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

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

Does Kelly offer a free consultation?

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

Can Kelly take my case if I'm outside Lake Forest?

Kelly 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 — Kelly 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 Kelly?

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

Is Kelly accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Kelly Ann Collins, Child Custody Attorney in Lake Forest, Illinois

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Lake Forest, IL

Practicing child custody in Lake Forest since 1991.

35+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Child Custody Criminal Defense Divorce DUI/DWI DV Defense Family Law +4 more →

Are you Kelly Ann Collins?

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

Based in: Lake Forest, IL
Experience: over 35 years
Known for: Child Custody · Criminal Defense · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce matters from Lake Forest, IL.
Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Kelly's practice areas in Lake Forest

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

Child Custody cases in Lake Forest, Illinois

Kelly takes child custody matters in Lake Forest, 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 Kelly agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Lake Forest, Illinois

Kelly takes criminal defense matters in Lake Forest, 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 Kelly agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Lake Forest, Illinois

Kelly takes divorce matters in Lake Forest, 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 Kelly agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Lake Forest, Illinois

Kelly takes dui/dwi matters in Lake Forest, 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 Kelly agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Lake Forest, Illinois

Kelly takes dv defense matters in Lake Forest, 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 Kelly agrees to represent you.

Biography

Kelly Ann Collins, child custody attorney serving Lake Forest

Kelly Ann Collins is an attorney based in Lake Forest, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Criminal Defense, and Divorce. Kelly has over 35 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Kelly works from Lake Forest, Illinois and takes on child custody matters across the region.

Kelly Ann Collins is a lawyer practicing divorce, dui/dwi/drunk driving defense, family law and 6 other areas of law. Kelly received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Kelly practices in Lake Forest, IL.

How Kelly handles child custody matters

The kind of cases Kelly takes

Kelly reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, criminal defense, and divorce matters in Lake Forest and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Kelly studied and practices

Georgetown University
J.D. · 1991
University of Illinois
B.A. · 1988

Jurisdictions

Kelly's state bar admissions

Illinois
1991 · ACTIVE

Kelly studied at J.D. in Georgetown University and B.A. in University of Illinois.

Law school and academic background

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

Locations

Kelly Ann Collins's office in Lake Forest

Kelly's primary office is at 196 East Westminster Road, Lake Forest, IL, 60045. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

196 East Westminster Road

Lake Forest, IL 60045

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Kelly Ann Collins — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kelly Ann Collins claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Kelly Ann Collins — 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 Kelly usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Lake Forest, 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 Kelly

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Kelly'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 Kelly Ann Collins

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

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