and Litigation.
I would like to file for divorce. What steps should I take to start the process?
The first step is to consult an attorney. Whether you have a highly contentious or complicated divorce case or a simple uncontested divorce, it is important to make sure you do not take any action or inaction that could affect your rights. Each case is different, depending on the facts.
Can you help me with a commercial real estate issue?
You bet we can! We handle all aspects of commercial real estate including sale, purchase, leasing, eviction and disputes.
Who do I contact for a consultation?
Please feel free to fill out our contact form, call our offices at 312.878.1202, or send an email to info@hechtschondorf.com and let us know how we can help. We look forward to hearing from you.
What information will you need from me for a consultation?
Don’t worry, we keep it simple. When you call for a consult, we ask for your name, address, contact info, type of case or legal need, and whether you are already represented. We don’t want to step on anyone’s toes and need to make sure there is no conflict of interest. Whether by phone or in person, you should have any documentation pertinent to your situation available for reference.
What are your attorney fees and costs, and how are they billed?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. People in our line of work can get a bad rap because the costs associated with our services tend to add up quickly. However, we pride ourselves on being upfront and honest. Our fees are typically charged on an hourly basis and range from $250 to $400 per hour. Your case may also include costs for filing, process servers, and experts/consultant fees, depending on the complexity.
How long will it take for my case to settle?
Unfortunately, there is no way to determine the length of a case. Generally, it can last 6 months to 2 years, but can be shorter or longer, depending on the complexity. As your lawyers, we will do our best to provide a general idea of the time involved so you are clear on the process. But, keep in mind the law requires extreme attention to details and cooperation with others. You know all that tiny print on the bottom of every contract or legal document…we are the ones reading all of that and making sure your rights are protected.
How long have you been in business?
Hecht Schondorf, LLC was established in 2012, but our partners have been practicing for a combined total of more than 50 years. We are seasoned professionals in our field. This is not our first rodeo!
Who will be handling my case?
Your case will be handled by a partner who oversees that practice area. However, the work itself, including drafting agreements, court pleadings, and correspondence may be performed by an associate attorney at the direction or under the supervision of a partner. Contested hearings and trials are handled by partners.
Do you practice in the courthouse where my case is (or will be)?
We practice in all courthouses in and surrounding the Chicagoland area. On occasion, we also practice in downstate courthouses, and sometimes employ local counsel to make routine court appearances.
How will my lawyer communicate with me - email, phone, snail mail, etc...?
We will communicate with you in the manner that you are most comfortable with. Since much of our work is done electronically, email is preferred and most of our clients are comfortable with that. Important letters, notices, or documents (such as those with original signatures) will be sent by mail. Strategy discussions are done in person in the office, or over the phone.
What is a conflict of interest? What happens if one exists?
A conflict of interest arises when our professional responsibilities to one client (the duty of confidentiality, the duty of loyalty) makes it impossible to represent another client. For example, if we provide a consultation to a husband who is contemplating divorce, and during that consultation discloses to us that his business is going to close a very large deal and he wants to get divorced before the deal is made. We cannot now represent the wife who does not know about the business deal. We have a duty of confidentiality to the husband not to use that information against him, making a proper representation of the wife impossible since we cannot fulfill our obligation of confidentiality to the husband and at the same time fulfill our obligation to zealously advocate for our client’s position.
If a conflict of interest exists, the attorney cannot take the representation unless both parties give informed written consent waiving the conflict of interest. Otherwise, the client will have to find another attorney.
I'm not sure if I have a legal case, could you still help me?
Please fill out our Contact Us form or give us a call at 312.878.1202, we are happy to hear your issue and see if we can help. We will let you know whether you have a valid claim or defense, and help you decide whether you want to pursue it. If your need is out of our scope, it’s likely we know someone that could help. It doesn’t cost anything to ask!