Brian W. Reidy

I have had the unique experience of being on the client side of the lawyer-client table, which gives me a deep understanding of the emotional journey my clients experience. Dealing with divorce and child custody issues is invariably difficult for everyone involved. It is essential to have a reliable lawyer during the most challenging times of your life.

At Reidy Law Office, we are different and we embrace it! We are committed to helping clients navigate the complexities of divorce in a better way!

Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology

J.D.

Owner

Reidy Law Office

2014 - Current

Attorney

LeVine, Wittenberg, Shugan & Schatz Ltd.

2012 - 2014

Assistant States Attorney

Cook County State's Attorney

2009 - 2012

Helping People to Make Life Changing Decisions, MaxLaw Conference, St. Louis, MO

October 2021

10 Best Client Satisfaction

American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

2016

CALI - Trial Advocacy

Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology

2008

Awarded to the top grade in the class

Illinois State Bar

Member

2009 - Current

Illinois

Since 2009

• Credit Cards Accepted

Q. What are my rights if my divorce agreement waived alimony but income was miscalculated?

July 11, 2025

A: It’s difficult to give a clear answer without seeing the actual documents or knowing more about the current status of your case, especially given the way your question is phrased. You mentioned that there’s a “signed agreement filed in court,” but also that there’s an upcoming pretrial. This raises a few questions about whether the agreement has been finalized by the court or whether it’s still part of ongoing negotiations.

Here are some general considerations:

1. Is the Agreement Finalized?

If a judge has signed the agreement and entered it as an order, then it would typically be binding. Modifying that agreement would require a **motion to modify** or **vacate** the existing order.

However, if you're still in the **pretrial phase**, it's possible the agreement hasn't yet been entered by the court — meaning it’s not yet final or enforceable.

2. Effective Date Matters

Many settlement agreements state they become effective upon the entry of the final divorce judgment. If your divorce has not been finalized, the agreement may not yet be binding — even if both parties have signed it. Alternatively, some agreements become effective on the date of signing. In that case, the terms may already be enforceable, even before the final court order is entered.

3. Next Steps

Because both parties are represented, the best course of action is to ask your attorney directly about the enforceability of the agreement in your situation. If you're unsure or want a second opinion, you can hire another attorney to review the documents and provide feedback. Just be aware that a second opinion will likely require 1-2 billable hours to review everything thoroughly. ... Read More

Q. Can my husband claim a house I buy with my own money before divorce in Illinois?

June 24, 2025

A: Yes. Do not buy a house during the marriage unless you understand all of the legal consequences. Based on your message, you may believe that "your" money is yours because it comes from your paycheck and it is placed into your account. This is not accurate. I highly suggest that you speak with a local lawyer that focuses on Illinois Family Law before you make any major decisions.

Q. Why do alimony rulings differ despite similar marriage details in Illinois?

June 17, 2025

A: The short answer is that your fact pattern only reflects half the story. In determining spousal maintenance (alimony), courts consider *both* spouses’ circumstances. Even if two marriages are of similar length and income levels, the outcome can differ based on additional details such as:

* The recipient spouse’s financial need and earning potential

* Property distribution in the divorce (e.g., who received the house, retirement accounts, etc.)

* Whether the parties reached an agreement or the court made the decision

If a spouse is only ordered to pay maintenance for seven years, that could be due to an agreement between the parties or the judge deviated from the statutory guidelines. If the judge deviated, there should be written reasons for the decision. Ultimately, Illinois law gives judges considerable discretion, and each case turns on its specific facts.

If you're trying to understand how these rules apply to your situation—or if you're comparing your outcome to someone else's—it’s important to get personalized legal advice. At my firm, for example, we offer "limited scope" sessions where you can pay a flat fee to have us review your documents and provide tailored answers to your questions. Whether you’re local or prefer an online meeting, help is available.

If you want clarity on your case, I highly recommend connecting with a family law attorney who can guide you through the specifics. ... Read More