Naperville, Illinois · Family Law
Family law
is not a
process.
It is a period of your life.
Three attorneys. Twenty years in Naperville. Calm, honest counsel for families navigating what comes next.
- 20+·Years Serving Naperville
- 500+·Families Represented
- 3·Focused Attorneys
- DuPage & Cook·Primary Practice Counties
What We Handle
Practice
Areas
Family law touches the things that matter most — your children, your home, your financial future. We bring careful legal strategy to each of these areas — and the clear explanations that let you make informed decisions at every step.
Divorce & Separation
Uncontested and contested divorce, legal separation, and annulment proceedings handled with clarity and care.
Child Custody & Parenting
Allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting plans, and relocation disputes — always with your children's stability at center.
Child Support
Establishment, enforcement, and modification of child support obligations under Illinois guidelines.
Property & Asset Division
Equitable distribution of marital property, business interests, retirement accounts, and shared debt.
Post-Decree Modifications
Modifying existing orders when life changes — custody arrangements, support, or parenting time.
Prenuptial Agreements
Drafting and reviewing agreements that protect both parties with full transparency before marriage.
From the Founder
“Every decision in your case belongs to you. Our job is to make sure you understand it before you make it.”
— Margaret Harlow, Founder
The Process
What to
Expect
We believe you should understand every step before it happens. Here is how we work with a new client from the first call to final resolution.
Confidential Consultation
We begin with a private one-hour meeting. No forms to fill out in advance, no judgment when you arrive. Just an honest conversation about where you are and what you need.
Clear Assessment
After listening, we give you a realistic picture of your situation — what the process typically looks like, what it may cost, and what outcomes are realistic. We do not oversell.
Your Strategy
Every family is different. We build a plan around your priorities — a swift resolution, protecting a business, or preserving co-parenting relationships for the long run.
Resolution
Through negotiation and mediation when possible, litigation when necessary. Either way, your interests come first — not a quick close for our calendar.
All consultations are private and confidential.
Our Team
Meet the
Attorneys
Three attorneys, each with a distinct focus — all operating on the same principle: you understand every decision before we make it.
Founder & Managing Attorney
Margaret Harlow
Margaret founded Harlow Family Law Group in 2003 after fifteen years in litigation. She specializes in high-conflict divorce and complex asset division. Her clients describe her as someone who keeps calm when everything else is not. She also serves on the Illinois State Bar Association Family Law Section Council.
Senior Attorney
Daniel Reed
Daniel joined in 2009. His practice centers on parental responsibilities, child support enforcement, and post-decree modifications. He is known for explaining Illinois custody law in plain language — something clients consistently note in reviews.
Associate Attorney
Lauren Beckett
Lauren joined in 2019 after clerking for a DuPage County family court judge. That experience — seeing cases from the bench — gives her a distinct perspective on how courts evaluate competing arguments and what judges actually look for in a filing. Before law school, she studied social work, and that background shapes how she approaches cases involving children and parenting arrangements. She handles divorce, prenuptial agreements, and uncontested matters.
What Clients Say
Heard from the families we have served.
Margaret kept me grounded during the worst year of my life. She was honest when I needed honesty, and compassionate when I needed that instead. I cannot imagine having gone through this without her.
Rebecca T.
Divorce · Naperville
Daniel explained every step before it happened. I never felt lost or left in the dark. When we went back to modify the parenting schedule two years later, he remembered everything.
Marcus L.
Custody Modification · Wheaton
Lauren helped us put together a prenuptial agreement that felt fair and thorough. She made sure we both felt heard, not just my fiancé. That mattered a lot.
Beth A.
Prenuptial Agreement · Lisle
Common Questions
Answers before you call.
Your first meeting is a private, one-hour session with one of our attorneys. We listen to your situation, answer your questions honestly, and explain what the process typically looks like. There is no pressure to hire us, and we will tell you upfront if we are not the right fit.
Illinois requires a six-month separation period before a divorce can be finalized. Uncontested divorces — where both parties agree on all terms — typically conclude in three to six months from filing. Contested cases vary depending on complexity, but most resolve within twelve to eighteen months.
Illinois courts prioritize the best interests of the child. Judges consider each parent's relationship with the child, work schedules, proximity of homes, the child's school and community ties, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. We help you document and present these factors clearly.
Yes — and we actively encourage it when appropriate. Mediation is typically faster, less expensive, and less adversarial than litigation. Our attorneys can represent you during mediation and ensure any agreement reached protects your interests before it becomes binding.
We are transparent about costs from the first conversation. Most family law matters are billed by the hour, and we provide a clear retainer agreement before any work begins. If your situation qualifies, we can discuss whether a payment plan is an option.
Any documents related to your situation — marriage certificate, financial statements, previous court orders, parenting schedules, or written communications you feel are relevant. Do not worry if you do not have everything. We can guide you on what to gather.
Get in Touch
Schedule a Consultation
The first step is a conversation. No obligation — and everything you share is confidential.
Office
Harlow Family Law Group
1840 W. Jefferson Ave., Suite 310
Naperville, IL 60540
Hours
