Law Office of Paul L. Feinstein LTD

1 Best Lawyers award

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Awarded Practice Areas

Family Law

Biography

A well known and highly respected Chicago attorney, Paul L. Feinstein has practiced matrimonial and appellate law since 1980, having obtained his JD degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. He became a fellow of the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 1991. He was admitted to the Appellate Lawyers Association in 2010. He is licensed to practice in Illinois and Georgia, as well as the United States Supreme Court. He has written about numerous matrimonial law subjects and was on the board of editors of the Matrimonial Strategist, a national publication, from 1995 to 2018. He has also lectured before several groups on many family law topics. He devotes a great deal of his practice to appellate and constitutional law and in 1993 was successful in overturning Illinois' automatic asset freeze law in the Supreme Court of Illinois. In 2004, he was successful in having the Supreme Court of Illinois declare the Illinois Child Representative Statute unconstitutional. He returned to the Supreme Court of Illinois in 2012 and was again successful, this time overturning an Appellate Court ruling concerning the definition of income for purposes of child support cases. He handles all litigation aspects of family law issues, including divorce, custody, domestic violence, premarital agreements, and parentage. He also is often called upon to consult in cases which may be going to trial.

While he practices primarily in Chicago, he has handled matters throughout Illinois. He has received Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory's highest attorney rating, "AV." Many of his cases involve complex procedural and substantive matters, and involve high-profile people. He routinely fields many calls from lawyers, who request his opinion on legal matters of first impression, and those who simply wish to know "what the law is" on a particular issue. Legislators and bar associations consult with Mr. Feinstein to obtain his opinions concerning proposed legislation. Paul Feinstein is on the Circuit Court of Cook County Domestic Relations Division's list of court-approved mediators for both financially related issues and custody related issues. Paul Feinstein is also trained in Collaborative Divorce.

Notable Supreme Court of Illinois Cases and Results: Messenger v. Edgar, 157 Ill.2d 162, 623 N.E.2d 310 (dissolution action stay held unconstitutional). In Re Marriage of Bates, 342 Ill. App.3d 207, 794 N.E.2d 868; affirmed, 212 Ill.2d 489, 819 N.E.2d 714 (child representative statute held unconstitutional). In Re Marriage of Best, 228 Ill.2d 107, 886 N.E.2d 939 (Amicus Brief for American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers) (holding that reviewing court may consider declaratory judgment order concerning premarital agreement in dissolution of marriage proceeding, even if entered before final dissolution order). Johnston v. Weil, 241 Ill.2d 169, 946 N.E.2d 329 (Amicus Brief for AAML) (court ordered mental evaluations held not privileged). In Re Marriage of O'Brien, 2011 IL 109039, 958 N.E.2d 647 (Amicus Brief for AAML) (actual prejudice required to obtain substitution of judge for cause). In Re Marriage of McGrath, 2011 IL App (1st) 102119, 954 N.E.2d 842, reversed, 2012 IL 112792 (regular savings withdrawals held not income for purposes of child support). In Re Marriage of Earlywine, 2013 IL 114779 (Individual Amicus Brief). In Re Marriage of Eckersall, 2015 IL 117922 (Amicus Brief for AAML). In Re Marriage of Goesel, 2017 IL 122046 (Amicus Brief for AAML). In Re Marriage of Fatkin, 2019 IL 123602 (Individual Amicus Brief). Yakich v. Aulds, 2019 IL 123667 (Amicus Brief for AAML). Fulkerson v. Westmoreland, 2020 IL 124863 (Amicus Brief for AAML).

