How much does it cost to hire Michael for a child custody 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 child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. 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 Chicago?

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 child custody 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 Ian Bender, Child Custody Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Of CounselatCaesar & Bender, LLP

Chicago, IL

Practicing child custody in Chicago since 1991.

35+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Child Custody Child Support Divorce Family Law General Paternity +1 more →

Are you Michael Ian Bender?

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 Ian Bender is an of counsel based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce. Michael has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Caesar & Bender, LLP. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 35 years
Known for: Child Custody · Child Support · Divorce

Handles Child Custody, Child Support, and Divorce matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Ian Bender

Michael concentrates on child custody, child support, divorce, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Child Custody cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Child Support cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes child support 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Divorce cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes divorce 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

General cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes general 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 Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael Ian Bender — Over 35 years of Illinois child custody experience

Michael Ian Bender is a lawyer practicing family, domestic relations, matrimonial and 8 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Michael practices at Caesar & Bender, LLP in Chicago, IL.

Working with Michael on a child custody matter

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for child custody, child support, and divorce matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.

Credentials

Michael Ian Bender's legal education and bar admissions

John Marshall Law School
J.D. · 1991
University of Illinois
B.A. · 1988

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1991 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in University of Illinois.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in John Marshall Law School and B.A. in University of Illinois. 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.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Ian Bender

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

American, Illinois and Chicago (Former Co-Chair, Interfaith Law Committee) Bar Associations
membership

Locations

Michael Ian Bender's office in Chicago

Michael's primary office is at 150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2130, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Caesar & Bender, LLP

150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2130

Chicago, IL 60601

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Ian Bender — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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 child custody attorneys in Chicago.

4.4

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Ian Bender — 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 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 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 Michael

Michael 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. 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 child custody practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Ian Bender

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a child custody 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 child custody attorneys offer free consults — check Michael'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. 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 Chicago?
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 child custody 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

Child Custody attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

Michael 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 Michael'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.