Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Family Law Attorneys for Men's Rights
Cordell & Cordell was founded in 1990 by Joseph E. Cordell and Yvonne Cordell as a general practice firm with a focus on men's divorce and family law. Over 35 years, the firm has grown to include 100+ offices across 30+ U.S. states and 200+ attorneys, earning an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Our practice is built on the principle of addressing systemic biases in family courts, advocating for equitable treatment of fathers in custody, support, and divorce proceedings.With decades of collective experience, our attorneys provide strategic legal representation tailored to the unique challenges men face in family law matters. We prioritize client satisfaction through transparent communication, aggressive advocacy, and a commitment to challenging outdated stereotypes in judicial decision-making. Our nationwide network ensures access to state-specific expertise, empowering clients to navigate complex legal systems with confidence.
Services
Divorce Representation
Child Custody
Child Support
Spousal Support
Prenuptial Agreements
Asset Division
Military Divorce
Collaborative Divorce
Legal Separation
Contempt Proceedings
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of experience in family law
- Nationwide network of 200+ attorneys
- Dedicated to challenging gender bias in family courts
- BBB A+ rated for client satisfaction
- Specialized in fathers' rights and family law
Associations and certifications
- Better Business Bureau
What people say
Amazing representation
Kept me informed
Positive outcome
Excellent service
Highly recommend
Services
Divorce Representation
Cordell & Cordell provides aggressive legal advocacy for men navigating divorce proceedings. Our attorneys specialize in challenging biases in family courts, protecting clients' rights in asset division, alimony, and custody disputes. With 35+ years of experience and a nationwide network, we offer strategic guidance tailored to state-specific laws. Our approach combines deep expertise in mens' rights with a commitment to achieving equitable outcomes in contested divorces.
Child Custody
Our child custody attorneys advocate for fathers' rights in custody battles and visitation disputes. We focus on demonstrating parental competence through documented involvement in children's lives while challenging stereotypes about male caregivers. Services include developing custody strategies, preparing evidence for court, and representing clients in hearings to secure fair parenting time arrangements that prioritize children's best interests.
Child Support
We help clients navigate child support calculations, modifications, and enforcement issues. Our attorneys challenge unfair payment demands while ensuring compliance with state guidelines. Services include analyzing income and custody arrangements, negotiating payment terms, and representing clients in modification hearings to address changed circumstances while protecting their financial interests.
Spousal Support
Our firm represents men facing spousal support claims or seeking modifications to existing orders. We analyze financial disparities, employment histories, and marriage duration to build defense strategies. Services include challenging excessive payment demands, negotiating settlements, and pursuing modifications for changed circumstances while addressing gender bias in alimony determinations.
Prenuptial Agreements
We draft enforceable prenuptial agreements to protect assets and clarify financial responsibilities in potential divorces. Attorneys work with clients to define separate property, establish debt protections, and address inheritance concerns while ensuring compliance with state laws. Services include individual representation for both parties to create balanced agreements that minimize future legal conflicts.
People
Joseph E. Cordell
Co-Founder, Principal Partner
Joseph E. Cordell founded the firm in 1990 after recognizing systemic biases against men in family courts. Licensed in Illinois and Missouri, he leads a national network of attorneys focused on fathers' rights. With an LL.M. from Washington University, he's recognized as a top family law attorney for client satisfaction.
Joseph P. Breda
Chief Executive Officer
Joseph P. Breda oversees firm operations and strategic growth. With decades of experience in family law, he ensures consistent service quality across 100+ offices. His leadership focuses on expanding access to specialized legal representation for men in family court matters nationwide.
Allison Cunningham
Chief Operating Officer
Allison Cunningham manages day-to-day operations and attorney development. She implements training programs to maintain high standards in fathers' rights advocacy. Her leadership ensures efficient case management and client support across the firm's extensive network.
Frank Murphy
Chief Compliance Officer
Frank Murphy oversees ethical standards and regulatory compliance. He ensures all practices meet legal requirements while maintaining the firm's commitment to challenging gender bias in family law proceedings through proper channels.
Lisa F. Karges
Executive Partner
Lisa F. Karges leads attorney recruitment and professional development. She mentors lawyers in effective strategies for representing men in family court while maintaining the firm's focus on equitable treatment in custody and support cases.
Questions
Does Cordell & Cordell only represent fathers in family law cases?
While we specialize in advocating for fathers' rights, our services address all family law matters involving gender bias. Our attorneys represent clients in divorce, custody, and support cases where systemic inequalities affect outcomes.
How does the firm address gender bias in family courts?
Our attorneys challenge stereotypes through documented evidence of parental involvement, expert testimony, and legal arguments focused on individual case merits rather than gender assumptions about parenting roles.
Can I modify existing child support payments?
Yes, we help clients seek modifications for changed circumstances like income reduction. We analyze financial situations and present evidence to courts for fair payment adjustments based on current realities.
Are consultations available in all states?
We offer consultations through our 100+ offices across 35 states. Virtual consultations ensure access to experienced family law attorneys regardless of your location within our service areas.
How are attorney fees structured?
Fee structures vary by case complexity and location. We provide transparent cost estimates during consultations and work with clients to develop payment plans when needed for extended legal representation.
Videos
