Attorney Profile
Marie J. Taraska has over 27 years of experience practicing in Department of Children and Family Services cases and Family Law matters. Ms. Taraska’s current practice deals primarily with Defense of DCFS matters. She helps families from the start of the initial investigation through all stages of court proceedings.
She has a unique perspective which helps her defend cases because she began her career as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office in Chicago, Illinois. Ms. Taraska’s years as a prosecutor allowed her to be part of how DCFS, Law Enforcement, and prosecutors investigate, prepare and try a DCFS case which is a great benefit to her practice. She has experience working both in and out of courtrooms, with clients of all backgrounds and ages.
Ms. Taraska has assisted families through all stages of DCFS and Law Enforcement investigations. She has tried over 20 felony cases to jury verdict. She has tried hundreds of felony bench trials in front of Judges throughout all of Cook County. Ms. Taraska’s trial experience is a benefit to her clients in her DCFS defense. DCFS cases can become highly contested. Ms. Taraska has fought hundreds of DCFS cases and has tried all issues including temporary custody hearings, trials and all other motions to get children who have been taken away from their families returned back home. Ms. Taraska understands how and when to negotiate a DCFS matter but is ready to go to trial and obtain the best possible results for her clients.
Ms. Taraska is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and is a member of their Family Law section.
Education
DePaul University College of Law, Chicago
Class Rank: Top 10%
Juris Doctor Degree with Health Law Certificate May, 1997
Assistant Articles Editor: Health and Hospital Law Journal
Moot Court Society: Trial Team & Executive Board Member
University of Illinois, Champaign and Chicago
Graduated with Honors
Major: Communications Minor: Psychology
You can always count on Ms. Taraska to take the time necessary to clearly explain the procedures and status of your case so that you are up to date on every development at all times. If you require legal advice or representation for a matter in Chicago, Cook, Will or Lake Counties, do not hesitate to call Attorney Marie J. Taraska today and take your first steps toward putting a DCFS investigation behind you to move on with your family intact.