Chicago & North Shore Family Law Attorney · Divorce · Custody · Complex Finances
Protect What Matters Most.
When your children, your finances, and your future are on the line, you deserve more than a lawyer who files paperwork. You deserve an advocate who tells you the truth, builds a strategy around your goals, and stands beside you at the negotiating table, and in the courtroom, if that’s where it needs to go.
Confidential. No pressure. Just honest answers about your situation.
Former Cook County Prosecutor & Investigator | Practicing Since 2000 | Illinois Super Lawyers 2025 Honoree
Protect What Matters Most.
When your children, your finances, and your future are on the line, you deserve more than a lawyer who files paperwork. You deserve an advocate who tells you the truth, builds a strategy around your goals, and stands beside you at the negotiating table, and in the courtroom, if that’s where it needs to go.
Confidential. No pressure. Just honest answers about your situation.
Former Cook County Prosecutor & Investigator | Practicing Since 2000 | Illinois Super Lawyers 2025 Honoree
If Any of These Sound Like You
You’re in the Right Place.
You’re thinking about divorce, but you don’t know where to begin, or whether it’s even the right decision.
You’ve been served with papers, and you need to understand what happens next.
You’re afraid of losing time with your children.
You’re worried about your financial future, the house, the retirement accounts, the business you helped build.
You want honest answers before you make a decision you can’t take back.
You need an attorney who returns your calls, explains things in plain English, and genuinely cares how this ends for your family.
You don’t have to have it all figured out before you reach out. That’s what the first conversation is for.
One honest hour. $497, credited in full toward your retainer.
You Never Imagined You’d Be Here.
Nobody gets married planning for this moment. And yet here you are, lying awake at night, running through the same questions on a loop:
What happens to my kids?
Where will I live?
Will I be okay financially?
Should I file first, or wait?
What if my spouse already has a lawyer?
Here’s what I want you to know: most of what you’re feeling right now is fear of the unknown. And the unknown is exactly what a good attorney takes off your shoulders.
The decisions you make in the next few weeks and months can shape your life, and your children’s lives, for years to come. That isn’t meant to frighten you. It’s meant to remind you that this is not the time for guesswork, internet forums, or advice from a friend who “went through the same thing.”
It’s the time for clarity.
It’s the time for strategy.
It’s the time to protect what matters most.
Get clarity before you make a single move.
You Never Imagined You’d Be Here.
Nobody gets married planning for this moment. And yet here you are, lying awake at night, running through the same questions on a loop:
What happens to my kids?
Where will I live?
Will I be okay financially?
Should I file first, or wait?
What if my spouse already has a lawyer?
Here’s what I want you to know: most of what you’re feeling right now is fear of the unknown. And the unknown is exactly what a good attorney takes off your shoulders.
The decisions you make in the next few weeks and months can shape your life, and your children’s lives, for years to come. That isn’t meant to frighten you. It’s meant to remind you that this is not the time for guesswork, internet forums, or advice from a friend who “went through the same thing.”
It’s the time for clarity.
It’s the time for strategy.
It’s the time to protect what matters most.
Get clarity before you make a single move.
You Don’t Need More Conflict.
You Need the Right Strategy.
Some attorneys believe every case should be a war. I don’t.
I’ve seen what unnecessary conflict does to families. It drains the very savings you’re fighting to protect. It turns future co-parents into permanent enemies. It stretches a painful season into a painful era.
The best outcome isn’t measured by how many motions get filed or how aggressive the letters sound. It’s measured by three things: Did we protect your children? Did we protect your financial future? Did we protect your peace of mind?
Whenever possible, I look for practical, strategic solutions that resolve matters at the table, because that path is usually faster, less expensive, and easier on everyone. Especially children.
But make no mistake: I prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. When the other side knows your attorney is ready, and able, to litigate, you negotiate from strength. And if the courtroom is where your case must be decided, I’ll be beside you, fully prepared, every step of the way.
Settle when it’s smart. Fight when it matters. Protect what matters most, always.
Meet Debbie Cohen
An Attorney Who Leads With
Honesty, Strategy, and Compassion.
An Attorney Who Leads With Honesty, Strategy, and Compassion.
Debbie didn’t end up in family law by accident, and she didn’t become a lawyer because anyone told her to.
A native Chicagoan who grew up in the northern suburbs, Debbie is the first and only lawyer in her family. After college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she worked cold-call sales, waited tables, and interned at WGN-TV before deciding, on her own terms, that the courtroom was where she belonged. At Chicago-Kent College of Law, she competed on the school’s elite trial team and was named Best Trial Advocate at a national competition. She’s been outworking opponents ever since.
