How much does it cost to hire Sheryl for a adoption case?

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

Does Sheryl offer a free consultation?

Sheryl charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sheryl's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Sheryl's current terms during booking.

How long do adoption cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple adoption 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. Sheryl gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Sheryl take my case if I'm outside Lincolnwood?

Sheryl 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 — Sheryl 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 Sheryl?

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

Is Sheryl accepting new adoption clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Sheryl Rae Ghezzi, Adoption Attorney in Lincolnwood, Illinois

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

MemberatLaw Offices of Sheryl Rae Ghezzi

Lincolnwood, IL

Practicing adoption in Lincolnwood since 1984.

42+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 2 client reviews
4: Bar admissions

Practices in

Adoption ADR Alimony Child Custody Child Support Civil Rights +12 more →

Are you Sheryl Rae Ghezzi?

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

Sheryl Rae Ghezzi is a member based in Lincolnwood, IL. The practice focuses on Adoption, ADR, and Alimony. Sheryl has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Sheryl Rae Ghezzi. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.

Based in: Lincolnwood, IL
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: Adoption · ADR · Alimony

Handles Adoption, ADR, and Alimony matters from Lincolnwood, IL.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Sheryl takes on

Sheryl concentrates on adoption, adr, alimony, child custody, and child support. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sheryl handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Adoption cases in Lincolnwood, Illinois

Sheryl takes adoption matters in Lincolnwood, 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 Sheryl agrees to represent you.

ADR cases in Lincolnwood, Illinois

Sheryl takes adr matters in Lincolnwood, 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 Sheryl agrees to represent you.

Alimony cases in Lincolnwood, Illinois

Sheryl takes alimony matters in Lincolnwood, 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 Sheryl agrees to represent you.

Child Custody cases in Lincolnwood, Illinois

Sheryl takes child custody matters in Lincolnwood, 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 Sheryl agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Lincolnwood, Illinois

Sheryl takes child support matters in Lincolnwood, 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 Sheryl agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Sheryl Rae Ghezzi — adoption lawyer in Lincolnwood

An Illinois Super Lawyer, Sheryl Rae Ghezzi established her practice in 1984 and has gained a reputation as an effective negotiator, vigorous litigator and dedicated to advocating for her clients inside and outside the courtroom. Careful listening, effective communication, extensive preparation, and tactical litigation strategies are her tools for developing an individualized approach to each case. As each marriage is unique, practical solutions are creatively designed to address each client’s legal requirements whether by collaborative solutions or contested and complex trials. Representative clients are doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, optometrists, scientists, policeman, fireman, and teachers.

Sheryl often promotes a cooperative strategy to alleviate the intense stress that divorce clients may experience during the process of transitioning their lives. Conflicts over allocation of parenting (formerly child custody and visitation) and financial support can be temporarily psychologically harmful and highly uncomfortable for many clients. Sheryl encourages each client to focus on their future and consider divorce as a unique opportunity for a fresh start for their lives.

Sheryl has been a proud and active member in her local and the legal community throughout her career. An enthusiastic teacher, Sheryl has lectured locally and nationally in the areas of legal ethics, civility and professionalism, child custody, and family law. Sheryl’s awards as an Illinois Super Lawyer and a Top Women Attorney in Illinois are by peer recognition.

Honors and Awards

• Illinois Super Lawyer 2020

• Illinois Super Lawyer 2019

• Illinois Super Lawyer 2018

• Illinois Super Lawyer 2017

• Illinois Super Lawyer 2016

• America’s Most Honored Professionals, American Registry 2016

• Illinois Top 10, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys 2016

• Illinois Super Lawyer 2015

• America’s Most Honored Professionals, American Registry 2015

• Illinois Top 10, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys 2015

• Top Women Attorneys in Illinois, Chicago Magazine, October, 2013

• Top Attorneys in Illinois, Chicago Magazine, February 2013

• Top Attorneys in Illinois, Chicago Magazine, February 2012

• Illinois Super Lawyer 2013

• Illinois Super Lawyer, 2012

• Who’s Who in American Women

• Who’s Who in America (Lifetime)

