Kris Balekian Hayes

The difference between our firm and others is honesty and integrity. You can always find a lawyer to tell you what you want to hear- Always. My firm takes the position that I will always do what you tell me only after I tell you whether or not I think it’s a good/bad decision. I am one of the few attorneys that will tell you when you are throwing good money after bad. I think that honesty has carried me through my career and has ensured my success today. I think it allows me to trust me and trust my judgment. If you can actually get to a point where you trust your lawyer, that helps to ease the fear.

What is this going to cost? The answer is I don't know. I wish I could always anticipate what your spouse is going to do but we cannot always do so. We bill by the hour so the amount of time spent on your case will depend on what needs to be done in order to prevail.

Will I have to go to Court? Again, I cannot anticipate what your spouse is going to do and whether or not a case goes to Court is up to both parties. It is entirely possible that you can get all the way through a case and never see a courtroom. It is also possible that your spouse has you in a courtroom often. The answer to this lies in how hotly contested the case is and how eager you are to agree to the demands of the other party.

Emotions. Divorce and child custody is such an emotional roller coaster. Having an attorney that can remain level headed is paramount so that you don't find yourself wasting money on issues that you care not likely to prevail on. It is very hard to know what path to pursue and you needed to have someone on your team that is logical and level headed.

It has been a long journey to grow my business to where it is today. Personally, my family grew alongside the firm; I married a fellow attorney and am now a mom of four. I owe my success to my friends and family. Beginning at a young age, my parents allowed me to work in the family business at our beloved local pumpkin patch. This taught me how to run a business in good times and bad. My company has had its ups and downs, and my supportive husband has been wildly encouraging along the way, by shouldering additional family responsibilities, giving me the time I need to get it done. My kids have been patient and flexible (most of the time). Many of my closest friends have been employed by me at some point and have continued to encourage me in my career. It’s been incredible to have a group in good times and bad.

I have four children so that does not leave a ton of free time. My husband is a criminal defense attorney. We enjoy going to the lake, beach trips, ski trips and most travel in general. I was a competitive snowboarder in my younger years, a college cheerleader, a graduate from law school with an MBA by the age of 23. Obviously, I am competitive and like to win and I think those skills have helped me in life.