Jeffrey Brend, JD, CPA/ABV, ASA, CFE, AAML
Family Law, Forensic Accounting & Business Valuations

Forensic Divorce Attorney Jeffrey W. Brend, with over 20 years of experience, knows how to find money. Hidden assets, money laundering, and tax and bankruptcy fraud are rampant in today's divorce cases. His approach to the legal, financial, and family-law aspects of divorce cases is uncommon and unique, and Brend can handle any and all issues that your case may involve. Jeffrey has been named an Illinois Super Lawyer and one of America's Premier Attorneys as featured in Newsweek and Fortune Magazine, and on the Sky Radio Networks. Along with being a Forensic Divorce Attorney, Mr. Brend is also a Certified Public Accountant, Business Valuator, and Child Representative who has mastered all of these areas.

An expert in the legal and financial aspects of divorce

"My niche is that I'm the only person in the country who is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, an Accredited Senior Appraiser of the American Society of Appraisers, and an Accredited Business Valuator of the AICPA" says Brend, who is also a Certified Fraud Examiner. Brend is often retained by either party, or appointed by the court, to act as a financial expert. "Since I have litigated hundreds of family-law cases, I have an advantage as a financial expert. I understand what the court will want to hear, and alternatively, I understand what the divorce attorney will need in order to be prepared."

Fulfilling all of the client's needs

With a sophisticated financial background that's almost unheard-of among family-law attorneys, Brend saves clients time and money. "Our practice fulfills all of our clients' needs in divorce," he explains, "including tax, business valuations, forensic accounting, and estate planning. We don't need to hire experts to tell us what the financial documents say; we can do that work ourselves." And though his skills in forensic accounting and business valuations are well recognized, Brend also understands that clients and their children are undergoing great emotional strain. "Have a good therapist help you work through the emotional stress," he advises. "This will help you think objectively about the facts and evidence."

Effective in or out of court

In addition, Brend and his firm are comfortable with both settlement and litigation as methods of divorce resolution. "We have a simple philosophy in handling divorce: we're reasonable outside the courtroom, and we're advocates in the courtroom. We believe in fostering settlements without protracted litigation, because you should be respectful and professional with other attorneys at all times." In fact, Mr. Brend is a member of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois. "But when you litigate a case, you should play to win," he stresses. Brend describes his courtroom style as aggressive: "I live for cross-examination."

Outside of his regular practice, Brend is an adjunct professor at Chicago-Kent Law and is also the co-founder of the Court Facilitator Program at the Daley Center. The program provides experienced, volunteer matrimonial lawyers who help settle Cook County legal disputes. "It's a great service to the court system and the people," Brend explains.

Helping to change lives for the better

A versatile, detail-oriented attorney, Brend appreciates the potential that family law has to change clients' lives for the better. "Practicing family law gives me the opportunity to help people at the time of their greatest needs and emotional vulnerability," he says. His well-rounded background helps achieve a favorable result for every client, in or out of court.

For more information or to book an appointment, please contact:

Jeffrey W. Brend
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2920
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Phone: (312) 726-4440
Fax: (312) 726-0029
e-mail: j.brend@levinbrend.com
web: www.levinbrend.com

Jeffrey W. Brend has written the following articles:

FAQs:

• Financial:
  • "My husband and I own a small business. Who should value this asset?"
  • "Is it better to take more property instead of support or a pension?"
  • "What is one of the most common financial mistakes that people make in a divorce?"

• Legal:
  • "What information should I bring to an initial consultation with my lawyer?"
  • "I'm concerned about protecting the interests of my children. What can I do?"
  • "Are the courts still reluctant to grant custody to fathers?"
  • "Can my spouse and I conduct our own negotiations without our lawyers present? Of course, we'd each have our own lawyer look over any agreement before we signed it."
  • "Is there any legal reason why fathers should not be awarded custody of their children just as often as mothers?"