Advising Your Client on How to Protect Their Child’s Mental Health in a Divorce

Reed Chisenhall | Schiller, DuCanto & Fleck LLP

Reed Chisenhall is an associate at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck LLP. He focuses his practice on a variety of high net worth pre and post-decree family law matters including the dissolution of marriage, allocation of parenting time and parental rights, child support, maintenance, modification, orders of protection, and parentage. Reed also has experience handling commercial litigation lawsuits which allows him to better serve his business owner clients given his exceptional business acumen and ability to analyze complex financial documents.

Reed is skilled in a wide variety of divorce procedural issues and is an excellent communicator, legal researcher, writer, and analytical problem solver. He ensures to provide close communication with clients on the status of their case, discovery, and settlement negotiations, as well as making himself available to address any concerns which may arise. Reed is proactive in his approach and keeps the lines of communication open with his clients so they always have a voice in their case.

Prior to joining Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, Reed worked as an associate with a Chicago-based family law firm where he handled all aspects of pre- and post-decree divorce and custody cases, as well as orders of protection. He worked closely with senior partners on drafting complex pleadings and motions, conducting legal research, drafting memoranda, developing case strategy and more. In addition to his associate position, Reed was also a post-graduate fellow of the Loyola University Chicago Community Law Center where he provided pro bono legal services for veterans in divorce, child support, and guardianship cases. Reed also served as a guardian ad litem in custody cases.

Reed earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2020. While in law school, he was named to the Dean’s List multiple semesters, served as a Senior Editor of the International Law Review, worked as a tutor and professor’s assistant for First Year Legal Writing and was the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2018 Midwest Regional Runner-Up. Reed graduated with honors from Furman University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Spanish. He also completed a language immersion study abroad program through Universidad Nebrija in Madrid, Spain.

Dillon O’Toole | Schiller, DuCanto & Fleck LLP

As an Associate at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, LLP, Dillon O’Toole focuses his practice on intricate financial matters, sophisticated legal issues, and child custody disputes. Dillon understands that a family dispute can be complex and emotionally taxing, which is why he strives to effectively communicate and provide individualized attention to each and every client. Dillon believes that mutual trust is the key to a successful attorney-client relationship, and he prides himself on being an approachable resource to all clients. Family law clients stand to benefit from his zealous advocacy and diverse educational and professional experiences.

Dillon began his legal career at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, LLP as a law clerk in 2016 and was hired as an Associate in 2018. He earned his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in 2018 where he focused his studies on Litigation, Business, Real Estate, Tax, and Family Law. At John Marshall, Dillon received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Income Taxation and Real Estate Transactions, an honor awarded to the highest scoring student in a law school class.

During law school, Dillon paired his passion for family law with a wealth of practical experience. As an Executive Board Member for the John Marshall Family Law Society, he drafted and distributed legal memoranda outlining the statutory changes relevant to the practice of family law. Dillon further enhanced his practical skills as a contributing member of the John Marshall Domestic Violence and Family Law Clinic where he worked with clients to create goals and objectives, discuss available options, and form efficient and effective plans for representation.

Dillon received his Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During his time at The University of Illinois, Dillon worked hand in hand with the Interfraternity Council (IFC) to ensure the U of I Greek community was acting in compliance with the IFC’s Constitution and Bylaws.

I. Advising your client on how to inform the child of the divorce (when and how) | 11:00am – 11:12am

II. Advising your client not to discuss any court proceedings with the child | 11:12am – 11:24am

III. How to tailor your approach to the child’s age | 11:24am – 11:36am

IV. Preventing your client’s emotions from financially harming the child | 11:36am – 11:48am

V. Ensuring your client does not villainize the other party | 11:48am – 12:00pm

Break | 12:00pm – 12:10pm

VI. Advising your client not to set expectations with the child while proceedings are still pending (parenting time, vacation time, school arrangements, etc.) | 12:10pm – 12:25pm

VII. When to introduce a guardian ad litem and how to discuss this with a child | 12:25pm – 12:40pm