How much does it cost to hire Michael for a alimony 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 alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

How long do alimony cases in Illinois typically take?

Simple alimony 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 alimony 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 S. Sabath, Alimony Attorney in Chicago, Illinois

Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Alimony, Child Custody, and Divorce · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratBerger Schatz

Chicago, IL

Practicing alimony in Chicago since 1992.

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

Practices in

Alimony Child Custody Divorce Family Law General Prenup

Are you Michael S. Sabath?

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

Michael S. Sabath is a partner based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on Alimony, Child Custody, and Divorce. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berger Schatz. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Chicago, IL
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Alimony · Child Custody · Divorce

Handles Alimony, Child Custody, and Divorce matters from Chicago, IL.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael S. Sabath

Michael concentrates on alimony, child custody, 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.

Alimony cases in Chicago, Illinois

Michael takes alimony 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 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.

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 S. Sabath — Over 34 years of Illinois alimony experience

Mr. Michael S. Sabath is a lawyer practicing domestic violence, child custody, marriage & prenuptials and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Colorado at Boulder in 1989, and has been licensed for 34 years. Michael practices at Berger Schatz in Chicago, IL.

How Michael handles alimony matters

The kind of cases Michael takes

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

Credentials

Michael S. Sabath's legal education and bar admissions

Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois
J.D. · 1992
University of Colorado at Boulder
B.A. · 1989

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

U.S. District, North
1992 · ACTIVE
Illinois
1992 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois and B.A. in University of Colorado at Boulder.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois and B.A. in University of Colorado at Boulder. 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 S. Sabath

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

Chicago Bar Association (Member, Matrimonial Law Committee) Illinois State Bar Association
membership

Locations

Michael S. Sabath's office in Chicago

Michael's primary office is at 161 N. Clark St., Ste. 2800, Chicago, IL, 60601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Berger Schatz

161 N. Clark St., Ste. 2800

Chicago, IL 60601

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael S. Sabath — 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 alimony 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 S. Sabath claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael S. Sabath — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new alimony 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 alimony attorney in Chicago, Illinois

A short list to run through before you commit: How many alimony 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 alimony practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every alimony 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 alimony practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael S. Sabath

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a alimony 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 alimony attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do alimony cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple alimony 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 alimony 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

Alimony attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois

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

More counsel

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