top of page
BennettLaw_Aug2021_CHamilton-12_edited.jpg

CONSULTANT

SERVICES

Benefits of a Divorce and
Family Law Consultant

On-Demand Support

to Save Money and Maintain Control

Personalized Legal Advice and Case Analysis

Clarify Legal Process and Answer Questions

Address Immediate Concerns and Evaluate Settlement Proposals

Learn Effective Strategies and Think Like an Attorney

Improve Communication and Resolve Conflicts

Prepare Effectively for Mediation
 

On-Demand Support to Save Money and Maintain Control

Divorce and Family Law Consultant Addresses Unmet Need

Recognizing this unmet need in the legal community, Brad expanded his practice to include divorce and family law consulting services, offering targeted legal advice to self-represented litigants alongside his traditional law practice.

​

As a practicing attorney, Brad understands firsthand the substantial financial burden that navigating a divorce or family law case through the judicial system can impose.

 

To mitigate these costs, many individuals choose to represent themselves pro se rather than hire an attorney. Self-representation is also common among those with prior experience navigating the legal system or who believe the process will be simple, straightforward, and uncontested. However, this belief often stems from a pro se litigant’s strong desire for a swift resolution, a limited understanding of the legal complexities inherent in seemingly simple matters, and their inability to foresee potential challenges.

​

While representing yourself is a legal right, it often results in feelings of frustration and overwhelm due to the demands of the legal process, especially when the opposing party has legal representation. Moreover, many pro se litigants are unprepared for the reality that judges, opposing counsels, and other legal professionals will hold them to the same standards as attorneys and will not provide legal advice.

 

Consequently, without proper legal guidance, self-represented individuals face a significant risk of making costly mistakes that can lead to unfavorable outcomes.

​

Although there are various legal resources available for pro se litigants – such as online tools, legal aid organizations, and courthouse assistance – these options cannot match the expertise, advocacy, and insight offered by a skilled divorce and family law attorney. Unfortunately, outside of volunteer opportunities, many attorneys are reluctant to provide legal advice to individuals they have not been formally retained to represent. While many attorneys offer free initial consultations, they often prioritize marketing their services to attract clients rather than provide meaningful legal advice.

​

Recognizing this unmet need in the legal community, Brad expanded his practice to include divorce and family law consulting services, offering targeted legal advice to self-represented litigants alongside his traditional law practice.

 

Over time, Brad’s consultancy services have grown to include individuals who are merely curious about family law with no intention of initiating court proceedings, as well as those already represented by attorneys who seek a fresh perspective on specific legal issues. This flexible approach allows individuals to schedule one or more consultations on an hourly basis, offering a significantly more affordable alternative to traditional representation, which often requires an upfront retainer of several thousand dollars.

 

By bridging the gap between full legal representation and self-representation, Brad empowers individuals with the knowledge and guidance they need to navigate their family law matters with confidence and clarity.

Schedule a Consultation
"Brad worked diligently with me to throughout the divorce process to make sure we obtained the best possible outcome. I say “we” because I felt like Brad truly partnered with me and had my best interest, and the best interest of my child, at heart. 

- Tim

On-Demand Support to Save Money and Maintain Control

As your divorce and family law consultant, you remain in full control of your case. As a self-represented individual, you’ll benefit from Brad’s expertise while continuing to advocate for yourself in court and communicate directly with all involved parties. Unlike traditional representation, you have the flexibility to decide when to meet with Brad and which topics to discuss. Plus, with a straightforward prepayment structure for the allotted time, you can have peace of mind knowing there will be no extraneous billing.

Personalized Legal Advice and Case Analysis

As a practicing family law attorney, Brad provides his consultancy clients with actionable legal advice tailored to their unique situation. Furthermore, he prides himself on being forthright and transparent – setting realistic expectations, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each case, and offering candid guidance when needed. This combination of expertise and honesty enables Brad to accurately analyze your case, helping you avoid pitfalls, and make well-informed decisions.

