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Denise J. Patton,

Attorney at Law, has been practicing law in Illinois for over 26 years and is a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys.

MISSION STATEMENT

I am committed to providing the most compassionate and professional legal services and guidance to clients seeking to build their families through Adoption, Surrogacy, or Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

EXPERIENCE

EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND

  • Over 26 years experience as an Illinois Adoption Attorney

  • Over 17 years of experience in the area of Assisted Reproductive Technology

  • Successfully completed over two thousand adoptions

  • Adoptive Parent & former licensed Foster Parent

  • Graduate of DePaul University's Law School (Juris Doctor)

  • Appointed as Guardian ad Litem for children in hundreds of adoption cases in Cook County

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RECOGNITION

  • Named in Leading Lawyers as one of the top lawyers in the state in the area of Adoption Law 

  • Given one of the highest scores in the country by the Avvo.com Legal Rating site 

  • IICLE Adoption Law (Illinois) Chapter Author: 2006 & 2011 & 2020 Editions

  • Chairwoman of Chicago Bar Association's Adoption Law Committee 2016-2017 & 2001-2002 

  • Vice Chairwoman of Chicago Bar Association's Adoption Law Committee 2015-2016

  • Named one of the Ten Best Law Firms by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys for exceptional and outstanding client service 2019-2020

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MEMBERSHIPS

  • Member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys since 2002 to 2019

  • Member of the American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys 2009 to 2019

  • Member of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys 2019 to present

  • Member of the Chicago Bar Association and its Adoption Law Committee since 1996

For over 21 years, I have devoted my law practice to adoption and infertility law issues. I have successfully completed over two thousand adoptions in Illinois. I have drafted/reviewed hundreds of contracts for parties in surrogacy and egg donation arrangements. 

 

I have presented at many adoption conferences, conducted informational seminars and written articles educating prospective adoptive parents, adoption professionals and fellow attorneys on the different types of adoptions, the adoption process, and the financial benefits available to adoptive parents.

 

Prior to receiving my J.D., I was employed as an Adoption Specialist for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. In this capacity I monitored, assisted, trained and educated private agencies on the adoption process. After graduating from law school, I worked as an attorney for the Department of Children and Family Services. I assisted in expanding the Department's Expedited Adoption Program which was a program created to minimize the amount of time children were waiting to be adopted.

 

My husband and I are adoptive parents and are former licensed foster parents.

 

It is because of my sincere interest in building families and my familiarity with the many obstacles that may arise in this endeavor that I have chosen to dedicate my practice primarily to adoption and infertility law issues.

BACKGROUND

PHILOSOPHY

PHILOSOPHY FOR ADOPTION

First and foremost, it is important that my clients are fully advised of their rights and options in their adoption plan. Adoption legislation changes regularly; I keep informed of any changes in the law (including pending legislation) through my active participation in adoption group memberships, such as the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys, and participation in Bar Associations and Adoption Law Committees.

 

Once clear on what their rights and options are, clients can have more confidence in the decisions they make. I understand that the adoption process can be an emotional time for adoptive parents and birth parents alike. At a time when both parties can be feeling especially vulnerable, I am sensitive to and familiar with the many issues and complexities inherent in adoption. I make every effort to support my clients' calls in a personal and timely fashion, and I am accessible to clients both during and after hours. I am there to listen and to offer support and I am prepared to offer referrals for additional resources as needed.

 

PHILOSOPHY FOR ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY (SURROGACY LAW AND EGG DONATION)

Surrogacy and Egg Donation is a relatively new and complex area of law. It is particularly important to keep abreast of the frequent changes in the law as well as the evolving ethical standards in the area. I keep informed of emerging legislative changes and complexities through attendance and participation at relevant conferences and by maintaining an active membership in the  Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys.

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