• Who’s Who in American Lawyers

• Bureau of National Affairs Award, Publisher, 1984

Community Service:

• Village of Lincolnwood Human Relations Commission (2018 to present)

• Circuit Court of Cook County, Domestic Relations Division, Court Facilitator

• Circuit Court of Cook County, Approved Children’s Representative

• John Marshall Law School: Job Advisory Board (Family Law Committee Chair)

• John Marshall Law School Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program, 2013

• Illinois State Bar Association: Military Affairs Committee, ISBA, 2002 – 2008

• Lincolnwood School Foundation (Founding Member 2002 – 2003)

• Village of Lincolnwood Illinois Human Relations Commission, 2004 to 2009

• Lake Forest College, Alumni Board of Directors 2008 to 2012.

Scholarly Lectures and Writings:

Legal Ethics of E-Mail, National Business Institute, April, 2014; Legal Ethics of E-Mail, National Business Institute, 2013: Civility and Professionalism, National Business Institute, 2013: Ethical Consideration, Divorce Litigation from Start to Finish, National Business Institute, 2013: The Ethics of E-mail 2012, National Teleconference, National Business Institute, 2012: Civility and Professionalism, National Teleconference, National Business Institute, 2012: The Ethics of E-mail, National Teleconference, National Business Institute, 2012: Commencing Divorce Action, Lecturer, Divorce Litigation – Start to Finish, National Business Institute, 2011: New Supreme Court Rules Overview, Lecturer, Preventing Critical Financial Mistakes in Divorce, National Business Institute, 2010: Lecturer, “Preventing Critical Financial Issues During Divorces”, National Business Institute, Ethical Considerations, March 2008: Lecturer, “A Roadmap Through Divorce Proceedings”, National Business Institute, Baby on Board: Handling Child Custody, Visitation and Support Issues, March 2009: Ethical Considerations, National Business Institute, March 2010: Military Issues in Family Law, Lecturer, Military Divorce Issues, Chicago Bar Association, 2006: Child Custody Issues, Lecturer, Handling Illinois Divorces from Start to Finish, National Business Institute, 2004.

Affiliations and Organizations:

• Illinois State Bar Association

• Chicago Bar Association

Working with Sheryl on a adoption matter

Who Sheryl represents

Sheryl reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adoption, adr, and alimony matters in Lincolnwood and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1984
Lake Forest College
B.A. Psychology · 1977

Jurisdictions

Sheryl's state bar admissions

Illinois
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE

Sheryl studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. Psychology in Lake Forest College.

Law school and academic background

Sheryl completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. Psychology in Lake Forest College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sheryl runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Sheryl's professional memberships and bar associations

Illinois State Bar Association Chicago Bar Association American Bar Associations Women's Bar Association American Trial Lawyers Association
membership

Locations

Sheryl Rae Ghezzi's office in Lincolnwood

Sheryl's primary office is at 4433 West Touhy Suite 404, Lincolnwood, IL, 60712. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Sheryl Rae Ghezzi

4433 West Touhy Suite 404

Lincolnwood, IL 60712

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Sheryl Rae Ghezzi — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews

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

5.0

2 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Sheryl Rae Ghezzi claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Sheryl Rae Ghezzi — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adoption attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sheryl usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a adoption attorney in Lincolnwood, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adoption 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 Sheryl

Sheryl discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adoption practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adoption 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. Sheryl confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Sheryl's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adoption practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Sheryl Rae Ghezzi

How much does it cost to hire Sheryl for a adoption case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sheryl walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sheryl offer a free consultation?
Sheryl charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sheryl's office. Some adoption attorneys offer free consults — check Sheryl's current terms during booking.
How long do adoption cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple adoption 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. Sheryl gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sheryl take my case if I'm outside Lincolnwood?
Sheryl 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 — Sheryl 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 Sheryl?
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. Sheryl will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sheryl accepting new adoption clients right now?
Sheryl's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Adoption attorneys serving Lincolnwood, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois

Sheryl handles adoption matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adoption attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Sheryl's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adoption attorneys in Lincolnwood handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.