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

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

Does Elena offer a free consultation?

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

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

Elena 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 — Elena 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 Elena?

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

Is Elena accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Elena M. Duarte, Child Custody Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce

MemberatLaw Offices of Elena M. Duarte

Chicago, IL

Practicing child custody in Chicago since 1989.

37+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce DUI/DWI DV Defense DV Protection +5 more →

Are you Elena M. Duarte?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Elena M. Duarte is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Elena has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Elena M. Duarte.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 37 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Elena M. Duarte

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

Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elena 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 Elena agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elena 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 Elena agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elena 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 Elena agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elena takes dui/dwi 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 Elena agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois

Elena 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 Elena agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Elena M. Duarte — Over 37 years of Illinois child custody experience

Elena M. Duarte is a lawyer practicing dui & dwi, family, child custody and 10 other areas of law. Elena received a M.S.W. degree from University of Illinois, and has been licensed for 37 years. Elena practices at Law Offices of Elena M. Duarte in Chicago, IL.

How Elena handles child custody matters

Who Elena represents

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

Credentials

Elena M. Duarte's legal education and bar admissions

DePaul University
J.D. · 1988
University of Illinois M.S.W.
—

Jurisdictions

Elena's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1990 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1989 · ACTIVE

Elena studied at J.D. in DePaul University and — in University of Illinois M.S.W..

Law school and academic background

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

Affiliations

Elena's professional memberships and bar associations

Chicago, Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Elena M. Duarte's office in Chicago

Elena's primary office is at 5901 N. Cicero Ave., Ste. 505, Chicago, IL, 60646-5720. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Elena M. Duarte

5901 N. Cicero Ave., Ste. 505

Chicago, IL 60646-5720

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Elena M. Duarte

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

No reviews yet

Only verified clients who have consulted with Elena M. Duarte can leave a review.

Schedule your consultation

Hiring guide

How to hire Elena M. Duarte — 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 Elena usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Elena'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 Elena M. Duarte

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

Elena 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 Elena'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.