Curtin Whitcombe LLC

Within the "Nearby Lawyers" platform category, designed to connect local users with specialized legal assistance, Curtin Whitcombe LLC stands out as a highly focused and expert law firm. Located at 732 Florsheim Dr Ste 14, Libertyville, IL 60048, USA, this boutique firm is dedicated exclusively to the intricate process of dividing retirement plans during and after divorce. They can be reached at (847) 549-0253 or via mobile at +1 847-549-0253, providing a direct line to their specialized services.

The environment at Curtin Whitcombe LLC, while not explicitly detailed in terms of physical decor, is characterized by its professional and efficient approach to highly specific legal matters. Client testimonials highlight a "fast, responsive, friendly and very professional" experience, particularly in "hard to expedite situations." This suggests an office culture geared towards meticulous handling of complex paperwork and a supportive atmosphere for clients navigating challenging post-divorce financial divisions. The firm's specialization inherently means they provide a streamlined and expert environment, cutting through the confusion often associated with Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and other retirement division matters. Their focus ensures that clients are dealing with professionals who have deep knowledge and experience in this very niche area of law, which can alleviate much of the stress for individuals dealing with such complex financial instruments during a divorce.

The services offered by Curtin Whitcombe LLC are highly specialized, focusing solely on the division of retirement plans. This includes the preparation and entry of Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) and other court orders necessary to divide retirement benefits. QDROs are legal documents, typically part of a divorce agreement, that recognize an alternate payee's (usually a former spouse) right to receive a predefined portion of the account owner's retirement plan assets. The firm's expertise extends to a myriad of retirement plans, encompassing various federal and state laws, as well as the specific rules and procedures of individual retirement plan administrators. While they primarily handle orders in Cook, Lake, DuPage, and McHenry Counties in Illinois, they can draft orders for any county, within or outside of Illinois. Beyond drafting orders, their services also include consulting with attorneys regarding Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) drafting, reviewing retirement division orders prepared by other attorneys or services, registering foreign judgments for the purpose of entering QILDROs for Illinois State pensions, and calculating the marital and non-marital portions of defined benefit plans. This deep level of specialization is crucial because retirement division can be extremely complex, often involving different federal and state laws, and each retirement plan having its own unique rules and procedures. Many general divorce attorneys refer their clients to specialized firms like Curtin Whitcombe LLC precisely because of this complexity, underscoring the vital role they play in the legal landscape for divorced individuals.

A significant feature of Curtin Whitcombe LLC is its specialized expertise. Formed in 2020 by Managing Partner Rebecca Whitcombe and retired Partner Kathleen Curtin, the firm leverages substantial prior experience. Rebecca Whitcombe spent two decades practicing family law as a litigator, mediator, and child representative before forming the firm. Kathleen Curtin, prior to the firm's inception, established a practice solely focused on retirement division, gaining a reputation for superior knowledge in all QDRO-related matters. This combined experience makes Curtin Whitcombe LLC a leading firm in Northern Illinois for the division of retirement assets. Their streamlined process aims to make the often frustrating and time-consuming process of getting QDROs approved and finalized more manageable. The testimonials reinforce this, with clients praising Attorney Rebecca Whitcombe and her Assistant, Tracie, for being "fast, responsive, friendly and very professional." This team-oriented approach ensures efficient and empathetic handling of sensitive financial matters during a difficult time in clients' lives. The firm’s concentration on personalized and cost-effective QDRO support for both attorneys and direct parties further highlights their client-centric features.

In terms of promotional information, Curtin Whitcombe LLC positions itself as the go-to expert for Qualified Domestic Relations Orders and retirement plan division. Their website, cwqdros.com, serves as a primary resource, emphasizing their superior services and their ability to cut through the confusion of retirement plan division. The firm's formation by experienced attorneys specifically to address this complex need speaks to their dedication and focus. By highlighting their ability to draft orders for any county and their experience with a myriad of retirement plans, they convey their broad reach and comprehensive understanding. The strong positive review from a real customer recommending Attorney Rebecca Whitcombe and her assistant Tracie for expediting QDRO matters serves as powerful social proof of their effectiveness and client satisfaction. For local users on the "Nearby Lawyers" platform, this firm provides a clear and compelling solution for a very specific and often overlooked legal need. Their specialization means they are not generalists, but rather highly skilled professionals who can navigate the intricacies of retirement benefit division with precision and efficiency, ensuring that clients receive the benefits they are entitled to post-divorce. The firm's commitment to personalized and cost-effective support further enhances their appeal to individuals seeking specialized legal assistance in this area.