The Law Office of Dawn R. Underhill - Joliet, IL
The Law Office of Dawn R. Underhill offers dedicated family law, divorce, and estate planning representation in Joliet, Illinois. Founded in 2006 by a former assistant state prosecutor with more than three decades of legal experience, attorney Underhill provides personalized guidance, free initial consultations, and compassionate advocacy.
Compassionate Family Law and Divorce Advocacy in Joliet, Illinois
Family legal disputes are among the most stressful challenges an individual or parent can experience. At The Law Office of Dawn R. Underhill, clients receive seasoned legal guidance paired with direct, personal attention from start to finish. Established in 2006 and located at 63 W Jefferson St in Joliet, this solo practice helps individuals navigate divorce, parental rights, and estate planning. Whether you are looking to hire a divorce attorney to safeguard assets or need to find an attorney to resolve custody disputes, attorney Dawn R. Underhill stands prepared to advocate for your family in Will County courts.
Decades of Prosecutorial and Private Practice Experience
Attorney Dawn R. Underhill brings over thirty years of focused legal insight to every client matter. After earning her psychology degree from Loyola University of Chicago in 1988 and her Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1991, she served for eight years as an Assistant State's Attorney for Will County. Working across both civil and criminal divisions provided attorney Underhill with a comprehensive mastery of evidentiary standards, court procedure, and assertive negotiation.
Her dedication is demonstrated by ten years of service on the Committee on Character and Fitness for the Third District, appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court. Recognized by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys among the 10 Best Law Firms, attorney Underhill combines psychological acumen with assertive legal advocacy to defuse contentious disputes while defending her clients' core interests.
Comprehensive Family Law and Marital Dissolution Practice
When domestic changes necessitate legal proceedings, The Law Office of Dawn R. Underhill delivers tailored representation across essential areas of Illinois family law, including:
- Divorce and legal separation, managing uncontested filings as well as complex contested asset division under Illinois equitable distribution rules.
- Child custody and parental responsibilities, creating comprehensive parenting plans that preserve parental bonds and outline decision-making roles.
- Child support enforcement and modification, calculating statutory obligations and petitioning for adjustments due to income or healthcare changes.
- Paternity and parentage establishment, confirming legal parentage to establish parental rights, visitation schedules, and appropriate child financial support.
- Spousal maintenance and alimony, advocating for fair maintenance determinations based on career sacrifices, financial resources, and marriage length.
- Prenuptial agreement drafting and review, assisting couples with legally sound agreements that protect individual premarital assets.
Estate Planning and Real Estate Legal Services
In addition to family law advocacy, attorney Underhill assists Joliet area residents with essential life planning and property transactions to preserve financial security:
- Estate planning and wills, drafting clear last wills and testaments that designate asset beneficiaries and nominate guardians for minor children.
- Power of attorney execution, preparing durable financial powers of attorney and statutory healthcare directives for unexpected incapacity.
- Residential real estate closings, reviewing purchase agreements, examining title reports, and protecting home buyers and sellers during real estate transactions.
- Contract review and preparation, providing insightful legal counsel to ensure personal and business contracts comply fully with Illinois law.
Direct Attorney Access and Individualized Client Care
As a boutique solo practice, The Law Office of Dawn R. Underhill ensures that your legal matter is never handed off to an associate. Every consultation, pleading, and settlement conference is managed personally by attorney Dawn Underhill. The firm offers free initial consultations to review your circumstances and outline practical legal options. Structured retainer options and payment plans are available. Contact the Joliet office today to arrange your confidential legal consultation.
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Location & Access
Primary Address
Located in the heart of the downtown Joliet City Center district, situated on the next block east of City Hall.
Building Location
This is a historic two-story commercial office building built around 1924, known as the Reed Building. It is located on W Jefferson Street, near local landmarks like the Joliet Route 66 Diner and the Rialto Square Theatre.
Parking Details
Street-side public parking is available along W Jefferson Street, and there are additional surface parking lots and municipal decks within walking distance.
Public Transit
Served by Pace Route 501 (West Jefferson); nearest stop is at Jefferson & Joliet.
Accessibility / Suite Access
Enter the Reed Building through the main entrance on W Jefferson Street. The office is on the ground floor, where you can head directly to Suite 101.