The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C.

The 2nd star for this review only comes from our final outcome of the case going our way. Our very first meeting went very well and we were assured this would be an easy case for terminating parental rights and moving forward with adoption. After that initial meeting, things went down hill. Communication seemed very limited with constant emails on our side reaching out about questions and paperwork that would go days/weeks without a response, not to mention every single document we received from the assistant of the attorney had someone's personal information incorrect or misspelled and when informed of this, she would tell us "it doesn't really matter". I would think a law firm would take pride in spelling legal documents correctly especially personal information like names, DOB and contact information. Overall it was an 8 month process from our first meeting to our final court date where we finally gained full custody of our child from an absent/neglectful "parent" however it appeared more nerve-wrecking and hectic due to the lack of professionalism by the attorney and supporting staff.

I chose Stogsdill Law Firm based on a strong reputation and all of my expectations were exceeded. Brett Williamson is my divorce attorney and I am completely satisfied. He is a skilled litigator, to the point, and gives level headed advice that never wasted my time or my money. He saw me through a contentious divorce that went to trial, was appealed, and in both circumstances we won. He guided me through a difficult custody issue to my satisfaction and crafted a strategy he knows is in the best interest of my family and one that will win. I went into this divorce thinking it would be smooth and that I wouldn't need such a skilled firm. I am so thankful I went with the best when things turned for the worst.

As the president of a professional services firm myself, I know what clients expect and deserve when they hire us. I am not an attorney but had high hopes when I hired the Stogsdill firm to handle a post-decree matter for me. Unfortunately, I got little of what was promised or expected from a firm of that supposed reputation. The attorney assigned to me was indifferent and did not care about me or the case. I had to coach him through most of the process and then I found that he walked me right into a trap laid by opposing counsel. Needless to say, the results were tragic and unnecessary. What adds insult to injury is the fact that, when confronted with the situation, the fim's principal did not even have the courtesy to call or request a meeting. Instead, they took action against me. So now I am worse off than I was before engaging this firm and am fighting a protracted battle with the very firm that I hired to help me. Needless to say, I would recommend further due diligence among the many fine firms in Wheaton.

Michael Murphy was able to walk me through the entire process and manage expectations. Would definitely recommend him. The staff was also very polite and responsive.

Chris Zaruba has been the single most effective and supportive member of the support system I've relied on during separation from my ex-partner. If it wasn't for him, the manipulation and abuse I was enduring would have resulted in the loss of my parental rights. He has been my guardian angel. Cannot possibly recommend this firm highly enough!!!

I do not recommend this firm based on my experience. I regularly prepared my attorney in advance of status hearings, including where matters stood and documentation already provided. Despite this, issues that could have been resolved in a single hearing were repeatedly delayed. More than once, after private discussions between counsel, I was told payments from many months prior were being questioned—even though receipts had already been provided and noted. This pattern caused unnecessary delays and added months to the process. There were also instances that raised serious concerns for me regarding confidentiality. In one situation, information I had shared privately with my attorney appeared to be known by opposing counsel. In another, my child relayed that opposing counsel referenced something my attorney and I had discussed in confidence. Whether accurate or not, this created a loss of trust. Communication was another major issue. During one call where I expressed frustration about ongoing delays, I was told to "shut up," after which the call was disconnected. That interaction was shocking and unprofessional. After more than three years in this process, I later learned that opposing counsel’s office was located very close to this firm. While this may be common in legal communities, it added to my concern given how isolated I felt throughout the case. Frequently, I felt outnumbered rather than represented. What was already a difficult situation was made significantly worse. The divorce decree was issued in the fall, yet I am still attempting to close my file and obtain the remaining balance of my retainer months later. Based on my experience, I would advise others to proceed with caution.

Chris Zaruba is an exceptional attorney who earns my highest recommendation. He is a man of immense integrity; you can trust him implicitly because he is consistently truthful, intelligent, and realistic. Every time I met with him, I walked away feeling better about my situation. Chris has a sharp, analytical mind and never wastes time, always getting straight to the point. While he is efficient, he is also deeply sympathetic and genuinely cares about achieving the best possible outcome for his clients. Chris is meticulous in his preparation and excels at bracing you for what to expect in court. His mathematical mind allows him to quickly grasp complex financial assets and accurately calculate the probability of various outcomes. He provides sound advice and presents all the facts clearly so you can make informed decisions. In a crowded field, Chris stands out as a 'bright shining light'—someone I admire both as an attorney and as an individual. Furthermore, Chris is always mindful of your costs. He is upfront about billing and provides practical tips on how to keep expenses reasonable. Because he is so successful, he prioritizes your results over his bottom line. He truly is the 'Michael Jordan' of family law in DuPage County. Michael Murphy, who works alongside Chris, is also an exceptional attorney. Early on, Michael provided invaluable counsel over the phone for several unique situations. He is highly analytical and has a gift for explaining complex legal ideas simply. Like Chris, Michael is a man of integrity—honest, fair, and skilled at reading people to develop unique strategies. He understands the law deeply and is fierce about protecting your rights. The Stogsdill Law Firm is an outstanding practice, and I am impressed with everyone I have met there. I give the firm, Chris, and Michael my highest possible rating!