Austin Cunningham Vandeveer, Child Custody Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Austin concentrates on child custody, child support, divorce, estate planning, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Austin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Child Custody

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• Child Support

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• Divorce

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• Estate Planning

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• Family Law

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Austin's primary office is at 451 W Huron St Unit 510, Chicago, IL, 60654-3428. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Working with a new child custody attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Austin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Austin discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in child custody practice — ask which fits.

• How much does it cost to hire Austin for a child custody case?

  Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Austin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

• Does Austin offer a free consultation?

  Austin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Austin's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Austin's current terms during booking.

• How long do child custody cases in Illinois typically take?

  Simple child custody matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Austin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

• Can Austin take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

  Austin is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Austin will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

• What should I bring to my first meeting with Austin?

  Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Austin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

• Is Austin accepting new child custody clients right now?

  Austin's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.