DB

David B. Yavitz, Child Custody Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 57 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, DV Defense, and Family Law · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Senior PartneratYavitz & Levey, LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing child custody in Chicago since 1969.

57+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
3
Bar admissions

Are you David B. Yavitz?

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

David B. Yavitz is a senior partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, DV Defense, and Family Law. David has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Yavitz & Levey, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Chicago, IL
Experience
over 57 years
Known for
Child Custody · DV Defense · Family Law
  • Handles Child Custody, DV Defense, and Family Law matters from Chicago, IL.
  • Over 57 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About David B. Yavitz: David B. Yavitz is a senior partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, DV Defense, and Family Law. David has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Yavitz & Levey, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

David's practice areas in Chicago

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

Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Chicago, Illinois

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

David 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 David agrees to represent you.

Paternity cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes paternity 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 David agrees to represent you.

Prenup cases in Chicago, Illinois

David takes prenup 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 David agrees to represent you.

Biography

David B. Yavitz, child custody attorney serving Chicago

David B. Yavitz is a senior partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, DV Defense, and Family Law. David has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Yavitz & Levey, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. David works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on child custody matters across the region.

David B. Yavitz is a lawyer practicing marriage / prenuptials, domestic violence, family law and 2 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from Drake University in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years. David practices at Yavitz & Levey, LLP in Chicago, IL.

How David handles child custody matters

David B. Yavitz is a lawyer practicing marriage / prenuptials, domestic violence, family law and 2 other areas of law. David received a B.A. degree from Drake University in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years. David practices at Yavitz & Levey, LLP in Chicago, IL.

Who David represents

David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, dv defense, and family law matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Credentials — where David studied and practices

  • University of Illinois College of Law

    J.D. · 1969

  • Drake University

    B.A. Political · 1966

Jurisdictions

David's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1971 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1969 · ACTIVE

  • Illinois

    1969 · ACTIVE

David studied at J.D. in University of Illinois College of Law and B.A. Political in Drake University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

David's legal honors and published work

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

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

David's professional memberships and bar associations

  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Member: Board of Directors, Illinois Chapter, 1986-1994)

    bar_fellowship

Locations

David B. Yavitz's office in Chicago

David's primary office is at 20 S. Clark St., Ste. 1800, Chicago, IL, 60603-1815. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Yavitz & Levey, LLP

20 S. Clark St., Ste. 1800

Chicago, IL 60603-1815

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of David B. Yavitz — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once David B. Yavitz claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire David B. Yavitz — 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 David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

Payment methods and payment plans

David'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 David B. Yavitz

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

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

  • Does David offer a free consultation?

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

  • Can David take my case if I'm outside Chicago?

    David 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 — David 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 David?

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

  • Is David accepting new child custody clients right now?

    David'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

David 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 David'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.