KAREN M. SCHETZ: PARTNER, STEINER HOWETH PASQUESI & HATCH LTD.

Karen M. Schetz, a partner with Steiner Howeth Pasquesi & Hatch Ltd. (SHPH), is committed to serving her clients with prompt communication, honest legal advice, and compassion during what is often one of the most stressful times of their lives. Schetz handles cases both in and out of the courtroom depending on the nature of the case and parties. “Marital resources can be preserved and conflict reduced via alternative dispute resolution such as mediation. However, cases are not one size fits all and I also have extensive litigation and courtroom experience when out-of-court settlements are not possible or do not serve my clients’ best interests,” says Schetz, who graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a B.A. in Psychology and received her law degree from DePaul University College of Law. “It is very rewarding to work with individual clients and see them through to ‘the other side’ of their divorce or other family law matters.”

Schetz has been practicing matrimonial law exclusively since 2006, working for one of the nation’s largest matrimonial law firms for the majority of that time prior to joining SHPH. “During my lengthy career in family law, I have worked on complex cases and gained unparalleled experience in all aspects of divorce and post-divorce matters—from the division and characterization of assets, tracing of assets, income analyses, sophisticated support issues for families with substantial lifestyles, and resolving high conflict parenting disputes,” she adds. “I am also highly experienced with drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.”

If she could change anything about the legal system, Schetz says there would be less crowded court calendars and less wait time for substantive court proceedings. “It pains me to tell a client, ‘I presented that very important motion on your behalf, but the judge’s calendar is swamped and our hearing date is three and a half months from now,’” she continues. “In my cases, we are dealing with individuals—their financial needs, their children. There is often fear of the unknown as they go through this process and they want prompt answers and resolution.”

That is, after all, the ultimate goal. Schetz comments, “When a client gives me a heartfelt thank you after their divorce is complete or tells me they feel so much better at the end of a phone call or after working our way through a series of issues, those are the moments I work for.”

Karen Schetz handles family law matters in Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties. For more information, visit lakeshorelawyers.com/schetz.