Michael P. Alvarado has devoted his career to the practice of family law, including divorce, parentage actions, child support, child custody, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, post-decree litigation and adoption matters. Regardless of the dispute, Mr. Alvarado leverages his background in accounting and financial acumen, along with his creative problem-solving skills, to achieve the best possible results for his clients.
Family law and divorce requires clients to trust their attorney’s ability to competently represent them. To this end, Mr. Alvarado is a skilled and zealous advocate and litigator for his clients. He is also skilled at helping clients see that equitable resolutions are possible, offer relief and lead to new beginnings. Mr. Alvarado is also cognizant of how difficult this process can be for clients. “I always keep in mind how traumatic this time is for clients,” he says, noting that “going through a divorce is often as stressful as experiencing the death of a loved one. This loss is life changing and the emotional stages divorce brings on—denial, anger and finally acceptance—can be similar.”
Thanks to his undergraduate degree in accounting, Mr. Alvarado is well equipped to handle the intricate fiscal aspects of divorce and financial disputes, from valuations, property transfers and asset allocations, to tracing missing funds and considering tax ramifications. He also has a creative approach to problem solving when necessary, and finds innovative solutions to resolve legal conflicts efficiently and to help move them toward settlement.
One of Mr. Alvarado’s most significant concerns is educating his clients from the inception of their cases. Divorce and Family Law matters are complicated, and he finds that most people don’t know how the process really works until they are in the middle of it and it’s too late. They may not know what is considered marital or non-martial property until they start to dissolve their marriage, or be aware of all the issues that will influence their settlement. And, in addition to the letter of the law, emotional considerations can influence a settlement. He strives to make his clients aware of all the facts and laws before they make very important decisions.
Mr. Alvarado’s legal competence and superior problem-solving skills have earned him recognition from the larger legal community. He is listed in Super Lawyers’ List of Rising Lawyers. He received Leading Lawyers’ Emerging Lawyer Award and Leading Lawyer Award, which is only awarded to the top 2% of lawyers under 40 or those who have practiced less than 10 years.
Education & Publication
Education
- Illinois State University, B.S., Accounting, 2004
- DePaul University College of Law, J.D., Certificate in Family Law, 2007
Admissions
- Admitted to the Illinois State Bar, 2007
Honors and Awards
- Listed in Rising Stars, Super Lawyers
- Emerging Lawyers Magazine 2016 re Family Lawyer with Heart
- Completed National Family Law Trial Institute
Speaking
- Presenter, IICLE Business Valuation Seminar and IICLE College Contribution Webinar
Community Involvement
- Volunteer, Timothy’s Ministry homeless men’s luncheons, Arlington Heights, Illinois
Articles and Publications
- Prior Editor, The Illinois Practice of Family Law book
Professional Memberships
- Chicago Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association