Family Law Help Priced by What You Can Afford
Chicago Advocate Legal, NFP is a nonprofit law firm. For family law cases, every fee we charge, from your first consultation to motions, depositions, and trial, is set by your household size and income. You see your price in writing before we begin.
Some of our help is free for households that qualify, through grant-funded programs such as our Empowering Fathers Program. When you complete your intake, we check whether you qualify for free help before we talk about fees.
What We Handle
Divorce
Agreed and contested divorce, including property, debts, and maintenance, in Cook County and surrounding counties.
Custody & Parenting Time
Allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting plans, parenting time, and relocation.
Child Support
Setting up, changing, or defending a child support order, including contempt for nonpayment.
Parentage & Post-Decree
Establishing parentage and changing an order after your case is over.
Guardianship of a Minor
Asking the court to name a guardian for a child when parents cannot provide care, agreed or contested.
Orders of Protection
Asking for an order of protection or responding to one, including the emergency order and plenary hearing.
How Our Fees Work
Your fee is based on two things: what your household can afford, and how much work your case is likely to take. Everything, including court work and travel, is listed in one written agreement before we begin.
Find your fee level
Use your household’s total yearly income before taxes. Your household is you and the people who live with you and share income. We ask for proof, such as pay stubs or a tax return.
Swipe the table sideways to see every level.
| Household size | Level A | Level B | Level C | Level D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | Up to $31,920 | $31,921 to $47,880 | $47,881 to $63,840 | Over $63,840 |
| 2 people | Up to $43,280 | $43,281 to $64,920 | $64,921 to $86,560 | Over $86,560 |
| 3 people | Up to $54,640 | $54,641 to $81,960 | $81,961 to $109,280 | Over $109,280 |
| 4 people | Up to $66,000 | $66,001 to $99,000 | $99,001 to $132,000 | Over $132,000 |
| 5 people | Up to $77,360 | $77,361 to $116,040 | $116,041 to $154,720 | Over $154,720 |
| 6 people | Up to $88,720 | $88,721 to $133,080 | $133,081 to $177,440 | Over $177,440 |
Levels follow the 2026 federal poverty guidelines: Level A up to 200%, Level B up to 300%, Level C up to 400%, and Level D above 400%. Households of 7 or more, please call us.
Find your family law fee
When we represent you in your case, you pay an opening fee at signing, then a monthly fee by automatic payment while your case is open. The same fee applies whether your case is agreed or contested.
Swipe the table sideways to see every level.
| Family law service | Level A | Level B | Level C | Level D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full representationDivorce (agreed or contested, with or without children), custody and parenting plans, child support, parentage, post-decree changes, guardianship of a minor, and orders of protection | $2,000to open your casethen $400 a month while your case is open | $2,750to open your casethen $500 a month while your case is open | $3,500to open your casethen $600 a month while your case is open | $4,250to open your casethen $700 a month while your case is open |
Consultations and limited scope services:
Swipe the table sideways to see every level.
| Other services | Level A | Level B | Level C | Level D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consultation45 to 60 minutes; credited to your fee if you hire us within 30 days | $75consultationPaid in full | $100consultationPaid in full | $125consultationPaid in full | $150consultationPaid in full |
| Limited scope: one court appearanceSupreme Court Rule 13 limited scope appearance | $2,000per appearancePaid in full at signing | $2,750per appearancePaid in full at signing | $3,500per appearancePaid in full at signing | $4,250per appearancePaid in full at signing |
| Document review or draftingWe review or draft papers you |