James M. Chesloe, LTD
5650 S. Brainerd Ave., Suite 250
Countryside, IL 60525
Map & Directions

Call us for a
FREE initial consultation

(708) 579-5353

A Personal Message from James Chesloe, Attorney

As a family law, bankruptcy and criminal defense attorney in Cook County, Will County and DuPage County for over 37 years, I have focused my practice on helping people resolve their problems. Divorce, Chapter 7 bankruptcy or being arrested are all extremely emotional situations. I understand that. My philosophy is to listen to my clients, understand their issues, provide practical legal advice and secure the best possible outcome.

I have handled cases covering almost every type of law. I see myself as a simple man that clients can relate to and I have a practical approach that people can relate with and my clients know and feel they have an advocate in their corner.

I grew up in the area and learned about people by working in the family business started by my grandmother. For 9 years I was a lifeguard - today I am still a lifeguard, watching over the lives of my clients.

La Grange, Illinois Paternity Lawyer

Paternity

There are many reasons why people seek to establish paternity and the west suburban Law Offices of James M. Chesloe can handle them all. From pursuing child support to establishing custody or visitation, paternity determinations impact various family law matters. Our firm provides experienced representation for men and women throughout Cook, DuPage and Will counties.

I will review the circumstances of your situation and will help you to resolve all issues related to:

  • Proving Paternity
  • Disproving Paternity
  • Paternity and Child Custody
  • Paternal Inheritance
  • Paternity and Adoption
  • Parental Rights
  • Paternity and Child Support

Seek legal help immediately for paternity matters. Our firm is dedicated to performing the necessary work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Timing is important. In general, DNA tests are used to establish parentage and James M. Chesloe will explore every avenue available to obtain a definitive result.

If you are involved in a paternity dispute or need help with parentage issues contact La Grange family law attorney James M. Chesloe today. He will sit down with you personally to hear the details of your issue and advise you on the best steps forward.

up

Post-Decree Matters

Often the act of divorce is just the beginning. There are so many issues to consider. You may have an ex-spouse who is not complying with the marital settlement agreement dictating support or with the parenting agreement. You may have found yourself in circumstances very different from when your judgment for dissolution was entered. Such a major change has a ripple effect that can impact multiple areas of your life. At the Law Offices of James M. Chesloe in La Grange, Illinois, you will get dedicated personalized service to help guide you through the challenges of life after divorce.

James M. Chesloe is an experienced divorce lawyer and can advise clients on possible situations that may impact compliance with a Dissolution of Marriage agreement. Life events such as death, illness, relocation, lay-offs, loss of business, and remarriage can alter your ability to fulfill your commitments. Our firm will help you to live your life based on where you are right now, not your former circumstances.

Helping Clients through Divorce Modifications

When dealing with a divorce, you must get everything in writing. Verbal agreements rarely hold weight in a court of law. James M. Chesloe knows how to ask the right questions to get the information you need to pursue a legal divorce modification.

When significant changes occur, you have the right to seek changes for child and spousal support and review child custody and visitation agreements. Do not handle this alone. James M. Chesloe is dedicated to seeking every possible solution to help you regain your stability and move forward with your life.

up

Traffic Offenses

When your right to drive is in jeopardy, you need an attorney with real experience in traffic court. The Law Offices of James M. Chesloe has been defending clients with driving offenses for more than two decades. Not every attorney can defend you in traffic court. Choose James M. Chesloe because he consistently defends clients charged with driving offenses and has intricate knowledge of the inner workings of circuit courts in DuPage, Will and Cook counties.

James M. Chesloe defends traffic matters for clients throughout Chicagoland such as:

  • DUI Defense (BROKEN LINK)
  • Driving above or below the posted speed limit
  • Failure to use turn signals
  • Failure to obey traffic signals and signs
  • Driving without a seat belt

If you are facing a traffic violation of any nature, James M. Chesloe has the skills and experience to defend your case. If the violation does not require a court appearance, he will advise you on the best way to handle the matter, seek every possible avenue to prevent the loss of your driving privileges, and work to keep your driving record clean. Depending on the circumstances of your situation, James M. Chesloe has the ability to pursue alternatives to traditional sentencing and punishment.

