Trial attorney Ronald S. Ladden considers the practice of family law to be his calling and his passion. An attorney for over 40 years, Ron has helped virtually hundreds of couples successfully navigate the often choppy waters of divorce. Combining compassion with the razor-sharp ability to cross-examine and react objectively in the courtroom are the skills that set Ron apart as a highly-successful, veteran trial attorney.

A native of Chicago, Ron is a founding partner in Ladden & Allen, Chartered, a family law firm he and Gemma Allen established in 1999. The firm offers professional, caring and accessible representation in the areas of marriage, divorce, mediation, complex financial settlements, and custody matters.

In addition to running their successful law practice, Ron and Gemma have conducted more than two dozen "think tanks" over the years, bringing together judges, mental health practitioners, clergy, attorneys and other interdisciplinary professionals who are interested in recognizing and addressing serious family law related matters. Topics have included "intimate terrorism" in relationships, the law and psychology attendant to custody litigation and its effect on children, the strategy and costs of litigation, as well as the need for more resources for divorcing couples both inside and outside the courtroom. A February 2012 Think Tank is scheduled on the "Economics of Marriage and Divorce."

Ron has practiced family law for his entire professional career. Previously, he was a sole practitioner in Ronald S. Ladden & Associates. For 10 years, he was a director and co-manager of the family law section of a large Chicago law firm. He has been selected by his peers as one of the Leading Lawyers in Family Law. He has received an Award of Merit from the Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Over the years, Ron has represented professional athletes in matters that involved divorce, paternity, custody and pre-nuptial agreements. He has presented to a Chicago Bears rookie class a lecture on the reality of the high cost of supporting children born out of wedlock.

Ron is a Fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and has spoken at its international conferences on issues related to USA matrimonial law in Paris and in St. Petersburg, Russia. Long active as a Fellow of American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, he presented at Academy meetings and is a past president of the Illinois chapter.

A frequent author and lecturer on topics related to family law, he has addressed topics such as "Preparing Clients for Custody Litigation," "The Uniform Pre-marital Agreement Act," and "Implications of the Baby Richard Case." His most recent publication relative to the Uniform Pre-Marital Agreement Act appeared in the American Bar Association "Family Advocate," Winter Edition, 2011.

Ron and his late wife Ellyne have three adult children and nine grandchildren.

Curriculum Vitae