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

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

Does Elana offer a free consultation?

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

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

Elana 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 — Elana 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 Elana?

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

Is Elana accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Elana Tabachnik Lazarus, Child Custody Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 17 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce

Chicago, IL

Practicing child custody in Chicago since 2009.

17+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce DV Defense Family Law General +2 more →

Are you Elana Tabachnik Lazarus?

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

Elana Tabachnik Lazarus is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Elana has over 17 years of legal experience.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 17 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 17 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Elana's practice areas in Chicago

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

Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elana 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 Elana agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elana 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 Elana agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elana 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 Elana agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elana 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 Elana agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elana 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 Elana agrees to represent you.

Biography

Elana Tabachnik Lazarus, child custody attorney serving Chicago

Elana Tabachnik Lazarus is an attorney based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Elana has over 17 years of legal experience. Elana works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on child custody matters across the region.

Elana Tabachnik Lazarus is a lawyer practicing family law, divorce, domestic violence and 8 other areas of law. Elana received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 2003, and has been licensed for 17 years. Elana practices in Chicago, IL.

Working with Elana on a child custody matter

Clients Elana works with

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

Credentials

Credentials — where Elana studied and practices

American University College of Law
J.D. · 2008
University of Michigan
B.A. · 2003

Jurisdictions

Elana's state bar admissions

Illinois
2010 · ACTIVE
New York
2009 · ACTIVE

Elana studied at J.D. in American University College of Law and B.A. in University of Michigan.

Law school and academic background

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

Affiliations

Elana's professional memberships and bar associations

Washington College of Law/National Institute of Corrections Project Addressing Prison Rape (2006)
bar_fellowship
Author, "Understanding Siblings Rights in the Child Welfare System," ABA Child Law Practice (2006). Member: Chicago and Illinois State Bar Associations
bar_fellowship

Locations

Elana Tabachnik Lazarus's office in Chicago

Elana's primary office is at 1565 N Hoyne Ave Apt 3, Chicago, IL, 60622-1851. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1565 N Hoyne Ave Apt 3

Chicago, IL 60622-1851

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Elana Tabachnik Lazarus

Elana has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Elana Tabachnik Lazarus — 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 Elana usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Elana charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Elana'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; Elana 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 Elana

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Elana'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 Elana Tabachnik Lazarus

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

Elana 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 Elana'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.