Brigitte Bell
N/A
Licensed for 42 years
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Divorce and separation
Language
English German Hungarian
About
Brigitte Bell, one of the founders and first Co-Presidents of the Collaborative Law Institute of Illinois (CLII), has been a mediator and lawyer for over 30 years, focusing her interests and efforts in family law. Brigitte has been actively involved in the conflict resolution field since 1985, teaching conflict resolution at Loyola Law School, DePaul’s School for New Learning, and the Chicago Centers for Family Health, and serving as a Board member, volunteer mediator, and trainer at the Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR). She speaks nationally and locally about mediation and family law issues (parenting, financial, and policy/process issues). Brigitte currently provides mediation skills training for collaborative professionals through Loyola Law School. Brigitte fervently believes in mediation and Collaborative Law as non-adversarial, problem-solving approaches to divorce and family issues and is committed to practicing in ways that foster respect, self- determination, and constructive resolutions. She has put this belief into practice by heading up one of the very few family law firms in the country in which all of the attorney-associates are mediators and Collaborative Fellows committed to these approaches.
Practices Areas
Child custody
Divorce and separation
Family
Language
English German Hungarian
Contact
Brigitte Schmidt Bell, P.C.500 Davis St Suite 1006Evanston, IL, 60201
Office: (847) 232-6142
Website: N/AReviews
Brigitte was fair, firm, and friendly, exactly what a couple navigating divorce needs! She brought shape, logic and organization to an otherwise messy process. Thank you, Brigitte! Prospective clients should prepare to form a united front if, due to Brigitte's and the couple's progress, one/both of the individual divorce attorneys tries to derail the mediation process because it's going too smoothly and they want to make more money off of you. Happened to me.
Brigitte was a calm, thoughtful, helpful advocate for me through a very long, trying divorce. She listened to my story (and my updates throughout) and helped me think through my options. My goal was to stay on the high road (which is why I chose her, as an experienced collaborator), and she reminded me of that goal when my emotions got the better of me. She has a good team and works with their strengths; Erin was particularly helpful, especially with the financial details. My favorite of Brigitte's strengths is her incredible command of the language, particularly her ability to write perfectly on-point, clear communications. I will admit, there were times in the process when I wished I had chosen an aggressive bulldog, because my ex chose a litigator, but Brigitte was true to her word. She proved her ability to work with all types of attorneys and stayed calm (and witty!) even when faced with an aggressive ego. The end result was a fair and reasonable settlement. I am able to look at myself in the mirror, having stayed on the high road with Brigitte (and Erin) helping me through the process.
Years ago, my ex-husband and I came to Brigitte to begin the divorce process and plan for co-parenting our then-two-year-old child. Brigitte's guidance was caring and clear; she gave us very specific guidelines for each step of the process. That was five years ago, and we have a happy, well-adjusted child with two wonderful homes. Communication between the homes is great (this has been a process, but is strong nonetheless), and friends, family members, teachers and others regularly compliment our family's ability to work together positively and productively, keeping our child's best interests as the focus. I do not think we would be where we are without Brigitte's guidance from the beginning; she laid the foundation for a positive co-parenting system. Her caring and professional expertise will positively impact our child and family for many generations to come.
I felt heard and cared for from the moment I walked in. Divorce can be so emotionally overwhelming, but Brigitte and her staff made me feel safe and supported. I really appreciate her warmth, kindness and integrity. Wise counseling and hugs made all the difference in the world to me.
Brigitte helped by ex-husband and I navigate our divorce in a respectful and supportive manner. We have ended with an agreement that we both felt was fair and in the best interest of our children. While no one wants to be in the circumstance to need a mediator, if you do I could not recommend Brigitte's experienced and supportive approach to a difficult situation more highly.
I came to Brigitte looking for a divorce attorney who would mind my interests while considering the stresses soon to affect my ex-wife. Brigitte's reputation as a leader in the field of collaborative divorce preceded her. Though our divorce had its tense moments it was certainly more peaceful than most I've heard of. I think because my ex-wife and I both approached the process with a desire for peace and fairness, and because Brigitte respected that mutual desire as she minded my own well-being, we were able to get through the process with our sanity and our friendship intact.
Brigitte Bell is more than just a hired Attorney drawing up very precise documents. She made certain that I had a clear understanding of the legal terms in the documents so that I left with a secure feeling. The support, patience & that she gave me through the entire process make her more than just a hired attorney - she truly really cares!
Attorney Brigitte Bell was my divorce attorney. I had a complicated case, and she successfully helped me negotiate the difficult waters of divorce by going the extra mile time and time again. She is empathic and client-centered and I strongly recommend her.