For years, Debbie served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, prosecuting hundreds of cases, from misdemeanors and DUIs to serious felonies, including murder. She later served as an Assistant Special Prosecutor for Cook County, a criminal defense attorney and then as an Investigator for the Cook County Independent Inspector General’s Office, digging into contract fraud, misappropriated funds, and harassment cases. If someone is hiding something, Debbie has spent a career learning how to find it.
So why family law? Because she watched too many friends and loved ones go through litigious, painful divorces, and realized the skills she’d built as a prosecutor and investigator were exactly what people in that position need most: someone who can dissect the financials, spot what’s missing, prepare relentlessly, and stand up in a courtroom without flinching.
Today, Debbie brings that same investigative rigor to every family she represents, combined with something no law school teaches: she genuinely cares. Her clients describe her the same way, again and again: honest, responsive, prepared, and human. She answers the questions you’re afraid to ask. She tells you what she would do in your position. And she never lets you wonder where your case stands.
“I’d rather tell you the truth today than promise you something I can’t deliver tomorrow.” | Debbie Cohen
That’s not a tagline. That’s how she practices.
Why Families Choose Debbie
01
Honest Guidance
No false promises. No sugar-coating. You’ll get the truth about your case, the strengths, the risks, and the realistic outcomes, so every decision you make is an informed one.
02
Strategy Built Around You
There’s no template here. Every recommendation starts with your goals, your children, your finances, your future, and the legal strategy is built around them. Not the other way around.
03
Responsive Communication
The most common complaint about lawyers is silence. Not here. You’ll never wonder where your case stands, when something happens, you’ll hear it from Debbie, promptly and in plain English.
04
Genuine Compassion
You’re not a case number or a billable file. You’re a person walking through one of the hardest chapters of your life, and you’ll be treated that way from the first call to the final order.
05
Courtroom-Ready Litigation
Most cases settle. Every case is prepared as if it won’t be. That preparation is exactly what gives you leverage at the negotiating table, and real protection if trial becomes necessary.
06
Protection, First and Always
Every strategy, every negotiation, every filing starts with one question: does this protect what matters most to you? If it doesn’t, we find a better way.
How Debbie Can Help
Every family is different, and every case deserves a strategy built around your circumstances. From her Northbrook office, Debbie represents clients throughout Chicagoland and the North Shore, including Northbrook, Glenview, Highland Park, Deerfield, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, and surrounding communities, in: Cook and Lake counties.
Divorce
Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, Debbie helps you understand your rights, avoid the costly mistakes people make early on, and move through the process with a clear plan, so you come out the other side ready for what’s next.
Child Custody & Parenting Time
Nothing matters more than your relationship with your children. Debbie helps you build parenting arrangements that protect that bond, prioritize your children’s stability, and hold up as life goes on.
Division of Property & Assets
The house. The retirement accounts. The savings you spent decades building. Debbie helps you uncover the full financial picture, understand what’s truly at stake, and protect your fair share of everything you’ve worked for.
High-Net-Worth & Complex Financial Divorce
Business interests, professional practices, executive compensation, and complex investments demand more than standard divorce experience. These cases require financial sophistication, and discretion. Debbie brings both.
Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
Protecting your future isn’t unromantic, it’s responsible. A thoughtfully crafted agreement creates clarity and security for both partners, before life gets complicated.
Child Support & Spousal Maintenance
Fair support starts with an accurate financial picture. Debbie makes sure the numbers reflect reality, so the arrangement protects your children’s standard of living and your own financial footing.
Relocation Matters
When a move is on the table, whether yours or your co-parent’s, the stakes for your parenting time are enormous. Debbie helps you navigate Illinois relocation law with your relationship with your children front and center.
Orders of Protection
When safety is at stake, nothing else matters until it’s secured. Debbie moves quickly to obtain and enforce orders of protection, so you and your children are safe while everything else gets resolved.
Post-Decree Modifications & Enforcement
Life doesn’t stop when the judgment is entered. When circumstances change through new jobs, relocations, or your children’s evolving needs, or when the other side won’t honor the agreement, Debbie helps you update and enforce your orders.
Not sure which of these fits your situation? That’s okay; most people aren’t. Start with a conversation.
Not sure which service fits? We figure that out together in the session.
The Way I Practice Law
I believe
You deserve honesty, even when it’s hard to hear. Especially when it’s hard to hear.
I believe
Communication shouldn’t stop the day you sign a retainer.
I believe
Unnecessary conflict creates unnecessary cost, financially and emotionally.
I believe
Your children’s wellbeing is never a bargaining chip.
I believe
Every family deserves a strategy built around their life, not a template pulled from someone else’s case.
And above all
I believe my job is simple to say and serious to do: protect what matters most to you.
