I think it feels a little odd to type that I loved my experience of going through a divorce but Cynthia definitely helped to make a stressful situation less painful. She explained every detail of the process and didn't hesitate to explain each step. She has a lot of patience and never seems like she is in a hurry for you to leave even though I am sure she is quite busy. And even though my divorce was fairly amicable I did see a side of her that said she is also ready to take a firm approach if need be. She is extremely professional but also has a soft side. I could not have asked for anyone better.

Divorce is hard and difficult and even more so when you have have a former spouse who makes it his life's mission to make you regret every moment of your life with him. Cynthia is the consummate professional thru the entire horrible experience, guiding you away from pitfalls & traps and making sure that the most important people in the process, the children, are treated with respect and given the care and concern they are due and should receive. My children's lives and my life are a thousand times better because of Cynthia's experience and professionalism. I didn't always agree with her advice but I followed it and I'm glad I did so because the quality of my children's lives have always been my & her priorities.

I highly recommend Cynthia Lazar as a mediator in helping with a divorce. Cynthia is very professional, highly knowledgeable about the law, and is able to explain each step of the mediation process in a manner that is easy to comprehend. She is patient, kind, understanding and knows that divorce is an extremely difficult time for those going through it. I was nervous going into mediation for my divorce, yet she was able to take the time to talk and put me at ease. Cynthia is very fair, not taking one side of the divorce or the other, but is committed to preparing an equitable settlement for both parties. She is innovative, coming up ideas and suggestions when roadblocks or problems arise during the mediation. The agreement Cynthia prepared was very well written, thorough and accurately reflected what was decided upon . I advise anyone going through a divorce to first try mediation as I believe it is the best way to come up with a fair financial settlement, save thousands of dollars in attorney costs and help make the divorce process civil .

I read Jennifer's review and felt compelled to give my experience with Ms Lazar--a very different experience indeed. A dear friend of mine (who had gone through a divorce several years ago) recommended Cynthia Lazar to me when I was in the early stages of separation and divorce. I knew from my friend that her divorce was one of the smoothest I had ever heard, and a great deal of the credit went to Cynthia. My experience with Cynthia was similar--I knew that this would be a difficult emotional process, but Cynthia's calm and comforting demeanor was exactly what I needed. Cynthia understands what someone needs during this difficult time, as far as expertise with the law and emotional support, and she is top-notch at both of these things. She represented me in an uncontested divorce but at no time did I feel that she was trying to make my then-husband out to be a "bad guy"--I understand that happens sometimes in divorces. She looked out for my interests, but in a way that was fair to my ex-husband as well. She was personally kind, caring and supportive--she has one of the most gentle demeanors of anyone I have ever met, and just being around her was soothing to me. She has an excellent reputation in Lake County (where she practices)--so much so that even though I live in Cook County, I worked with her in Lake, even though it was further from my home and work. Anytime I would contact her, Cynthia was responsive and would get back in touch with me almost immediately. I was never left to worry about what was happening, but was kept informed every step of the way. Once Cynthia and I worked out the details of the terms of divorce, she sent the paperwork to me quickly, I had my husband sign and initial, as did I and then she locked in a court date--from the time we decided to initiate divorce proceedings through the time of the court date was less than 2 1/2 months--very quick! On the day of the court date, Cynthia met me early at the Courthouse and went over what was going to happen, explaining everything in great detail so that I wouldn't be surprised. While going through the preliminary questions, I became quite emotional and Cynthia gave me some privacy and space in which to grieve the end of my marriage, then came back to where we were speaking and she finished going through what would happen. Afterwards, she gave me some privacy to take in what was about to happen and to compose myself prior to going into court, where everything went exactly as Cynthia had told me. After the proceedings, Cynthia accompanied me down to the clerk's office where I received the copy of the divorce decree, we said our goodbyes and I was on my way. A day or two later, because there was property involved, she contacted me with the process I needed to take to obtain the quit claim for my home (which, according to the terms of our divorce, I bought his portion from my husband). This is something that she didn't have to do, but that she did as a courtesy and kindness. I could not recommend Cynthia more highly--I work in a professional environment and have had several dealings with attorneys over the years for various things, but never have I felt such a collaborative spirit as I did with Cynthia. I am very grateful that she represented me and if I ever found myself in need of a family law attorney, I would go to Cynthia without even considering anyone else. I think she is a marvelous attorney, but more importantly, and ethical, wonderful human being. If anyone I knew had to go through the terrible emotional pain of a divorce, I would unequivocally recommend Cynthia Lazar.

Cynthia Lazar mediated my divorce in 2005. My then-husband and I were only interested in dissolving our marriage (which resulted in 2 amazing daughters) with respect and dignity, honoring the good things that we were able to accomplish together. While our marriage was irreparable, we knew we would continue to co-parent our daughters, and therefore needed to ensure there was no ill treatment by either one of us toward the other. Cynthia understood this approach, and was eager to assist us. While other divorcing friends' attorneys were encouraging lengthy battles and severe pain for their clients (much of which caused even more pain for their children), Cynthia's superb mediation skills were the antithesis of that destructive approach to divorce. She made the process of drafting and agreeing to the terms of the divorce as pain-free as possible. In this spirit of cooperation, we ended our marriage with our dignity - and our children - intact. It was Cynthia's professionalism and kindness that allowed this to happen. I have recommended her to countless divorcing friends and acquaintances, and cannot recommend her more highly to you. Do yourselves a favor and choose Cynthia to help you through this painful time of your lives. You will be glad you did.