Carlton R. Marcyan
Top rated Family Law attorney in Lake Forest, Illinois
Jackson Buckley & Pfanenstiel, LLP
Practice areas: Family Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution; view more
Licensed in Illinois since: 1981
Education: University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
Call today:
847-449-5054
Jackson Buckley & Pfanenstiel, LLP
1044 N. Western AveSuite F
Lake Forest, IL 60045 Visit website
At Marcyan Mediation in Lake Forest, Illinois, Carlton R. Marcyan is a highly regarded attorney and CPA who is celebrated for his rich experience in litigation, negotiation and conflict resolution. He has honed his focus on mediation and the collaborative divorce process, dealing adeptly with complex issues like asset valuation, property distribution and alternative dispute resolution. His deep understanding of accounting and taxation further enriches his practice. He creates a welcoming and supportive environment for clients, guiding them through the process to achieve positive outcomes.
Mr. Marcyan's distinguished reputation in legal, financial and business circles often leads him to represent prominent individuals and businesses. He is committed to finding innovative solutions for his clients, always valuing respect and attentive listening. A pioneer in collaborative law, he tailors the divorce process to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring a fair and just resolution. His honorable service in the United States Marine Corps adds to his commendable profile.
As a certified divorce financial analyst, financial planner and public accountant, Mr. Marcyan’s comprehensive training allows him to proficiently guide clients through financial matters related to divorce and business transactions. His active involvement in professional and local communities includes serving as president of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts and the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, now known as Collaborative Divorce Illinois.
Educationally, Mr. Marcyan boasts a J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, an M.A. in conflict resolution from Dominican University and an M.B.A. focused on organizational behavior from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. He has also earned credentials in mediation skills training and professional achievement in family and divorce mediation from Dominican University and DePaul University, respectively.
Throughout his illustrious four-decade career, Mr. Marcyan has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being listed among The Best Lawyers in America since 2005. He has shared his knowledge through speaking engagements on topics like financial planning, domestic relations law and tax law, and has taught at The University of Chicago and Northeastern Illinois. Currently, he serves as of counsel at a boutique family law firm in the Chicagoland area.
Practice areas
Family Law, Alternative Dispute ResolutionFocus areas
Adoption, Alimony & Spousal Support, Arbitration, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Dissolution, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Father's Rights, Juvenile Law, Marital Property, Mediation, Mediation & Collaborative Law, Name Change, Paternity, Prenuptial Agreements, Same Sex Family Law
- 70% Family Law
- 30% Alternative Dispute Resolution
First Admitted: 1981, Illinois
Bar / Professional Activity
- Illinois State Bar Association ADR committee , 2024
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
- Advocates Society of Polish Lawyers – Chicago, Former President, 1981 – Present
- International Academy of Family Lawyers, Fellow, 2008 – Present
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Past Family Law Task Force Member, 1988– Present
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Past Treasurer and Governor of Illinois Chapter, 1998 – Present
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow, 1998 – Present
- Chicago Bar Association, Past Judicial Evaluation Committee
- American Bar Association Family Law Section, Litigation Sub-Committee; Former Vice Chair; Former Taxation Committee Chair, 1981 – Present
- Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants, Former Executive Committee – Special Interest Group Member, 1978 – Present
- Illinois State Bar Association, Former Task Force on Collaborative Law Member; Former Family Law Section Council Member, 1981 – Present
- Lake County Bar Association, 2000 – Present
- Lake County Bar Foundation, Former President
- Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois, Former President
- U.S. District Court, 1981
- U.S. Supreme Court, 1996
- Illinois, 1981
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC), Former President of Illinois Chapter
Representative Clients
- Individuals and their spouses who are: Corporate Executives of major business and corporations; Public Officials; Professional Athletes; Entrepreneurs as well as those whose assets and holdings are complicated and/or fall in the top 1% of wealth in the country.
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Certified Financial Planner, 1991
- Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, 2000
- Certificate of Mediation Skills Training, 2018
- Certified Public Accountant, Illinois, 1978 to current.
