I’ve been in a drawn-out divorce for over a year. While we were still living together, my ex secretly retained an attorney and stonewalled every attempt at an amicable split. I only found out when I came across her retainer agreement.

Once her attorney got involved, the “silver bullet” stuff started, and any amicable communication stopped. I own a pre-marital business (13+ years). She handled the books for ~6 years and texted me that everything was reconciled through July 2024. After I was hit with an OP out of nowhere, I learned 2024 wasn’t reconciled at all. My accountant (who worked with her in prior years) confirmed there were never issues before this.

Because the case is “open,” I lost a critical ~Over 180+k SBA loan and my business went into crisis. I’ve been sleeping in the basement of my retail shop for 6+ months. My credit tanked from almost 800 to under 400. I’m getting hammered by creditors, but if I file bankruptcy I lose the equity in my house—which I need now more than ever.

There’s never been any history of aggression toward my wife or kids. The allegations are unfounded, yet I’m under parental restrictions that no one can explain. Her attorney includes my kids in everything, when they have nothing to do with the "accusations". The OP even got sent to the YMCA where I was coaching my 5-year-old’s soccer team; I got removed as head coach and then she didn’t take our son back to finish the season. It was the highlight of my week and my son was proud I was his coach. I’ve been dealing with severe parental alienation before and throughout this.

I’ve also had serious due-process issues, I have documented over 18 so far. I spent a weekend in jail because a support payment hit the next morning instead of Thursday evening—then proved I was just waiting for my check to clear. Meanwhile, she breaks orders with zero repercussions. Now I’m being told to submit 10 job searches a week to her attorney by Thursday or spend the weekend in jail—even though I’m a full-time business owner. The collapse wasn’t from lack of work; it was losing the loan and all my credit. I’m working double to rebuild.

I’ve been through three attorneys. None have fought for my rights or pushed back on obvious nonsense. At this point I’m wondering if there’s something going on behind the scenes. I feel like I have strong evidence of intentional sabotage and real damages to my life and business, but I can’t get anyone to give it a fair look.

Right now I’m temporarily without counsel and suddenly everyone’s in a rush to “wrap it up.” I need help—either a family law attorney who will actually press the law in court, or someone who can evaluate potential civil claims tied to the damages.

What I’m looking for:

  • An Illinois family law attorney (bonus if experienced with OP misuse, parental alienation, and cases involving small-business owners).
  • Someone who will enforce case law, push back on baseless restrictions, and hold both sides to the orders.
  • If you’ve had a good experience, please share names (or DM if you prefer).

-Thanks in advance for any help or guidance

TL;DR: Over a year into a hostile divorce in IL. Lost a $200k SBA loan because the case is “open,” business spiraled, living at my shop, credit destroyed. OP used to derail coaching my kid. Parental restrictions without cause, alienation, and contempt findings over things outside my control while her violations go unchecked. Three attorneys in and no one fights. Need a strong Illinois attorney who will actually take this seriously and enforce the law.