Clarify Legal Process and Answer Questions

Many pro se divorce and family law litigants face significant challenges early in the process due to limited knowledge of motion practice, courtroom procedures, financial support, discovery, mediation, the role of experts, and the rights and responsibilities concerning their children. Drawing on his experience, Brad can help you better understand these critical aspects of the legal system, navigate the process more efficiently, and stay focused on achieving your desired outcome.

Address Immediate Concerns and Evaluate Settlement Proposals

Self-represented individuals are often unaware of the proactive steps they can take early in the legal process to address immediate concerns as well as ensure an equitable outcome later.  Moreover, they frequently lack an understanding of key issues like asset identification, comprehensive financial discovery, relevant parental misconduct, and preparing an effective settlement agreement.  As your consultant, Brad will guide you on resolving issues while your case is pending and assist you in thoroughly evaluating settlement proposals to protect your interests. 

Learn Effective Strategies and Think Like an Attorney

Equip yourself with well-crafted strategies to effectively navigate even the most high-conflict divorce and family law case.  With Brad’s guidance, you will think more like an attorney, anticipate potential challenges, and ultimately increase your chances of achieving a favorable resolution.

Improve Communication and Resolve Conflicts

Disagreements with a spouse or partner can be challenging and often intensify during the legal process. Relying on his expertise, Brad will help you improve communication, de-escalate tension, resolve conflicts, and formulate responses that can potentially be used as evidence in court.

Prepare Effectively for Mediation

Litigants are often eager to present evidence and argue the merits of their contested case in court. However, before scheduling a trial or hearing, judges typically require the parties to attend mediation in hopes of resolving some or all issues amicably. For many pro se individuals, this may be their only opportunity to settle their case before proceeding to court, making thorough preparation essential. Brad regularly helps clients maximize the benefits of mediation, even in cases where reaching a settlement initially seems unlikely.

Personalized Legal Advice and Case Analysis
Clarify Legal Process and Answer Questions
Address Immediate Concerns and Evaluate Settlement Proposals
Learn Effective Strategies and Think Like an Attorney
Improve Communication and Resolve Conflicts
Prepare Effectively for Mediation
BennettLaw_Aug2021_CHamilton-27.jpg

Legal Services Not Provided by a Divorce

& Family Law Consultant

Before retaining Brad’s services as a divorce and family law consultant, it is important for self-represented individuals to clearly understand the legal services he does not provide:

​

1. Attend in-person or virtual court appearances.

​

2. Attend in-person or virtual settlement conferences, depositions, mediation sessions, or any other meetings with third parties.

 

3. File an Appearance, including a Limited Scope Appearance.

 

4. Communicate with opposing counsel, opposing parties, judges, court personnel, mediators, guardians ad litem, child representatives, attorneys for the children, custody evaluators, parenting coordinators, business valuators, property appraisers, expert or lay witnesses, family members, or other third parties.

​

5. Provide information or instructions on how to schedule court appearances, file, or serve pleadings, motions, or other legal documents.

 

6. Draft pleadings, motions, responses, orders, judgments, settlement agreements, correspondence, discovery requests, subpoenas, or other legal documents.

​

7. Review discovery materials.

​

8. Conduct legal research.

​

9. Conduct investigations, including public record searches.

​

10. Draft or review legal documents for purposes of filing or defending an appeal.

​

11. Offer investment or tax advice.

​

12. Provide opinions regarding the reputation or competency of law firms, attorneys, judges, court personnel, mediators, guardians ad litem, child representatives, attorneys for the children, custody evaluators, parenting coordinators, business valuators, property appraisers, expert and lay witnesses, or other third parties.

​

13. Meet with consultancy clients for more than two hours within any seven-day period. This policy prevents individuals from taking advantage of the lower hourly rate Brad charges for consultancy services compared to traditional legal representation as an attorney.

​

14. Provide consultancy services for legal matters outside the jurisdiction of Illinois, as Brad is licensed to practice law exclusively in Illinois.

Schedule a Consultation

© 2025 Bennett Law LLC. All rights reserved.

bottom of page