Published Legal Writing: Board of Editors, Matrimonial Strategist (Mat Strat), 1995-2018. Legal Publications: Author, Chapter in, Inside the Minds: Strategies for Family Law in Illinois, Book Published 2010 by Aspatore Books; “Social Security Benefits in Divorce Cases, ” Mat Strat, October 2015; "Stop and Look Before You Listen! Wiretap and Eavesdropping Laws, " Mat Strat, December 2014; "Defining Income for Child Support Purposes: Recent Developments," Mat Strat, December 2012. "The Enforcement of Jewish Marriage Contracts by Civil Courts," Mat Strat, April 2012; "Family Lawyers in Trouble; Recent Ethics Decisions," Mat Strat, August 2011; "College Expense Issues in Domestic Relations Cases," Mat Strat, January 2011; "Automatic Restraining Orders in Domestic Relations Cases: Constitutional Challenges," Mat Strat, July 2010; "Current Trends in Long-Arm Jurisdiction", Mat Strat, January, 2010; "Perplexing Problems Under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act", Mat Strat, June and July, 2009; "Making an Appealing Record on Appeal", Mat Strat, December, 2008; "Update on Parental Alienation Syndrome," Mat Strat, July 2008; "Real Estate Minority Interest Discounts In Divorce Cases," Mat Strat, February 2008; "Taking the Fifth: Pros and Cons," Mat Strat, August 2007; "Prenuptial Agreements: Recent Trends from State to State," Mat Strat, December 2006; "Use and Abuse Of Experts In Matrimonial Cases," Mat Strat, November 2005 "Defining Income For Child Support Purposes," Mat Strat, February 2005; "Do You Know Your Federal Law? Conflicts of Law Affect Retirement Plan and Life Insurance Benefits," Mat Strat, June 2004; "Term Life Insurance in Divorce Cases: A New Deal," Mat Strat, November 2003; "A Case in Point," Mat Strat, August 2003; "Beyond DNA: Equitable Parentage," Mat Strat, May 2003; "How Matrimonial Lawyers Can Avoid Disqualification Due to Conflicts of Interest," Mat Strat, July 2000; "Creative Remedies for Problems Of Short-Term High-Income Earners," Mat Strat, May 1999; "Tenancy by The Entirety: A Means Of Protecting a Debtor Spouse," Mat Strat, January 1998; "State's Highest Court Says Workers' Comp Awards are Marital," Mat Strat, October 1996; "When are Workers' Comp/Personal Injury Awards Marital Property?", Mat Strat, July 1996; "Piercing the Corporate Veil in Matrimonial Proceedings," Mat Strat, March 1995; "Ramifications of Asserting the Privilege Against Self-Incrimination," Mat Strat, December 1994; "Interstate Custody Disputes: Deciphering the Statutory Maze," Mat Strat, January 1994; "Final Obituary for Percentage Child Support Orders," FairShare Magazine, December 1993; "The Automatic Dissolution Stay--Rest in Peace," Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Newsletter, November 1993; "Citations to Discover Assets," Illinois Family Law Report, September 1989. Legal Lectures: Speaker on Illinois Domestic Violence Act and Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act for Chicago Bar Association, 1982 to 1986. Speaker, Matrimonial Law Skills Course for Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1987. Speaker, Estate Planning Skills Course for Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1989, 1990. Speaker, Child Custody Seminar, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2003, 2005. Speaker, Cook County Child Representative training session, 2003. Speaker, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers meeting, 2004, 2005. Speaker, Advanced Evidence Seminar, AAML, 2008. Speaker, Business Valuation, Financial and Tax Issues in Divorce Seminar, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 2013. Panel Moderator, Appellate Seminar, AAML, 2016 and 2018.

Law Office of Paul L. Feinstein LTD

1 Best Lawyers award

Law Office of Paul L. Feinstein LTD logo

Overview

  • Gender: Male

  • Emory University, J.D., graduated 1980
  • Tulane University, BA, graduated 1977

  • Illinois, ; Illinois State Bar Association
  • Georgia, ; State Bar of Georgia

  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Former Vice President and Chairman of Amicus Briefs Committee
  • American Bar Association - Member
  • Appellate Lawyers Association - Member
  • Illinois State Bar Association - Member
  • State Bar of Georgia - Member
  • Illinois, ; Illinois State Bar Association
  • Georgia, ; State Bar of Georgia
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers - Former Vice President and Chairman of Amicus Briefs Committee
  • American Bar Association - Member
  • Appellate Lawyers Association - Member
  • Illinois State Bar Association - Member
  • State Bar of Georgia - Member
  • Emory University, J.D., graduated 1980
  • Tulane University, BA, graduated 1977
  • Gender: Male

Client Testimonials

Paul did an amazing job in getting the Illinois Appellate Court to overrule errors made in the Cook County Court in my divorce case. His thoughtful and knowledgeable arguments were extremely compelling and ultimately successful. He empowered me to make decisions that were best for me and was transparent on the pros and cons. I would recommend anyone to Paul who wants to contest their case. Thank you, Paul!

Mr. Feinstein successfully overturned Cook County decisions on my divorce case by making compelling arguments to the Illinois Appellate Court. He was very collaborative and was able to articulate the pros and cons of each decision while allowing me to be empowered to make each final call. Mr. Feinstein's experience and deep knowledge was evident in the process and was super easy for me to work with. The outcome in my case was incredibly impactful for me financially and I am so grateful for his support. I highly recommend Mr. Feinstein to anyone who is looking for support during a divorce.

I feel very fortunate to have found Paul Feinstein to represent my needs and those of my child. Paul's tremendous knowledge and experience in family law, together with his responsiveness and respect for me as a client, helped guide my divorce process to a comprehensive and enduring agreement. As my advocate, Paul Feinstein changed my life through his wisdom and fine work. If you seek exceptional counsel, I highly recommend Paul Feinstein.

I've worked with Paul Feinstein on a series of custody-related matters over several years regarding my son. He is always professional, informed, balanced, concise with his comments, and strategic in the creation and execution of a plan to achieve a desired outcome. I've recommended Paul to several friends who've needed family law help, and he's always come through with a positive experience for them.

Bill gentry

Franklin, TN

Paul Feinstein is a brilliant, ethical, and unassuming gentleman. His high standards and knowledge of the law make him stand out from the other lawyers. Paul's concern for family and children is genuine. His ability to make a very difficult process more tolerable is incredibly helpful. You cannot find a better family law lawyer than Mr. Paul Feinstein. The best reason to hire Paul over other lawyers would be because you would not want him to be representing your spouse.

