Marielisa is an experienced litigator that knows how to be a strong advocate at the same time she shows care and compassion to her clients. Marielisa has a unique legal background that will be an asset during your family law case. She has practiced in the courtroom as an attorney for 14 years. Family and juvenile law have always been her primary interests, which is why she obtained a Master’s Degree in Child and Family Law at Loyola University Chicago. Marielisa also has extensive training in issues related to child development, trauma and separation, substance abuse, domestic violence, child abuse, mental health, and many others. Her expertise in managing these difficult and delicate legal matters makes Marielisa the ideal attorney to handle any issues in your case with poise and determination. She is also divorced herself, which gives her a full understanding of what her clients and their children are going through when processing their divorce, separation, or continued litigation afterwards.
In addition to representing adult clients in family and juvenile law matters, Marielisa serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for children and disabled adults in Kendall and Kane Counties, and as conflict counsel for juvenile court in Kendall County. Marielisa really enjoys presenting lectures and seminars to various audiences of attorneys, judges, social workers, court appointed special advocates, and undergraduate students. She is also currently serving as Vice-Chair of the Child Advocacy Section of the DuPage County Bar Association.
Marielisa lives in Yorkville with her husband, her teenage daughter, and her three dogs. She also has an adult son with high functioning autism who lives semi-independently and is often at home. She loves spending time with her family, watching Netflix series, and having her friends over.
Practice Areas:
- Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
- Parentage
- DCFS investigations and juvenile court
- Guardianships of Minors
- Guardianships of Disabled Adults
- Adoptions
- Orders of Protection
- Other family related matters
Education
- Bachelor in Arts, University of Puerto Rico, 2003
- Juris Doctor, University of Puerto Rico, 2007
- Master’s in Child and Family Law, Loyola University Chicago, 2009
Memberships
- DuPage County Bar Association
- Kane County Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
