Hicks & Spector LLC

Family Law & Estate Planning Attorneys and Legal Services

Our Services

Divorce

Divorce affects a family for many years into the future. A person going through a divorce needs an attorney with experience.

Mediation

Hicks & Spector LLC provides mediation services for families going through divorce and custody disputes.

Child Custody

Determining how decisions will be made and a parenting time schedule are often the most difficult issues parents face in family court

Wills

There are many reasons to execute a Will, including the designation of a Guardian of minor children

Child Support

Child support can be a complicated issue and knowledge of child support laws including how to calculate net income is vital.

Trusts

It is important that everyone have an estate plan that fits their needs. Contact us to discuss the benefits of a trust

Welcome to Hicks & Spector LLC: Your Trusted Family Law Attorneys

At Hicks & Spector, we understand that family law matters can be some of the most challenging experiences in life. With our extensive knowledge and experience in family law, we are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal solutions tailored to your unique situation.

Our Knowledge in Family Law

Our team possesses a deep understanding of family law, including divorce, child custody, child support agreements, and more. We stay updated on the latest legal developments, ensuring that our clients receive the best advice based on current laws and regulations. We have practiced extensively in St. Clair, Madison, and Monroe counties and are familiar with the practices and rulings of the judges. Our knowledge enables us to navigate complex legal issues, providing clarity and direction for our clients.

Experience You can Trust

With over 30 years of experience in family law, we have successfully represented client in various divorce and child related matters. Our seasoned attorneys bring a wealth of experience to the table, ensuring you have a skilled advocate on your side. We pride ourselves on our ability to handle cases with sensitivity and professionalism, always prioritizing the best interest of our clients and their families.

Why choose us?

Personalized Attention: We believe that every case is unique. Our approach is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you receive personalized legal support.
Strategic Solutions: Leveraging our knowledge and experience, we develop strategic solutions that align with your goals, whether it’s negotiating a settlement or representing you in court.
Supportive Environment: Our firm fosters a supportive environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

Get Started Today

If you are facing a family law issue, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let our knowledge, experience, and client first approach work for you.

Our Lawyers

Kelly Garrett-Hicks JD

Partner

Amy F. Spector JD MBA

Partner

At Hicks & Spector LLC, we understand that planning for the future can be a complex journey. Our expertise in estate planning and probate law ensure that you have the guidance you need to navigate these important processes with confidence.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

Estate planning is essential for protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are honored. Our knowledgeable attorneys specialize in creating personalized estate plans that may include wills, trusts, power of attorney, and healthcare directives. We take the time to understand your unique situation and goals, helping you craft a plan that reflects your values and protects your loved ones.

Why is Estate Planning Important?

Asset Protection: Proper estate planning helps safeguard your assets from unnecessary taxes and legal complications.

Control Over Distribution: With a will structured estate plan, you can dictate how your assets will be distributed after your passing, ensuring your wishes are fulfilled.

Minimize Family Disputes: Clear estate planning can help reduce potential conflicts among family members, promoting harmony during difficult times.

Expertise in Probate Law

When a loved one passes away, navigating the probate process can be overwhelming. Our experienced probate attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the way. We assist with:

Understanding Probate: We help clients understand the probate process, timelines, and requirements, making it less daunting.

Probate Administration: Our team provides comprehensive support in administering estates, ensuring all legal obligations are met.

Dispute Resolution: If disputes arise during probate, we are equipped to handle conflicts efficiently, working towards a resolution that honors the deceased’s wishes.

Why choose Hicks & Spector LLC?

Personalized Approach: We believe in providing tailored solutions to meet your specific estate planning and probate needs.

Experienced Guidance: Our attorneys have extensive experience in estate planning and probate law, offering you peace of mind and expert advice.

Compassionate Support: We understand the emotional challenges involved in these processes. Our team is committed to providing compassional and understanding support to oyou and your family.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Hicks & Spector LLC today to schedule a consultation. Let our expertise in estate planning and probate law help you secure peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Mediation plays a crucial role in resolving family law disputes by providing an alternative to traditional litigation. Here are some key aspects of mediation in this context:

Facilitated Communication: Mediation allows parties to communicate openly and directly, with the help of a neutral third-party mediator. This can help reduce misunderstandings and foster a collaborative environment.
Cost-Effective: Compared to litigation, mediation is often more affordable. It typically requires fewer resources in terms of time and legal fees, making it an attractive option for families.
Control over outcomes: In mediation, the parties have more control over the outcome. They can work together to create solutions that are mutually satisfactory, rather than having decisions imposed on them by a judge.
Confidentiality: Mediation sessions are private, which means that discussions and agreements are not part of the public record. This confidentiality can encourage open dialogue and honest negotiations.
Focus on Interests: Mediation emphasizes the interests and needs of both parties rather than their positions. This approach can lead to more creative and flexible solutions that address the underlying concerns of both sides.
Faster Resolutions: Mediation can often lead to quicker resolutions compared to court proceedings, which can be protracted and drawn out. This can help families move forward more swiftly.
Preservation of Relationships: Especially in family law, maintaining relationships is important. Mediation encourages cooperation and communication, which can be beneficial for ongoing relationships, particularly in cases involving children.
Tailored Solutions: Mediators can help parties develop customized solutions that are specific to their circumstances, rather than relying on standard court orders that may not fit their unique situation.
Topics: All aspects of family cases can be mediated. Child issues such as custody and parenting time (visitation) are addressed first. Then issues of maintenance (alimony), child support, marital residence, and division of property and debts can be mediated as well.

Overall, mediation serves as an effective tool in family law disputes, promoting resolution through cooperation and understanding rather than conflict and adversarial proceedings.

FAQs

What should I bring to my initial consultation?
How much will it cost to hire an attorney?
The total cost of your case depends on a number of factors such as the type of case and its complexity. For estate planning cases, we charge a flat fee. The amount is based on the complexity and needs of the estate plan. For most other types of cases, we charge by the hour and require a retainer. The amount of the retainer varies on the type and nature of the case, but usually ranges between $1,500.00 and $3,000.00. The retainer usually will not cover the entire cost of the case. Attorney’s fees will be discussed in detail during your consultation.
What is the divorce process?
How long does divorce take?
What if I cannot make it into the office for my consultation?

Your question is not here?

Recent Blog Entries

April 29, 2025

Child Support Updates for 2025

Child Support: Key Facts for Families in IllinoisUpdated for 2025Child support is an essential aspect of family law that ensures children receive the financial support they need after a separation or divorce. For parents in Illinois, understanding the latest guidelines, including updates to Section 505, can make all the difference in navigating child support cases […]

January 16, 2025

How does a Trust differ from a Will in Estate Planning?

Definition -Will: A legal document that outlines how a person’s assets and affairs will be handled after their death. It only takes effect upon death and is subject to probate. -Trust: A legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Trusts can take effect during a person’s lifetime or after […]

June 30, 2023

Contested Divorce Process

Contested Divorce Process What is the process for completing a contested divorce? One of the most common questions that we receive is in regard to the possible steps that are involved in completing a contested divorce. Our flowchart on this page shows the potential steps that you may encounter when completing a contested divorce in […]