Pro bono / Community Service
- Marine Military Academy, Trustee, 2015 – Present; Member of Board of Advisors, 2013 – 2015
- United States Marine Corps, Honorably Discharged, 1973 – 1975
- Chicago Crime Commission Former Member
- Union League Club of Chicago, Metropolitan Member, 2008 – 2019
- Copernicus Foundation, Former Director
- American Legion Post 264 Lake Forest, Illinois
- Polish American Association, Chair, 1991 – 1992
- Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Rotary Club, 2004 – Present; President, 2017 – 2018
Educational Background
- Kalamazoo College, 1972-1974
- The University of Chicago, courses on oral and written communication and the Basic Program of Liberal Studies, 2001
- DePaul University, Certificate of Professional Achievement in Family and Divorce Mediation, 2009
- American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Mediation Certification, 2022
- Kalamazoo College; DePaul University, B.S.C., 1976
- Dominican University, M.A., Conflict Resolution, 2021
- Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, M.B.A. with a specialty in Organizational Behavior, honors, 2012
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Trial Techniques and Divorce Taxation, American Bar Association, 1993-1994; Business Law and Accounting, Northeastern Illinois University, 1981-1986; Taxation and Trial Practice, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, 1988- ; Valuation and Financial Planning, Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants, 1990., 2012
- Co-Author, “What Every Estate Planner Should Know About Divorce Laws,” 2005
- Featured, “The Master of ‘Legal Tai Chi’ in Family Law,” Leading Lawyers Network, 2009
- Author, “Collaborative Law Opens Doors To Families with Special Needs Children,”2010
- Author, “Tax Filing or Fooling: Review Your Spouse’s Tax Forms,” 2011
- Contributing Co-Author, Family Law Services Handbook: The Role of the Financial Expert, 2011
- Author, “Discovering Unreported Income,” Family Advocate – American Bar Association, 2011
- Author, “Riders, start your engines,” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 2013
- Featured, “Carlton R. Marcyan: Attorney of the Month,” Attorney at Law Magazine
- Author, “What to Do (and What You Should Have Done Before) When You Need to Attempt to Vacate Your Mediated or Collaboratively Reached Divorce Judgment,” 2017
- Contributing Author, Worry-Free Divorce: Leading Divorce Professionals Speak, 2018
- Author, “Tax Changes: Whether You Like Them or Not, They Are Here!,” 2018
- Author, “Good News for Collaborative Process in Illinois,” 2018
- Author, “New 2019 Illinois Divorce Laws: More Than Just the End of Deductible Maintenance,” 2019
- Featured, “Carlton Marcyan,” Sheridan Road Magazine, 2022
- Guest, Attorney Carlton R. Marcyan, 2023
Honors
- Lawyer of the Year Award, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, 2000
- CVLS award for service to indigent clients., Distinguished Service Award, Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, 2000
- Distinguished Alumni Award, John Marshall Law School Alumni Association, 2003
- Michael Cohen Award, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyer – Illinois Chapter, 2008
- 500 Leading Family Law Lawyers, Law Dragon, 2020
- Top 100 Consumer Lawyer in Illinois, Leading Lawyers Network, 2016
- Top 10 Family Lawyer in Illinois, Leading Lawyers Network, 2016 – 2019
- Number One Collaborative Divorce Attorney in Illinois, Leading Lawyers Network, 2019
- Leading Lawyer, Leading Lawyers Network, 1998 – Present
- Chicago Family Law “Lawyer of the Year,” Best Lawyers, 2012
- Chicago Collaborative Law “Lawyer of the Year,” Best Lawyers, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020
- The Best Lawyers in America, 2005 – Present
- Top 100 in Illinois, Super Lawyers, 2017
- Illinois Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers, 2005 – Present
- 2016 Top Ten Family Lawyer in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Magazine; 2016 Top 100 Consumer Lawyer in Illinois by Leading Lawyers Magazine; 2012 Chicago Family Law "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America; 2011 Chicago Collaborative Law “Lawyer of the Year" - Best Lawyers in America; Listed in The Best Lawyers in America, by Neifeh and Smith (2005-2016); Leading Lawyers Network (1998-2016); Illinois Super Lawyer (2005-2016)
- For outstanding service to the legal community., Distinguished Service Award, John Marshall Law School Alumni Association, 2003
- Contributions to the continuing education of family lawyers in the State of Illinois, The Michael Cohen Award, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers IL, 2008
Industry Groups
- Athletes
- couples
- Entrepreneurs
- Executives
- Individuals
- married
- Professional
- Public Officials
Office location for Carlton R. Marcyan
1044 N. Western Ave
Suite F
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Phone: 847-449-5054
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2005 - 2026