Debbie Cohen
I believe
You deserve honesty, even when it’s hard to hear. Especially when it’s hard to hear.
I believe
Communication shouldn’t stop the day you sign a retainer.
I believe
Unnecessary conflict creates unnecessary cost, financially and emotionally.
I believe
Your children’s wellbeing is never a bargaining chip.
I believe
Every family deserves a strategy built around their life, not a template pulled from someone else’s case.
And above all
I believe my job is simple to say and serious to do: protect what matters most to you.
Debbie Cohen
What Happens When You Reach Out
No pressure. No obligation. Just a clear path forward.
Step 1.
Schedule Your Confidential Strategy Session
Pick a time that works for you and answer a few short questions so Debbie can prepare for your specific situation before you ever get on the call. Everything you share is completely confidential, whether you hire Debbie or not.
Step 2.
Tell Your Story
Debbie listens first. Your situation, your concerns, your goals, and the questions that keep you up at night.
Step 3.
Get Honest Answers and a Clear Strategy
You’ll leave the conversation understanding your rights, your options, and what Debbie would do in your position, in plain English, not legal jargon.
Step 4.
Move Forward With Confidence
If working together is the right fit, Debbie gets to work protecting what matters most. And if you’re not ready yet? You’ll still walk away with clarity you didn’t have before.
Step 1 starts here. A few short questions, then pick your time.
What Happens When You Reach Out
No pressure. No obligation. Just a clear path forward.
Step 1.
Schedule Your Confidential Strategy Session
Pick a time that works for you and answer a few short questions so Debbie can prepare for your specific situation before you ever get on the call. Everything you share is completely confidential, whether you hire Debbie or not.
Step 2.
Tell Your Story
Debbie listens first. Your situation, your concerns, your goals, and the questions that keep you up at night.
Step 3.
Get Honest Answers and a Clear Strategy
You’ll leave the conversation understanding your rights, your options, and what Debbie would do in your position, in plain English, not legal jargon.
Step 4.
Move Forward With Confidence
If working together is the right fit, Debbie gets to work protecting what matters most. And if you’re not ready yet? You’ll still walk away with clarity you didn’t have before.
Step 1 starts here. A few short questions, then pick your time.
Real People. Real Families. Real Words.
A Fighter in Your Corner
Debbie is an outstanding lawyer! She fought tooth and nail for my case. She went through everything with me so I could understand what I read, she answered all my questions. I’ve never been through anything like this and I feel if she wasn’t my lawyer I wouldn’t have gotten the outcome I did. Debbie isn’t just a lawyer who wants your money, she cares for you to get the justice you deserve. I feel like Debbie goes above and beyond so you definitely get your moneys worth if you ever worry about pricing. Any person who ever needs a lawyer I’ll always recommend Debbie Cohen because she gets the job done no matter how complicated the case may get. Things got a little unsure for our case at some point but I still was so grateful for her and everything she had done. To me, that means so much. She left an impact on my heart and I cant say thank you enough for the happy life she gave me, my daughter & my family! So once again, if you are looking for a lawyer, she is the one to most certainly hire. I’ve seen so many reviews on other lawyers on how they just cheat you or ignore you until court comes up, it’s a scary feeling when trying to choose, Debbie is the opposite.
Anna Banana
Debbie is an outstanding lawyer! She fought tooth and nail for my case. She went through everything with me so I could understand what I read, she answered all my questions. I’ve never been through anything like this and I feel if she wasn’t my lawyer I wouldn’t have gotten the outcome I did. Debbie isn’t just a lawyer who wants your money, she cares for you to get the justice you deserve. I feel like Debbie goes above and beyond so you definitely get your moneys worth if you ever worry about pricing. Any person who ever needs a lawyer I’ll always recommend Debbie Cohen because she gets the job done no matter how complicated the case may get. Things got a little unsure for our case at some point but I still was so grateful for her and everything she had done. To me, that means so much. She left an impact on my heart and I cant say thank you enough for the happy life she gave me, my daughter & my family! So once again, if you are looking for a lawyer, she is the one to most certainly hire. I’ve seen so many reviews on other lawyers on how they just cheat you or ignore you until court comes up, it’s a scary feeling when trying to choose, Debbie is the opposite.
Communication & Trust
Debbie is a FANTASTIC lawyer! I truly appreciate her professionalism, knowledge of law, and sincerity as all of those aspects are very important when going through something so difficult. It was never hard to contact Debbie when I had a question (I had lots) and she always reached out in a timely manner with any updates. Debbie took the time to understand my case and to get to know me. I felt very comfortable and confident in having Debbie as my attorney and would recommend her to anyone in need of an attorney!