After six years of court for a complicated divorce, I finally found the right attorney, and that was Paul Feinstein. Paul's knowledge and expertise in Family Law was beyond impressive. I also found Paul to be ethical and a man of much integrity, which was a breath of fresh air. I feel forever grateful to have had Paul for my attorney, and I highly recommend him.

Paul Feinstein took care of my divorce in 2007 and is an excellent attorney. His knowledge, communication skills and caring nature make him simply the best! I would recommend him to anyone.

Paul Feinstein handled my family law case with the highest degree of decorum. He is one of the foremost experts in this field and was especially sensitive to the financial needs of my young child. I highly recommend Paul for any family law matter.

Paul Feinstein handled my divorce in 2004 and did a great job. I have recommended him to several people since that time.

Paul knows the law. He was able to determine what was needed and what was missed in my appeal case. He explained his strategy to me and then articulated it in writing perfectly in front of the court. He didn't leave room for interpretation. He was able to win our arguments and successfully close out my case from appeal.

The appellate court is a mysterious and intractable authority that can undo a hard-won trial decision with the sweep of a pen. You may have the best trial team in the world, but if your case ends up in the appellate court, you need a specialist like Paul Feinstein. Paul took over my case in an appeal where we had already suffered setbacks. He developed and executed a winning strategy on an aggressive timeline that helped my children start a new life. Call him as soon as you receive Notice of Appeal. He will tell you that he got into this business to help families out of a bad spot, and that is exactly what he did for mine.

The law firm Frumm and Frumm (Steve Lincoln) and appellate court Lawyer Paul Feinstein won my appeal in a case in which I was originally ordered to pay 100s of thousands of dollars in child support that was never going to be spent on my children who now live with me. Both Steve Lincoln and Paul Feinstein's professionalism, attention to detail and calling it like it is mentality enabled me to win this appeal. Even though I asked, because of the expense and what was at stake for me personally, they never promised me a win. While this was hard to hear, it was honest and straight forward from both of them. Which was and is most important for me as a client. Going through a divorce is hard emotionally and financially draining. The decision to appeal the lower court’s ruling was hard for previous reasons stated. I was and am a very lucky person to be introduced to Frumm and Frumm and Paul Feinstein.

Paul represented me in my divorce case, and I could not be more pleased with his work. From my initial meetings with Paul, it was clear he was an expert in all legal matters related to family law. Paul was able to answer all my questions with clear explanations and advise me on all my options. Throughout the entire process, I felt confident that I made the right choice by hiring Paul to represent me.

I highly recommend Attorney Paul Feinstein to anyone looking for excellent representation by a truly exceptional and very capable attorney. Paul's knowledge of the law is extensive and outstanding. His ability to utilize other court cases to fully support his client and to debunk arguments and statements made by the opposing counsel, is truly remarkable. If you are searching for excellence, look no further.

Mary Klebba-Shulga

Hoffman Estates , IL

How do you make the important and correct decision in hiring a divorce attorney to represent you? It is a decision that will have an enormous impact on you and your family moving forward. A divorce is a life-changing event that will be traumatic and stressful. Paul will give you the best representation throughout this difficult transition for you and your children. In my situation, Paul always took into consideration what was best for my children and me. You will need counsel to develop a strategy to achieve your goals and fight for them in a manner that is as cost-effective and successful as possible. Paul is your man with over 35 years of experience in all matters of divorce, including trials, appeals, support, and custody issues. Paul is highly-regarded by his peers and has mutually beneficial relationships with many of them. How does your attorney make you feel and how attentive are they to your numerous needs? Paul is a great listener and communicator, which is essential to a successful result. Paul is very responsive to your needs and questions and makes himself available when necessary in a timely manner. I was extremely fortunate to have a friend who is also an attorney, refer me to Paul. After interviewing a total of five attorneys, it was an easy decision to hire Paul to represent me. I encourage you to interview Paul to represent you in one of the most challenging life events that you will experience. I am confident that you will reach the same decision as I did, and will never regret it. I am one of the few matrimonial clients who can call my counselor a friend after a lengthy divorce.

Awards & Focus

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Family Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Appellate Practice
Special Focus:
  • Appellate
  • Consulting
  • Custody and Other Children’s Issues
  • Domestic Relations
  • Equitable Division
  • Litigation
  • Mediation
Awards:
  • 2017; Named one of the 10 Best Attorneys by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys.
  • Selected to the 2018 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" List, Tier 1 for Metropolitan Chicago Family Law
  • Named one of Illinois' Top 100 Lawyers for 2014-2018 by Super Lawyers

Additional Information

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Case History

Cases
  • Messenger v. Edgar
This was an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. I was successful in having the dissolution action stay declared unconstitutional. The statute imposed an automatic restraint on all divorce litigants' assets, involving signigficant due process concerns.
  • In Re Marriage of Bates
This was an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. I was successful in having the child representative statute declared unconstitutional on due process grounds. Court appointed representatives for children in custody cases had been allowed to issue reports without being cross examined.
  • In Re Marriage of McGrath
This was an appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. I successfully overturned trial court and Appellate Court rulings determining money regularly withdrawn by an non custodial parent to be income for child support purposes. This was a case of first impression.

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