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

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

Does Monica offer a free consultation?

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

Can Monica take my case if I'm outside Decatur?

Monica 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 — Monica 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 Monica?

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

Is Monica accepting new child custody clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Monica Hawkins, Child Custody Attorney in Decatur, Illinois

Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Civil Rights

MemberatHawkins & Root P.C.

Decatur, IL

Practicing child custody in Decatur since 1997.

29+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Civil Rights Criminal Defense Divorce Family Law +3 more →

Are you Monica Hawkins?

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Quick answer

Monica Hawkins is a member based in Decatur, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Civil Rights. Monica has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hawkins & Root P.C..

Based in: Decatur, IL
Experience: over 29 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Civil Rights

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Civil Rights matters from Decatur, IL.
Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Monica Hawkins

Monica concentrates on child custody, child support, civil rights, criminal defense, and divorce. Each area below outlines the kind of case Monica handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Decatur, Illinois

Monica takes child custody matters in Decatur, 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 Monica agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Decatur, Illinois

Monica takes child support matters in Decatur, 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 Monica agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Decatur, Illinois

Monica takes civil rights matters in Decatur, 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 Monica agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Decatur, Illinois

Monica takes criminal defense matters in Decatur, 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 Monica agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Decatur, Illinois

Monica takes divorce matters in Decatur, 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 Monica agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Monica Hawkins — Over 29 years of Illinois child custody experience

Monica Hawkins is a lawyer practicing divorce, family law, child custody and 6 other areas of law. Monica received a B.S. degree from Indiana University, Indianapolis in 1993, and has been licensed for 29 years. Monica practices at Hawkins & Root P.C. in Decatur, IL.

Working with Monica on a child custody matter

Who Monica represents

Monica reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and civil rights matters in Decatur and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Monica Hawkins's legal education and bar admissions

Southern Illinois University
J.D. · 1997
Indiana University, Indianapolis
B.S. Biology · 1993

Jurisdictions

Monica's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1997 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1997 · ACTIVE

Monica studied at J.D. in Southern Illinois University and B.S. Biology in Indiana University, Indianapolis.

Law school and academic background

Monica completed J.D. in Southern Illinois University and B.S. Biology in Indiana University, Indianapolis. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Monica runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Monica's professional memberships and bar associations

Decatur and Illinois State Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Monica Hawkins's office in Decatur

Monica's primary office is at 136 W. Washington St., Decatur, IL, 62522. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hawkins & Root P.C.

136 W. Washington St.

Decatur, IL 62522

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Monica Hawkins

Monica 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 Monica Hawkins — 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 Monica usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a child custody attorney in Decatur, 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 Monica

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Monica'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 Monica Hawkins

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

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