MEET OUR TEAM

PROVIDING YOU WITH LEGAL REPRESENTATION TAILORED TO YOUR SPECIFIC NEEDS

Deanna J. Bowen

Ms. Bowen holds more than 20 years of experience on the “front-lines” as a Family Law Attorney. Deanna navigates and simplifies the complexities that her clients face every day in the courts of Lake County Illinois.

When confronting issues related to a marital conflict such as divorce, allocation of parental responsibility, child support, modifications, or changes to a past judgment, Deanna will use her expertise to tailor a plan specifically for how the law applies to your individual case. With personal attention at the forefront, Deanna and her team of professionals will stay in close communication with you, keeping you informed where your case stands at every step in the legal process.

As part of her partnership with you, Deanna will provide you with the personalized feedback needed to make the right decision for your specific situation. When you make decisions important to you about your case that will impact your future, you will rest easier knowing you have an attorney with over 20 years of experience of winning ways that allow you to OWN YOUR FUTURE as you envisioned. Attorney Bowens’ experience and judgment are extremely valuable when your case involves a gray area of law that is still developing. Her judgment allows her firm to guide you confidently even when the law itself may be unclear.

Education

  • John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois J.D.
  • Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois B.S. Psychology

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Association of Women’s Attorneys of Lake County, Member, 1998 – 1999
  • Illinois State Bar, Member, 1998 – Current
  • Lake County Bar Association, Member, 1998 – Current

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH A DIVORCE LAWYER IN LAKE COUNTY IL AT DEANNA BOWEN

Debra Sinclair Headshot

Debra Sinclair

Debra joined The Law Office of Deanna J. Bowen in October of 2010 as a Senior Paralegal. She earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in Business with an emphasis in Human Resources Management from Arizona State University.

She always had a passion for the law, so in 2008, she obtained a Paralegal Certificate from the College of Lake County, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. She interned with the Lake County State’s Attorney Office in the Child Support Enforcement Division and was hired after graduation by Ancel Glink as a paralegal supporting three prosecutors for several Lake County municipalities.

Debra strives to help her clients through one of the most difficult times of their lives by guiding them through the procedures of family court with compassion and close communication. Debra’s responsibilities at The Law Office of Deanna J. Bowen not only include client intake, case management, discovery compliance and preparing for court, but also running day-to-day operations and employee management.

Erica Rios

Erica joined the Law Office of Deanna J. Bowen in January of 2018 as a legal assistant. She graduated from Herzing University in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She is currently studying to take her LSAT test in June of 2024 and her goal is to attend law school in the fall of 2024.

She provides the attorneys with solid and reliable assistance, as she completes client’s Financial Affidavits, drafting witness lists and court documents, and helps prepare cases for court. Erica also handles the filing of agreed divorces, helps keeps the client files organized, as well as assisting the office in any need necessary.

Erica also provides excellent customer service in handling family law clients in their different emotional situations by presenting a calm and supportive demeanor.

Erica Rios Headshot
Amanda Veerkamp headshot

Amanda Veerkamp

Amanda joined the Law Office of Deanna J. Bowen in January 2023 as a Paralegal. She graduated from Illinois State University in 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science and a Certificate in Legal Studies. Amanda has developed a profound interest in family law during her undergraduate years and internship. Since then, she has cultivated a robust comprehension and a compassionate approach to assisting clients navigating through challenging phases in their lives. With over four years of experience, she adeptly handles financials and discovery compliance for all case matters, showcasing her exceptional organization and resourcefulness.

Deborah A. Long

Deborah earned her undergraduate degree from Southern Arkansas University. After a successful career in Public Relations/Marketing and raising three children with her husband, Deborah returned to school to earn her paralegal certificate in 2008 before attending Marquette University Law School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to earn her J.D. in 2014. She practices primarily in family law, probate, estate planning, and real estate. In law school, she served as a judicial intern at the Kenosha County Family Court Division, Kenosha, Wisconsin, and earned a CALI Award (highest grade) in Law of Sexual Orientation. Deborah’s life experience has made her a compassionate and empathetic attorney who remains calm even in difficult situations, allowing her to strategize the best outcomes for her clients.

Deborah is licensed to practice in Illinois and Arkansas, and previously in Wisconsin.

Education

  • Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia, Arkansas B.S. Business Administration
  • Marquette University Law School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin J.D.

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Association of Women’s Attorneys of Lake County, Member 2014 – Current
  • Illinois State Bar Association, Member, 2015 – Current
  • Lake County Bar Association, Member, 2008 – Current
  • Arkansas Bar Association, Member, 2020 – Current
Deborah Long headshot
Kaitlyn Faust Headshot

Kaitlyn Faust

Kaitlyn joined the Law Office of Deanna J. Bowen in June of 2022 as a legal assistant. She graduated from Gateway Technical College in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2021 with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. She has now completed her Legal Studies Certificate from the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois, and has been promoted to Paralegal.

She provides exceptional customer service in handling family law clients in their different emotional situations by presenting a friendly and supportive demeanor. She is the first point of contact in handling potential clients by scheduling appointments and greeting all clients when meeting in the office. Kaitlyn also provides the attorneys with reliable assistance, as she drafts pleadings, e-files all court documents, manages the court calendar and keeps the client files organized.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH A DIVORCE LAWYER IN LAKE COUNTY IL AT DEANNA BOWEN

CLIENT REVIEWS

Testimonials

I came to Deanna as a 22-year-old father in need of a divorce and hoping desperately to attain custody of my infant daughter. Deanna and her staff not only helped me reach my goal but in addition, guided me each step of the way and explained every detail to me. Deanna’s amazing performance in the courtroom, persistence, confidence in my case, and dedication were all vital to our success. The entire office went the extra mile for me and my daughter and I am thrilled with the outcome.

