When I saw the news about Meighan Harmon's leadership role at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, it reminded me of a conversation I had with a client last month. She was three months into her divorce proceedings when her attorney's firm announced a major restructuring. Her first question? "What does this mean for my case?"
It's a question I've heard dozens of times over my career, and it's always valid. Leadership changes at prominent family law firms don't happen in a vacuum—they ripple through the entire legal landscape, including cases already in progress.
Why Firm Leadership Matters in High-Stakes Divorce
Here's what most people don't realize: the culture and strategy of a law firm flows directly from its leadership. When someone like Meighan Harmon steps into a managing partner role at a firm like Schiller DuCanto & Fleck—a firm that's handled some of Chicago's most complex divorce cases—it signals potential shifts in how they approach client service, case strategy, and resource allocation.
I've seen this play out countless times. A new managing partner brings fresh perspectives on everything from settlement negotiations to courtroom tactics. Sometimes that's exactly what a firm needs. Other times, it can create uncertainty during a period when clients need consistency most.
What This Means for Your Active Case
If you're currently working with any major Chicago family law firm, here's what you should be watching for:
Communication patterns. Has your attorney's responsiveness changed? Are emails taking longer? This isn't necessarily about your specific lawyer—firm-wide changes often affect workflow and priorities.
Strategy consistency. If your legal team suddenly suggests a dramatically different approach than what you've been discussing, ask direct questions. Leadership changes sometimes bring strategy shifts, but you deserve to understand the reasoning.
Resource allocation. New leadership often means budget reviews. Will your case still have access to the forensic accountants, valuation experts, and other specialists that complex divorces require?
The Chicago Family Law Landscape
Chicago's family law community is smaller than most people think. When a firm like Schiller DuCanto & Fleck makes leadership changes, other firms take notice. It affects referral patterns, influences how opposing counsel approaches negotiations, and can even impact court scheduling and case timelines.
I've been practicing in this city long enough to see how these shifts play out. The firms that thrive during transitions are the ones that maintain clear communication with clients and stay focused on outcomes rather than internal politics.
Questions You Should Ask Your Attorney
Whether your case is with Schiller DuCanto & Fleck or any other firm experiencing changes, here are the questions that matter:
"How will this transition affect the timeline of my case?" "Will my legal team remain the same?" "Are there any changes to your fee structure or billing practices?" "What's your firm's current capacity for complex financial discovery?"
Don't apologize for asking these questions. When you're dealing with asset division, custody arrangements, or spousal support that will affect your life for years to come, you need complete clarity about your representation.
The Bigger Picture
Leadership changes often signal growth and evolution—usually positive developments. But during your divorce, stability matters more than innovation. You want a legal team that's fully focused on your specific situation, not distracted by internal transitions.
This is exactly why we've structured our practice differently at Steele Family Law. We maintain a lean, focused approach that allows us to give each high-net-worth client the sustained attention their case demands, regardless of what's happening elsewhere in the industry.
Moving Forward
If you're concerned about how recent changes in Chicago's family law landscape might affect your case, trust that instinct. Schedule a conversation with your attorney. And if you're not getting the clear, direct answers you need, remember that you have options.
Your divorce is happening once. You deserve representation that's as focused on your future as you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax implications of divorce in Illinois?
Major tax considerations include: property transfers between spouses are generally tax-free under IRC 1041, maintenance is no longer deductible (post-2018 TCJA), child support has no tax consequences, and basis in transferred assets carries over. Planning can minimize overall tax burden.
Who claims the children on taxes after divorce?
Generally, the custodial parent (more overnights) claims the dependency exemption and child tax credit. However, parents can agree otherwise using IRS Form 8332. Your parenting agreement should specifically address tax benefits, Head of Household status, and education credits.
How does filing status change during divorce?
Your filing status on December 31 determines your status for the entire year. If still legally married on 12/31, options are Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, or potentially Head of Household if separated. Coordinate with your attorney and accountant for optimal timing.
Written by Jonathan D. Steele
Chicago divorce attorney with cybersecurity certifications (Security+, ISC2 CC, Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate). Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Star 2016-2025.
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