Deborah Susan Cohen

Bar / Professional Activity

• Illinois State Bar, Member
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
• Northwest Suburban Bar Association, 2024
• Chicago Bar Association, 2025

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

• Successfully represented a client where the opposing party filed a relocation matter and moved my client's eight (8) year old child to Florida, 2023
• Represented client in a child custody situation involving multiple jurisdictions falling under the UCCJEA. Successfully obtained a finding of Illinois jurisdiction for client and child, 2022.
• Represented Petitioner in an Order of Protection Matter, where her ex-boyfriend was stalking and harassing the client. Successfully obtained a 2-year Order of Protection, 2023.
• Represented wife in a contested divorce. Wife had been a stay-at-home mom when Dad filed for divorce, moved in with his girlfriend, and demanded Wife obtain immediate employment and sell and move out of the marital house. Settled matter with husband making guaranteed maintenance payments (non-modifiable for x amount of time) and child support payments to my client and obtaining an equitable share of the marital estate to my client, 2024.
• Represented husband who desired to amicably resolve divorce with wife. Successfully settled the matter amicably within a few months, 2024.
• Successfully defended Respondent in a heavily contested Order of Protection matter, resulting in the Judge denying/dismissing the Petitioner's feigned request for an Order of Protection, 2023.

Special Licenses / Certifications

• Certified Mediator, CCR, 2022
• Licensed Real Estate Broker, 2017
• Certified Inspector General Investigator, 2016
• Certified Cook County Arbitrator, 2007
• Northern District of Illinois, 2003

Pro bono / Community Service

• Dedicate at least 10% of time to pro bono matters, 2023

Educational Background

• University of Wisconsin-Madison, B.A. Communications, 1996

Honors

• Best Trial Advocate

Awards

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Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com

“Very Skilled attorney both in the courtroom and out. Exceptional at litigation and negotiation.”

“Attorney Cohen is an amazing family law attorney. She is a skilled litigator but has compassion for her clients.”

“An amazing compationate attorney specializing in Family Law”

“Exceptional matrimonial attorney. Even better human being. One of the finest litigators I’ve ever encountered. Ethically unrivaled.”

“I referred a family law matter to Debbie and she did an excellent job of handling. First Rate!”

“I have known Debbie since her days as an assistant states attorney in the fourth municipal district courthouse of cook county (maywood, Illinois) where I tried several cases against her as a criminal defense attorney. I can unequivocally state that Debbie was the most prepared, professional and competent of all states attorneys I encountered in the early to mid 2000's in that courtroom. Outstanding cross examiner, impeccable knowledge of the facts of each case, and the utmost professional in terms of demeanor and interaction with defense attorneys. As a private practitioner, she has transitioned into the matrimonial field and enjoys a stellar reputation amongst her peers. I do not hesitate to refer any matrimonial case that may come across my office and every client my office has referred has come away fully satisfied with her effort, performance and professionalism. I highly recommend this attorney as a Super Lawyer candidate. Absolutely outsatnding.”