Douglas Wayne Smith, Child Custody Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Douglas concentrates on child custody, child support, divorce, paternity, and prenup. Each area below outlines the kind of case Douglas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

• Child Custody

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• Child Support

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• Divorce

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• Paternity

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• Prenup

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Douglas's primary office is at 3407 North Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL, 60641. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

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

Douglas 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.

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

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

• Does Douglas offer a free consultation?

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

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

  Douglas 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 — Douglas 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 Douglas?

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

• Is Douglas accepting new child custody clients right now?

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