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

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

Does Deborah offer a free consultation?

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

Can Deborah take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

Deborah 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 — Deborah 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 Deborah?

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

Is Deborah accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Deborah Annette Carder, Child Custody Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratSchiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing child custody in Chicago since 1995.

31+: Years practicing
4.5 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Family Law Prenup

Are you Deborah Annette Carder?

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

Deborah Annette Carder is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Deborah has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 31 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Deborah Annette Carder

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

Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois

Deborah takes child custody matters in Chicago, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Chicago, Illinois

Deborah takes child support matters in Chicago, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois

Deborah takes divorce matters in Chicago, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois

Deborah takes dv defense matters in Chicago, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

Deborah takes family law matters in Chicago, 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 Deborah agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Deborah Annette Carder — Over 31 years of Illinois child custody experience

I bring over 20 years of experience to your case, with 15 years of background working at the country's preeminent and largest family law firm. My current practice includes all areas of matrimonial law focusing on the custodial needs of high net worth individuals and the complex financial issues regarding their estates and business interests.

How Deborah handles child custody matters

Who Deborah represents

Deborah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and divorce matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Deborah Annette Carder's legal education and bar admissions

DePaul University
J.D. · 1995
University of Illinois
B.A. · 1992

Jurisdictions

Deborah's state bar admissions

Illinois
1995 · ACTIVE

Deborah studied at J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in University of Illinois.

Law school and academic background

Deborah completed J.D. in DePaul University and B.A. in University of Illinois. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Deborah runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Deborah Annette Carder

Deborah has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Deborah's professional memberships and bar associations

DuPage County
Member, Family Law Committee), Kane County (Member, Family Law Committee), Will County (Member, Family Law Committee), Illinois State (Member, Family Law Committee) and American (Member, Family Law Committee) Bar Associations DuPage Association of Women L · membership

Locations

Deborah Annette Carder's office in Chicago

Deborah's primary office is at 321 N. Clark St., Ste. 1200, Chicago, IL, 60654. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP

321 N. Clark St., Ste. 1200

Chicago, IL 60654

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Deborah Annette Carder — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.5

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Deborah Annette Carder claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Deborah Annette Carder — 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 Deborah usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Deborah charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Deborah'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; Deborah will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Chicago, 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 Deborah

Deborah 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. Deborah confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Deborah'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 Deborah Annette Carder

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

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