Protect What Matters Most.
A Family Law Planning Guide: 7 smart steps, 3 practical tools, and the honest answers most people wish they’d had sooner.
By Debbie Cohen · Family Law Attorney · Former Cook County Prosecutor & Investigator
Free Guide from a Former Cook County Prosecutor Turned Family Law Attorney
Before You Make Any Decisions About Your Marriage, Read This
The most expensive family law mistakes happen in the first few weeks, before anyone talks to a lawyer. This free guide shows you how to avoid them: 7 smart steps, a printable financial checklist, and the 10 questions to ask any attorney before you hire them.
Instant delivery. Completely confidential. No spam, ever.
This Guide Is for You If...
You’re thinking about divorce but don’t know where to begin, or whether it’s even the right decision.
You’ve just been served and need to understand what happens next.
You’re worried about your children, your home, or your financial future.
You suspect you don’t know the full financial picture of your own marriage.
You want honest information before you talk to anyone, sign anything, or make a single move.
You don’t need to have decided anything. In fact, this guide is most valuable before you decide.
What You’ll Find Inside
The 7 Steps
How to pause before you react, get clear on the money, keep your children at the center instead of in the middle, organize the paperwork that wins cases, understand your four legal paths, define what winning actually means to you, and choose an attorney like your future depends on it. Because it does.
The Financial Documents Checklist
A printable, check-the-box list of every document that matters: tax returns, accounts, retirement plans, property, insurance, and business records. Gather these and you are already ahead of most people who walk into a lawyer’s office.
10 Questions to Ask Any Attorney
Bring this list to every consultation, including one with me. If an attorney dodges these questions, dazzles you with guarantees, or makes you feel foolish for asking, keep looking.
Bonus: The 10 Most Expensive Mistakes
The moves that quietly reshape cases before they begin: moving out, venting online, signing “temporary” agreements, and seven more. Each one avoidable, if you know it’s coming.
Written by Someone Who Has Seen What’s at Stake
I’m Debbie Cohen, a family law attorney based in Northbrook, serving families across Chicagoland and the North Shore.
An Attorney Who Leads With Honesty, Strategy, and Compassion.
Before family law, I spent years as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, prosecuting hundreds of cases, from misdemeanors to murder. I later investigated fraud and misappropriated funds for the Cook County Inspector General’s Office. I learned how cases are really built, and how money really hides.
I moved into family law after watching people I love go through litigious, painful divorces. I wrote this guide because the information in it is what I wish every one of them had before making their first decision.
“I’d rather tell you the truth today than promise you something I can’t deliver tomorrow.” | Debbie Cohen
Former Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney and Special Prosecutor
Former Investigator, Cook County Independent Inspector General’s OfficeWill I be okay financially?
Illinois Super Lawyers honoree, 2025 [confirm current listing]
Practicing since 2000: 25+ years of courtroom and negotiation experience
Written by Someone Who Has Seen What’s at Stake
I’m Debbie Cohen, a family law attorney based in Northbrook, serving families across Chicagoland and the North Shore.
I’m Debbie Cohen, a family law attorney based in Northbrook, serving families across Chicagoland and the North Shore.
Before family law, I spent years as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, prosecuting hundreds of cases, from misdemeanors to murder. I later investigated fraud and misappropriated funds for the Cook County Inspector General’s Office. I learned how cases are really built, and how money really hides.
I moved into family law after watching people I love go through litigious, painful divorces. I wrote this guide because the information in it is what I wish every one of them had before making their first decision.
“I’d rather tell you the truth today than promise you something I can’t deliver tomorrow.” | Debbie Cohen
Former Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney and Special Prosecutor
Former Investigator, Cook County Independent Inspector General’s OfficeWill I be okay financially?
Illinois Super Lawyers honoree, 2025 [confirm current listing]
Practicing since 2000: 25+ years of courtroom and negotiation experience
A few common questions
“Is this really free?”
Completely. No credit card, no catch. You’ll also receive my short email series with honest answers to the questions I hear most. Unsubscribe anytime with one click.
“Will anyone know I downloaded this?”
No. Your information stays private, and nothing about this guide will ever be shared with anyone. Many readers are simply exploring their options quietly. That is exactly who I wrote it for.
“Does downloading this mean I’m getting divorced?”
Not at all. It means you’re getting informed. Some of the people who read this guide work on their marriages. Some wait. Some move forward. Every one of them makes a better decision than they would have made in the dark.
Preparation Beats Panic. Every Time.
Preparation Beats Panic. Every Time.
Whatever brought you to this page, the next chapter of your life deserves thoughtful planning. Start with information. Start quietly. Start today.
Protect your children.
Protect your future.
Protect your peace of mind.
Instant delivery. Completely confidential. Unsubscribe anytime.
Copyright © 2026 Debbie Cohen. All Rights Reserved.
This guide provides general information about Illinois family law and is not legal advice. Downloading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney Advertising. Cohen Law · Northbrook, IL.” Include privacy policy link (required for ad platforms).