Advising La Grange, Illinois Drivers on Fighting Traffic Offenses in Court

It is advisable to fight any traffic-related offense. Convictions for traffic offenses often carry point values and too many points will seriously impact or take away your right to drive. The Illinois Administrative Code Section 1040.30 explains that license suspension is determined by the amount of points you receive for traffic violation convictions:

  • 0 – 14 points: No suspension
  • 15 – 44 points: 2-month suspension
  • 45 – 74 points: 3-month suspension
  • 75 – 89 points: 6-month suspension
  • 90 – 99 points: 9-month suspension
  • 100 – 109 points: 12-month suspension
  • 110 or more points: License revocation
up

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

What is Chapter 7 Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process that helps people get out from under debt they cannot pay off. Filed in federal court,Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves the liquidation or sale of non-exempt assets to pay off qualified creditor’s claims. Most claims not paid off through liquidation are discharged.

State law determines what assets a debtor can keep and which must be sold off. A court appointed trustee then sells off the remaining assets and pays off as much of the debt as possible. For individuals, most of the remaining debt is discharged but they may have difficulty obtaining credit for some time as bankruptcy does affect credit ratings.

How Does Bankruptcy Work?

Bankruptcy is filed in a United States bankruptcy court and both individuals and companies are eligible.

The filing must include a list of all assets and debts and other requested information. Because bankruptcy laws are very complex, most debtors filing for bankruptcy hire an attorney.

According to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, once you file for bankruptcy, you are protected from creditors, including:
  • most new lawsuits against the debtors may not be filed, and pending lawsuits are usually postponed;
  • creditors must stop attempting to collect on unpaid bills; and
  • collection on existing liens is usually stopped
up

Divorce

Sometimes, despite your best efforts to save your marriage, divorce becomes imminent. If you decide to separate or divorce your spouse, you need an experienced family law attorney by your side. At the Law Offices of James M. Chesloe in La Grange, Illinois, you will get personalized service and a knowledgeable legal advocate to help you navigate a new chapter in your life.

James M. Chesloe has more than 34 years of experience with helping clients through legal struggles. He has a strong reputation for serving clients across Cook, DuPage and Will counties with honesty, tenacity and equity. He will work with all parties to make the process easy to understand and seek the best possible outcome for your case.

Helping Clients Understand Divorce

In Illinois, a divorce is also known as Dissolution of Marriage. The State allows fault or no-fault divorces. A fault divorce may have several grounds such as:

  • Adultery
  • Abandonment
  • Criminal Activity
  • Drug Use
  • Physical/Mental Abuse

A no-fault divorce may be sought for what are known as irreconcilable differences. This means that neither spouse is at fault, but there are differences that exist in the relationship that cannot be resolved. To obtain a no-fault divorce, a couple must live separately for two or more years, but there are exceptions to the time requirements. James M. Chesloe will help you sort out where you stand and what options are available to you.

Explaining Common Divorce Terms

Some common terms related to divorce are:

  • Legal Separation
  • Contested Divorce
  • Uncontested Divorce

What is a legal separation?

James M. Chesloe is able to advise clients in La Grange, Illinois on the proper way to handle filing for divorce and can answer any questions about legal separation and divorce proceedings. A legal separation is different from a physical separation in that it requires papers to be filed in a court of law. With a legal separation, the couple remains legally married, so they are not free to pursue another marriage relationship. A physical separation simply means that the couple no longer shares the same physical address.

up

Child Custody and Visitation

Children should be protected at all costs. They are one of the greatest assets of a marriage, but divorce can leave them feeling emotionally confused. You know their worth and you need a compassionate attorney who understands your priorities. At the Law Offices of James M. Chesloe of La Grange, Illinois, children come first.

James M. Chesloe will take a personal approach to ensuring that you and your children stay connected by establishing proper custody and visitation arrangements for all concerned parties. In many cases, such matters are settled by mutual agreement without going to court, but if the ruling of a judge is required, our firm will fully represent you and the best interests of your children.

Protecting Your Rights to be With Your Children

Several factors will be considered when seeking equitable child custody and visitation solutions:

  • Primary caregiver of the child(ren)
  • Income and earning potential of both parents
  • The criminal history of both parents
  • Educational opportunities
  • Proximity of residences to school
  • Living arrangements
  • Economic circumstances
  • Extended familial relationships

James M. Chesloe will thoroughly consider every aspect of the child’s quality of life to arrive at an equitable solution. He will fight aggressively to ensure the best possible living arrangements for your children and preserve your right to spend quality time with them.

Helping Clients Understand Different Types of Custody

There are two primary types of custody:

  • Sole Custody – The children live with one parent exclusively and that parent is in charge of major decisions that impact the children.
  • Joint Custody – The children live with one parent exclusively, but both parents have equal decision-making powers.
up