How much does it cost to hire Michael for a divorce case?

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

Does Michael offer a free consultation?

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

How long do divorce cases in Illinois typically take?

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

Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Waukegan?

Michael 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 — Michael 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 Michael?

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

Is Michael accepting new divorce clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael Allen Danforth, Divorce Attorney in Waukegan, Illinois

Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Divorce, Family Law, and Litigation · 3.4/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

Senior CounselatShaw Law Ltd.

Waukegan, IL

Practicing divorce in Waukegan since 1995.

31+: Years practicing
3.4 ★: 3 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Divorce Family Law Litigation POA Probate Real Estate +2 more →

Are you Michael Allen Danforth?

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

Michael Allen Danforth is a senior counsel based in Waukegan, IL. The practice focuses on Divorce, Family Law, and Litigation. Michael has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shaw Law Ltd.. Rated 3.4 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Waukegan, IL
Experience: over 31 years
Known for: Divorce · Family Law · Litigation

Handles Divorce, Family Law, and Litigation matters from Waukegan, IL.
Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Allen Danforth

Michael concentrates on divorce, family law, litigation, poa, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Divorce cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Michael takes divorce matters in Waukegan, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Michael takes family law matters in Waukegan, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Michael takes litigation matters in Waukegan, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

POA cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Michael takes poa matters in Waukegan, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Waukegan, Illinois

Michael takes probate matters in Waukegan, 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael Allen Danforth — Over 31 years of Illinois divorce experience

Michael Allen Danforth is a lawyer practicing divorce & separation, real estate, land use & zoning and 4 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Northern Illinois University in 1986, and has been licensed for 31 years. Michael practices at Shaw Law Ltd. in Waukegan, IL.

Working with Michael on a divorce matter

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for divorce, family law, and litigation matters in Waukegan and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Michael Allen Danforth's legal education and bar admissions

Regent University
J.D. · 1994
Northern Illinois University
B.A. · 1986

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Illinois
2001 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1995 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Regent University and B.A. in Northern Illinois University.

Law school and academic background

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

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Virginia, Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Michael Allen Danforth's office in Waukegan

Michael's primary office is at 33 N. County St., Ste. 300, Waukegan, IL, 60085. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Shaw Law Ltd.

33 N. County St., Ste. 300

Waukegan, IL 60085

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Allen Danforth — 3.4/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

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

3.4

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Allen Danforth claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Allen Danforth — what to expect in your first consultation

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

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a divorce attorney in Waukegan, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many divorce 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 Michael

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every divorce 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

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

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Allen Danforth

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

Areas served

Divorce attorneys serving Waukegan, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois

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

More counsel

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