When the stakes are high, we can help you
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- The Divorce Process
- Property Settlement
- Preparing for divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Post-Judgement Modifications
- Certified Mediation Services
Case Consultation(847) 918-7077
Matthew Kaplan & Associates, LLC.
Attorneys At Law – www.mkaplanlaw.com
About Attorney Matthew Kaplan
When it comes to family law, the definition of success is: “Am I satisfied when it’s all done?” My goal is to give you reasonable expectations and to make sure that you are well represented, fully informed, and well versed in the law and the interactions necessary to get to the point of success.
A Brief Look at Matthew Kaplan
Matthew Kaplan has been practicing law in Lake County, Illinois, since 1979. His practice is concentrated in the area of domestic relations law.
Matthew graduated from Lake Forest College in 1970 and from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1979. He grew up in Northbrook, Illinois and has lived in Lake County since 1977. He has lectured at the Lake County Bar Association annual seminar on the issue of child custody jurisdiction and shall be making another presentation on presenting and defending a domestic violence case at the upcoming Lake County Bar Association seminar.
Matthew...
Practice Areas
Attorney Matthew Kaplan is here to answer all your questions so that you are well equipped for any legal obstacle.
Custody
At The Offices of Matthew Kaplan, we understand that your children are more important than any of your assets or wealth. When a divorce happens, we know that your children's best interest need to be well served to give you confidence that no matter what happens you will always be an essential part of their lives.
Divorce
Our experience and and knowledge are great assets. We understand that the divorce process can have an adverse effect on your daily life; that is why we pride ourselves on our commitment to personalized service. Through mediation or litigation, Matthew Kaplan can help you gain the best results from your divorce.
Legal Advice
Attorney Matthew Kaplan understands how overwhelming the legal process can be; that's why we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible and logical legal advice.
Litigation & Mediation
Most divorce cases are settled before trial. Settlements often occur because the parties agree to a reasonable resolution of all issues. Certainly, the cost and other burdens of litigation encourage parties to settle.
In cases where one or both parties are unreasonable or driven by anger, they become heedless of the cost in money and emotional damage, and can exhaust both parties' financial and other resources in litigation.
Mediation can be a quick and fair means to resolution. In...
Why Choose The Law Offices of Matthew Kaplan
Matthew Kaplan and his staff have been a part of the community for over 30 years. We treat our clients with the respect and fine service that they deserve.
Transparency
We will talk to you and help guide you so that you understand how everything works and how your goals can be met. Together we will ensure that you have confidence in your knowledge of the process...
Fight for YOU
Matthew Kaplan has a reputation as a skilled and effective litigator. If hearings or a trial are necessary, there is no one in Lake County, Illinois, better able to win for you.
Road Map to Success
Our promise is that we will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and formulate a course of action to meet your goals. In the course of our discussions, we will make...
Our Services
Because we care about your genuine goals as much as you do, our services make your experience as smooth and well-informed as possible.
Preparing for Divorce
We understand that life doesn’t always go the way we planned. Maybe there have been issues brewing for quite some time an you, or your spouse, have finally decided that it is time to move on and divorce is imminent. What can you do to prepare yourself for the upwards battle? The answer is simple: contact Attorney Matthew Kaplan where we are completely dedicated to helping our clients deal with the many important matters that surround this burdensome process. From property distribution to...
Property Settlement
During a divorce, there is one question that seems to be frequently asked – who gets what? Illinois law is designed to provide an “equitable” allocation of assets and debts. At The Law Offices of Matthew Kaplan, we will attempt to reach an agreement that you are satisfied with; if settlement negotiations fail, Matthew Kaplan is well prepared to represent you at trial.
Mediation
Mediation can be a cost-effective and speedy means to resolve marital conflicts. Even in cases where the parties are locked in seemingly intractable conflict, a trained mediator can help them come to agreement on many, if not all issues. This is because both parties to a divorce can lose sight of the fact that they both have many interests in common, such as saving money and time and serving the best interests of their children. Most parties to a divorce, when informed about the...
Portfolios
As a well as being a seasoned attorney, Matthew Kaplan has always kept moving forward, making sure to stay well versed and up to date on current laws and policies. These are just some of his accomplishments that represent his work and achievements throughout his career.
Testimonials
What our clients have to say about The Law Offices of Matthew Kaplan
Outstanding attorney.
Matthew did an excellent job representing me in a difficult divorce.
Many attorneys know the law but too few have any judgement.
Matthew has both – knowledge and judgement.
A real expert and a gentleman.
My highest and unconditional recommendation.
Michael Levy 
Barbie Rosmann 
Meagan Miller Meet The Attorneys
Our Attorneys take pride in services as lawyers and members of the community. They understand the human factor.
BRIAN PATRICK O’HAGAN
Brian has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since 2009. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, in 2003, his MBA from Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO, in 2005, and his Juris Doctor from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, San Diego, CA, in 2009.
Brian served as Assistant State’s Attorney in St. Clair County, Illinois from 2011 to 2016, supervising three attorneys in the prosecution of child abuse and domestic violence cases. He has extensive jury and bench trial experience in felony and misdemeanor cases.
He worked at Denis Gravel & Associates, Gurnee, Illinois, in 2017, and joined Matthew Kaplan & Associates, LLC, in January, 2018.
Litigation Percentage:
80% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:
Illinois, 1979
U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, 1980
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 1979
Education:
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law, Chicago, Illinois, 1979
J.D.
Honors: Cum Laude
Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, Illinois, 1970
B.A.
Major: Psychology
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Young Men’s Fellowship Halfway House, 1981 – Present
Frequently Asked Questions
Although there may be a million questions running through your mind, here is a condensed version of the most commonly asked questions we have seen in the past.
Can Mediation Help?
Mediation can be an effective and inexpensive method of resolving divorce and child custody disputes. Matthew Kaplan is a certified mediator,...
Do I have to go to court to get divorced?
In Illinois, at least one party (the petitioner) must appear in court at least one time to testify as to the...
Should I buy a house after I separated from my spouse, but before the final divorce?
Generally, no. Any property acquired during the marriage, whether or not the parties were living together at the time of the purchase, is...
I bought my house before I got married. Is my spouse entitled to a part of it?
As long as it can be clearly proven (such as by a copy of the deed) that the house was purchased before the marriage, and you have not transferred...
Does my spouse get a part of my 401-k or pension?
Generally, yes. The court has the power and obligation to allocate “marital property”, which includes any retirement assets accrued during...
How do the assets get divided in a divorce?
Illinois law provides that marital assets and debts get divided “equitably” between the parties. Generally, the starting point for the court...
My spouse cheated on me; do I have to prove it to the court and does it matter?
Many years ago, the law allowed the court to take marital misconduct, such as adultery, into account in deciding custody, alimony, property...