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

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

Does Charles offer a free consultation?

Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Charles'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. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Crystal Lake?

Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?

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. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Charles accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Charles Richard McKenney, Child Custody Attorney in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI · 3.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

MemberatThe Law Office of Charles R. McKenney, P.C.

Crystal Lake, IL

Practicing child custody in Crystal Lake since 1999.

27+: Years practicing
3.0 ★: 2 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Criminal Defense DUI/DWI DV Protection Family Law General +2 more →

Are you Charles Richard McKenney?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Charles Richard McKenney is a member based in Crystal Lake, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Charles has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Charles R. McKenney, P.C.. Rated 3.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Crystal Lake, IL
Experience: over 27 years
Known for: Child Custody · Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI

Handles Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI matters from Crystal Lake, IL.
Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Charles Richard McKenney

Charles concentrates on child custody, criminal defense, dui/dwi, dv protection, and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Charles handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Charles takes child custody matters in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Charles takes criminal defense matters in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Charles takes dui/dwi matters in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

DV Protection cases in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Charles takes dv protection matters in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Charles takes family law matters in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Charles agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Charles Richard McKenney — Over 27 years of Illinois child custody experience

Charles Richard McKenney is a lawyer practicing family law, juvenile law, criminal law and 10 other areas of law. Charles received a degree from Northern Illinois University, and has been licensed for 27 years. Charles practices at The Law Office of Charles R. McKenney, P.C. in Crystal Lake, IL.

Charles's approach to child custody cases

The kind of cases Charles takes

Charles reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, criminal defense, and dui/dwi matters in Crystal Lake and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Charles Richard McKenney's legal education and bar admissions

Creighton University
J.D. · 1999
Northern Illinois University 1991-1992 Winona State University
B.S. · 1995

Jurisdictions

Charles's state bar admissions

Illinois
1999 · ACTIVE

Charles studied at J.D. in Creighton University and B.S. in Northern Illinois University 1991-1992 Winona State University.

Law school and academic background

Charles completed J.D. in Creighton University and B.S. in Northern Illinois University 1991-1992 Winona State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Charles runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Charles's professional memberships and bar associations

Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership

Locations

Charles Richard McKenney's office in Crystal Lake

Charles's primary office is at 800 McHenry Ave., Ste. C, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

The Law Office of Charles R. McKenney, P.C.

800 McHenry Ave., Ste. C

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Charles Richard McKenney — 3.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Charles. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing child custody attorneys in Crystal Lake.

3.0

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Charles Richard McKenney claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Charles Richard McKenney — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

Charles charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Charles will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Crystal Lake, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many child custody matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Charles

Charles 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.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every child custody matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Charles confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Charles's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Charles Richard McKenney

How much does it cost to hire Charles for a child custody case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Charles walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Charles offer a free consultation?
Charles charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Charles's office. Some child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Charles'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. Charles gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Charles take my case if I'm outside Crystal Lake?
Charles 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 — Charles 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 Charles?
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. Charles will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Charles accepting new child custody clients right now?
Charles's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Child Custody attorneys serving Crystal Lake, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois

Charles handles child custody matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified child custody attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Charles's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these child custody attorneys in Crystal Lake handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.