Divorce is difficult, even when using a collaborative approach, as strong emotions and tension still exist. Brigitte helped me navigate the waters, she advocated for me, and she is extremely experienced. She is friendly and cared about helping me achieve my goals. Clients need to realize that every interaction is billable and expenses can escalate very quickly - be sure to manage this actively.
Brigitte was a wonderful choice for our whole family acting as our divorce mediator. Kind, patient, and fair for both my wife and me. We wanted to avoid an acrimonious process, and she navigated us through the process beautifully. Both of us felt she was objective and direct/honest when needed. Sometimes, it felt the process dragged a bit, but there is also wisdom in taking time to do it right. When we pushed to speed things up, she responded accordingly. Diffused tension. Kept us focused on important issues. Navigated around some tricky territory quite well. I recommend her highly.
Brigitte was fair, firm, and friendly, exactly what a couple navigating divorce needs! She brought shape, logic and organization to an otherwise messy process. Thank you, Brigitte! Prospective clients should prepare to form a united front if, due to Brigitte's and the couple's progress, one/both of the individual divorce attorneys tries to derail the mediation process because it's going too smoothly and they want to make more money off of you. Happened to me.
Brigitte was a calm, thoughtful, helpful advocate for me through a very long, trying divorce. She listened to my story (and my updates throughout) and helped me think through my options. My goal was to stay on the high road (which is why I chose her, as an experienced collaborator), and she reminded me of that goal when my emotions got the better of me. She has a good team and works with their strengths; Erin was particularly helpful, especially with the financial details. My favorite of Brigitte's strengths is her incredible command of the language, particularly her ability to write perfectly on-point, clear communications. I will admit, there were times in the process when I wished I had chosen an aggressive bulldog, because my ex chose a litigator, but Brigitte was true to her word. She proved her ability to work with all types of attorneys and stayed calm (and witty!) even when faced with an aggressive ego. The end result was a fair and reasonable settlement. I am able to look at myself in the mirror, having stayed on the high road with Brigitte (and Erin) helping me through the process.
Years ago, my ex-husband and I came to Brigitte to begin the divorce process and plan for co-parenting our then-two-year-old child. Brigitte's guidance was caring and clear; she gave us very specific guidelines for each step of the process. That was five years ago, and we have a happy, well-adjusted child with two wonderful homes. Communication between the homes is great (this has been a process, but is strong nonetheless), and friends, family members, teachers and others regularly compliment our family's ability to work together positively and productively, keeping our child's best interests as the focus. I do not think we would be where we are without Brigitte's guidance from the beginning; she laid the foundation for a positive co-parenting system. Her caring and professional expertise will positively impact our child and family for many generations to come.
I felt heard and cared for from the moment I walked in. Divorce can be so emotionally overwhelming, but Brigitte and her staff made me feel safe and supported. I really appreciate her warmth, kindness and integrity. Wise counseling and hugs made all the difference in the world to me.
Brigitte helped by ex-husband and I navigate our divorce in a respectful and supportive manner. We have ended with an agreement that we both felt was fair and in the best interest of our children. While no one wants to be in the circumstance to need a mediator, if you do I could not recommend Brigitte's experienced and supportive approach to a difficult situation more highly.
I came to Brigitte looking for a divorce attorney who would mind my interests while considering the stresses soon to affect my ex-wife. Brigitte's reputation as a leader in the field of collaborative divorce preceded her. Though our divorce had its tense moments it was certainly more peaceful than most I've heard of. I think because my ex-wife and I both approached the process with a desire for peace and fairness, and because Brigitte respected that mutual desire as she minded my own well-being, we were able to get through the process with our sanity and our friendship intact.
Brigitte Bell is more than just a hired Attorney drawing up very precise documents. She made certain that I had a clear understanding of the legal terms in the documents so that I left with a secure feeling. The support, patience & that she gave me through the entire process make her more than just a hired attorney - she truly really cares!
Attorney Brigitte Bell was my divorce attorney. I had a complicated case, and she successfully helped me negotiate the difficult waters of divorce by going the extra mile time and time again. She is empathic and client-centered and I strongly recommend her.
Divorce is difficult, even when using a collaborative approach, as strong emotions and tension still exist. Brigitte helped me navigate the waters, she advocated for me, and she is extremely experienced. She is friendly and cared about helping me achieve my goals. Clients need to realize that every interaction is billable and expenses can escalate very quickly - be sure to manage this actively.