Melanie Goode
Care Through Every Step
Debbie is an amazing attorney. She is very knowledgeable, experienced and handled my case with care, which meant a lot to me. She made sure I understood what was happening every step of the way and was very intentional and detailed oriented with her approach. Thanks to her I won my case and was able to walk away with peace and justice! I hired her as my attorney and walked away with a lifelong family friend.
Bianca James
Attention & Responsiveness
I was very impressed with the attention, care, and professionalism I received from Debbie Cohen. All of my questions and doubts were addressed from the very beginning and I was updated in a timely manner about all the proceedings. They really fought for me and were able to settle my case for much more than I expected.
Thanks Debbie Cohen
Maqsood Mohiuddin
Peer Endorsement
Katie M., a fellow attorney, publicly endorses Debbie for family law matters specifically, citing her reputation for professionalism, preparation, and the empathy that comes from having been through a protracted family law matter herself. Source: cohenlawdefense.com/testimonials. A short attorney-to-attorney endorsement placed near the authority bar signals “lawyers would hire her.” That is one of the strongest trust cues available.
Katie M
You’re in Good Hands.
Former Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney: prosecuted hundreds of cases, from misdemeanors to murder
Former Assistant Special Prosecutor for Cook County
Former Criminal Defense Attorney
Former Investigator, Cook County Independent Inspector General’s Office: contract fraud, misappropriation of funds, and harassment investigations
Named “Best Trial Advocate” in national trial advocacy competition, Chicago-Kent elite trial team
Illinois Super Lawyers honoree, 2025 and 2026 [confirm current listing]
Practicing since 2000: 25+ years of courtroom and negotiation experience
J.D., Chicago-Kent College of Law (2000) · B.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison (1996)
Member in Good Standing, Illinois State Bar · Admitted, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
Media: featured on WRMN Radio and the Divorced Girl Smiling podcast (“The Role of Anger in Divorce”)
Serving Chicagoland and the North Shore from Northbrook: 20+ communities
Questions People Ask Before They Call
How much does a consultation cost?
Your confidential strategy session is $497, and every dollar is credited toward your retainer if you choose to work with Debbie. This is not a quick meet-and-greet. It is a working session with a former prosecutor and investigator who reviews your situation, answers your hardest questions, and outlines a strategy you keep whether you hire her or not. Clarity at this stage is the best investment you will make in your entire case.
Should I file first?
It depends on your situation. In some cases, filing first offers real strategic advantages; in others, it makes little difference. What matters far more is being prepared before anyone files: understanding your finances, your goals, and your rights. That’s exactly what a strategy session is for.
Do I really need an attorney?
Not every situation requires one, and Debbie will tell you honestly if yours doesn’t. But when children, property, retirement accounts, or support are involved, the decisions made now can affect you for decades. At minimum, understand your rights before you sign anything.
Will I have to go to court?
Most family law matters resolve through negotiation or mediation without a trial. But here’s the part most people miss: the strongest settlements are negotiated by attorneys who are fully prepared to go to court. Debbie prepares every case that way, so you’re protected either way.
How long does divorce take?
It varies widely. An uncontested divorce may resolve in a few months, while contested cases involving custody disputes or complex finances can take a year or longer. During your strategy session, Debbie will give you a realistic timeline based on your actual circumstances, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Can we settle outside of court?
In many cases, yes, and when a fair agreement can be reached without litigation, that’s usually better for everyone, especially children. Debbie helps you pursue settlement from a position of strength, while staying fully prepared if court becomes necessary.
What should I bring to my first meeting?
Just yourself and your questions. If you have financial documents, court papers, or existing agreements, those help, but don’t wait until everything is perfectly organized to reach out.
Not Ready to Talk Yet?
Start Here.
Before you make any major decisions, download Debbie’s free guide: Protect What Matters Most: A Family Law Planning Guide: seven smart steps to protect your children, your finances, and your future.
Inside, you’ll learn:
The costly mistakes people make in the first 30 days, before they ever talk to a lawyer
The financial documents to gather now (and why they matter)
Your options explained in plain English: negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, and litigation
How to choose the right attorney for your situation
The Next Chapter of Your Life Deserves Thoughtful Planning.
You’ve read this far because something in your life is changing, or about to.
Maybe you’re ready to move forward. Maybe you’re still deciding. Either way, please hear this: you don’t have to navigate this alone, and you don’t need all the answers today.
The right guidance now is what makes confident decisions possible later. And confident decisions, not rushed or fearful ones, are how you protect your children, your financial future, and your peace of mind.
If you’re ready for an honest conversation about your situation, I’d be honored to help.
Debbie.
Confidential · Judgment-free · Real answers