Thomas S.

I hired Deanna to do my uncontested divorce in late 2016. She and her team were very thorough and quick to turn documents around. Part of my settlement included working with a QDRO which I was unfamiliar with. Deanna helped navigate through this document and had all documents filed quickly and efficiently through attorneys and the Court. Before my court date she went through the procedure for what would happen in front of the judge. She pointed out that although she didn’t agree with how we decided to handle a pension plan, she wanted to be sure I knew what I was agreeing to. Deanna is professional with a personal, caring approach. It is was a smooth, easy process. I recommend her.

Marsha C.

Deanna Bowen and Debra Sinclair handled my divorce case professionally and with compassion. They were there for all of my questions and concerns. They put my mind at ease while I was stationed in another state. I would like to thank them both for their expertise and smooth handling of my case! Members of the Armed Forces, I highly recommend her!

Linnie C.

I was given Deanna Bowen’s name through a mutual friend that went through a divorce prior to mine. My friend had explained that Deanna is very honest, upfront, and will never give you false hope since a divorce is always a difficult situation. My personal divorce focused around custody issues and lasted almost two years. And during those two years, Deanna and her team stood by my side, advising me of what was needed. While I had several questions, since this was my first divorce, Deanna and her team always respected me and explained in detail until I understood completely. The team was very knowledgeable and very supportive during this entire process. As my friend recommended Deanna to me, I will in the future recommend Deanna Bowen and her Team to my friends and family.

Shelley S.

As many know divorce is a stressful and very emotional time. I can’t say enough about how Ms. Bowen was there to support me throughout all the ups and downs. She provided me timely advice which in hindsight was spot on. She was able to make a very stressful time seem manageable. I highly recommend her as I believe you could not do better with anyone else. Her fee for service is in line or below most others and she even reduced my final bill purely out of compassion for my overall situation. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND her.

Michael M.

I had been in and out of court for over 10 years with a different lawyer. My ex-husband enjoyed taking me back to court for frivolous things (part of his control and harassment). Each time it was a humiliating experience. Each time I felt that the odds were against me and nobody ever really listened to my concerns. I had some very serious concerns about the welfare of my child in the care of an abusive father with a substance abuse problem. This last time my ex-husband took me back to court, I was fed up. I got rid of my lawyer and went to Deanna Bowen. It was the best decision I have ever made! Deanna understood my concerns and worked diligently to protect me and my son. The family court system is very frustrating, but Deanna was reassuring and in the end, EVERYTHING worked out in my favor this time. Without getting into too much detail, I can honestly say Deanna saved my life and my son’s life. She knew exactly how to handle every difficult situation thrown my way by my ex-husband and his attorney. She knew the law and used it to my advantage. For the first time, my ex-husband wasn’t getting his way. I would HIGHLY recommend Deanna to every person going through a divorce. Her rates are upfront and honest and worth it. I was once told, do you know why divorces are expensive because they are worth it. Deanna is worth it. It is a horrible time in your life when you are simply beaten down. Deanna has a way of building you up to make you strong enough to get through it and end in a better place than where you started.

Stacy R.

I met with Deanna and immediately felt comfortable with her recommendations. She made the process simple and made sure I understood all the steps along the way. No one ever wants to be in this situation, but she definitely made me feel like I was well represented. She and her staff made this not so exciting experience simple and quick. I am thankful for her time and expertise and would recommend her to anyone. My ex even commented on how fair and reasonable everything turned out. It was nice to not argue and point fingers. Our actual divorce was simple and short and she helped navigate our children’s schedule so that it was what was best for them. You can tell she is well respected in the courthouse and that she cares about her clients.

Jen N.

Deanna represented me through a long divorce that was made extremely difficult by my ex. During the whole process, she guided me with great advice, knowledge, and expertise of the legal system to help me achieve a satisfying settlement with regards to custody, child support, and the division of assets. She was tenacious in court – fighting for what was important to me – and was always patient and quick to reply to any questions I had (and even offers answers to my questions 2 years later!). She was very reliable during a very uncertain time in my life and I never doubted whether I was getting the best representation possible with her. Her staff was also very helpful and courteous. I would highly recommend Deanna to anyone seeking divorce assistance!

Bonny W.

Deanna Bowen is a wonderful attorney. I used her when I filed for divorce. I have to say that Deanna and her paralegal, Debbie, made this process bearable. Not only did they explain everything to me and answered ALL my questions, they were kind and really listened to me. Debbie never made me feel silly or that I was asking a stupid question, she always treated me with great respect. They were there for me not only for the legal part of the divorce but to lend an empathetic ear and to help me through the divorce. We had custody issues to work out and Deanna was right there to guide me and to do what was best for my daughters. Deanna is honest, more than fair, knows the law and is an excellent lawyer. She is highly respected and well-known in her field. I was more than confident when she was by my side. I have and will continue to recommend her.

Stephanie D.

Thank you for this and everything! You guys made my divorce process as painless as possible! It was a seamless transition and very professional and efficient. I will definitely recommend your services to my friends!

Janine M.

Deanna is extremely efficient, professional, caring, knowledgeable, trustworthy, understanding and compassionate. I’ve consulted with her on many matters. Deanna’s communication was excellent. She kept me informed about my case and explained things to me in a way that I could understand what was going on. She went the extra miles for me and I’m so grateful. She is a diligent negotiator and very hard working, I am thankful that she represented me and I don’t think anyone could have done a better job. I thank her for everything and I would highly recommend her to my friends and family.

Gail A.