Brigitte was a wonderful choice for our whole family acting as our divorce mediator. Kind, patient, and fair for both my wife and me. We wanted to avoid an acrimonious process, and she navigated us through the process beautifully. Both of us felt she was objective and direct/honest when needed. Sometimes, it felt the process dragged a bit, but there is also wisdom in taking time to do it right. When we pushed to speed things up, she responded accordingly. Diffused tension. Kept us focused on important issues. Navigated around some tricky territory quite well. I recommend her highly.
Brigitte was fair, firm, and friendly, exactly what a couple navigating divorce needs! She brought shape, logic and organization to an otherwise messy process. Thank you, Brigitte! Prospective clients should prepare to form a united front if, due to Brigitte's and the couple's progress, one/both of the individual divorce attorneys tries to derail the mediation process because it's going too smoothly and they want to make more money off of you. Happened to me.
Brigitte was a calm, thoughtful, helpful advocate for me through a very long, trying divorce. She listened to my story (and my updates throughout) and helped me think through my options. My goal was to stay on the high road (which is why I chose her, as an experienced collaborator), and she reminded me of that goal when my emotions got the better of me. She has a good team and works with their strengths; Erin was particularly helpful, especially with the financial details. My favorite of Brigitte's strengths is her incredible command of the language, particularly her ability to write perfectly on-point, clear communications. I will admit, there were times in the process when I wished I had chosen an aggressive bulldog, because my ex chose a litigator, but Brigitte was true to her word. She proved her ability to work with all types of attorneys and stayed calm (and witty!) even when faced with an aggressive ego. The end result was a fair and reasonable settlement. I am able to look at myself in the mirror, having stayed on the high road with Brigitte (and Erin) helping me through the process.
Years ago, my ex-husband and I came to Brigitte to begin the divorce process and plan for co-parenting our then-two-year-old child. Brigitte's guidance was caring and clear; she gave us very specific guidelines for each step of the process. That was five years ago, and we have a happy, well-adjusted child with two wonderful homes. Communication between the homes is great (this has been a process, but is strong nonetheless), and friends, family members, teachers and others regularly compliment our family's ability to work together positively and productively, keeping our child's best interests as the focus. I do not think we would be where we are without Brigitte's guidance from the beginning; she laid the foundation for a positive co-parenting system. Her caring and professional expertise will positively impact our child and family for many generations to come.
I felt heard and cared for from the moment I walked in. Divorce can be so emotionally overwhelming, but Brigitte and her staff made me feel safe and supported. I really appreciate her warmth, kindness and integrity. Wise counseling and hugs made all the difference in the world to me.
Brigitte helped by ex-husband and I navigate our divorce in a respectful and supportive manner. We have ended with an agreement that we both felt was fair and in the best interest of our children. While no one wants to be in the circumstance to need a mediator, if you do I could not recommend Brigitte's experienced and supportive approach to a difficult situation more highly.
I came to Brigitte looking for a divorce attorney who would mind my interests while considering the stresses soon to affect my ex-wife. Brigitte's reputation as a leader in the field of collaborative divorce preceded her. Though our divorce had its tense moments it was certainly more peaceful than most I've heard of. I think because my ex-wife and I both approached the process with a desire for peace and fairness, and because Brigitte respected that mutual desire as she minded my own well-being, we were able to get through the process with our sanity and our friendship intact.
Brigitte Bell is more than just a hired Attorney drawing up very precise documents. She made certain that I had a clear understanding of the legal terms in the documents so that I left with a secure feeling. The support, patience & that she gave me through the entire process make her more than just a hired attorney - she truly really cares!
Attorney Brigitte Bell was my divorce attorney. I had a complicated case, and she successfully helped me negotiate the difficult waters of divorce by going the extra mile time and time again. She is empathic and client-centered and I strongly recommend her.
Divorce is difficult, even when using a collaborative approach, as strong emotions and tension still exist. Brigitte helped me navigate the waters, she advocated for me, and she is extremely experienced. She is friendly and cared about helping me achieve my goals. Clients need to realize that every interaction is billable and expenses can escalate very quickly - be sure to manage this actively.
Brigitte was a wonderful choice for our whole family acting as our divorce mediator. Kind, patient, and fair for both my wife and me. We wanted to avoid an acrimonious process, and she navigated us through the process beautifully. Both of us felt she was objective and direct/honest when needed. Sometimes, it felt the process dragged a bit, but there is also wisdom in taking time to do it right. When we pushed to speed things up, she responded accordingly. Diffused tension. Kept us focused on important issues. Navigated around some tricky territory quite well. I recommend her highly.