Sarah Beth Tinney, Divorce Attorney in Champaign, Illinois
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Divorce, Litigation, and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatErwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.
Champaign, IL
Practicing divorce in Champaign since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Sarah Beth Tinney?
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Quick answer
Sarah Beth Tinney is a member based in Champaign, IL. The practice focuses on Divorce, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Sarah has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Champaign, IL
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Divorce · Litigation · Personal Injury
- Handles Divorce, Litigation, and Personal Injury matters from Champaign, IL.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Sarah Beth Tinney: Sarah Beth Tinney is a member based in Champaign, IL. The practice focuses on Divorce, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Sarah has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Sarah takes on
Sarah concentrates on divorce, litigation, personal injury, real estate, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sarah handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Divorce
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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Workers Comp
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Divorce cases in Champaign, Illinois
Sarah takes divorce matters in Champaign, 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Champaign, Illinois
Sarah takes litigation matters in Champaign, 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Champaign, Illinois
Sarah takes personal injury matters in Champaign, 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Champaign, Illinois
Sarah takes real estate matters in Champaign, 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Champaign, Illinois
Sarah takes workers comp matters in Champaign, 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 Sarah agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Sarah Beth Tinney — divorce lawyer in Champaign
Sarah Beth Tinney is a member based in Champaign, IL. The practice focuses on Divorce, Litigation, and Personal Injury. Sarah has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Sarah Beth Tinney is a lawyer practicing divorce law, real estate law, personal injury law and 2 other areas of law. Sarah received a B.A. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years. Sarah practices at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd. in Champaign, IL.
Sarah's approach to divorce cases
Sarah Beth Tinney is a lawyer practicing divorce law, real estate law, personal injury law and 2 other areas of law. Sarah received a B.A. degree from University of California at Berkeley in 1974, and has been licensed for 49 years. Sarah practices at Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd. in Champaign, IL.
Clients Sarah works with
Sarah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for divorce, litigation, and personal injury matters in Champaign and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Illinois
J.D. · 1977
University of California at Berkeley
B.A. University · 1974
Jurisdictions
Sarah's state bar admissions
Illinois
1977 · ACTIVE
Sarah studied at J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. University in University of California at Berkeley.
Law school and academic background
Sarah completed J.D. in University of Illinois and B.A. University in University of California at Berkeley. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sarah runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Sarah has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Sarah's professional memberships and bar associations
The Bar Association of the Central District of Illinois Illinois State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Sarah Beth Tinney's office in Champaign
Sarah's primary office is at 411 West University Avenue, Champaign, IL, 61824-1098. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Erwin, Martinkus & Cole, Ltd.
411 West University Avenue
Champaign, IL 61824-1098
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Sarah Beth Tinney — 5.0/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Sarah. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing divorce attorneys in Champaign.
5.0
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Sarah Beth Tinney claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Sarah Beth Tinney — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new divorce attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sarah usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sarah charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah'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; Sarah will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a divorce attorney in Champaign, 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 Sarah
Sarah 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. Sarah confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sarah'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 Sarah Beth Tinney
How much does it cost to hire Sarah for a divorce case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sarah walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sarah offer a free consultation?
Sarah charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah's office. Some divorce attorneys offer free consults — check Sarah'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. Sarah gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sarah take my case if I'm outside Champaign?
Sarah 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 — Sarah 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 Sarah?
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. Sarah will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sarah accepting new divorce clients right now?
Sarah'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 Champaign, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
Sarah 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
Other top-rated divorce attorneys in Illinois
If Sarah's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these divorce attorneys in Champaign handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





