The Lilac Tree moved on January 15th! Our new address is: 1123 Emerson Street, Suite 215 Evanston, IL 60201 Our phone and email remains the same. To find our new location, please see Directions.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THE LILAC TREE ROAD SHOW "FUN"DRAISER
What’s in your house could mean money in your wallet! Have your jewelry and collectibles evaluated by professional appraisers. Sell your unwanted gold and sterling silver items “on the spot.” Learn about collectibles and antiques, how to sell on eBay, have a garage sale and organize your closet, browse and buy fun accessories. Win prizes. Snack and chat over beverages.
Saturday, January 23, 1:00 – 5:00pm
Wilmette Park District Community Recreation Center
3000 Glenview Road, Wilmette
Reservations requested and you may pay at the door – $30 (includes one 15 minute evaluation)
Program for Road Show
Contact us for more information
Map

WORKSHOPS, SUPPORT GROUPS, INDIVIDUAL INFORMATION SESSIONS

Workshops

THE NUTS & BOLTS OF DIVORCE: LEGAL & FINANCIAL ISSUES (FULL)
In this multi-part comprehensive workshop, a panel of professionals with expertise in law and finance introduce the divorce process.

• Laurel Black Rector, JD, Family Law Attorney and Roselynn Don, JD, Mediator, Collaborative and Family Law Attorney, discuss attorney selection, the court system, spousal and child rights and legal options followed by a question and answer session.
• Lois Carlson, CDFA, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Family Law Attorneys Laurel Black Rector, JD, and Roselynn Don, JD, present an invaluable synopsis of what you need to know to protect and secure your financial health.

Saturday, January 30, 1:00 – 4:30pm
Evanston YWCA, 1215 Church Street, Evanston
(Church Street between Asbury Avenue and Ridge Avenue is a one way street going east.
You must access the YWCA parking lot on Church Street from Asbury Avenue.)
Reservations requested and you may pay at the door – $60
Contact us for more information
Map

UNDERSTANDING INFIDELITY
Join this informative and supportive discussion led by veteran therapist Peggy Freeman, LCSW. Meet women in similar circumstances as you mutually explore ways of moving beyond the pain to understand what infidelity means to you and your future.
Tuesday, March 9, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Evanston YWCA, 1215 Church Street, Evanston
(Church Street between Asbury Avenue and Ridge Avenue is a one way street going east.
You must access the YWCA parking lot on Church Street from Asbury Avenue.)
Reservations requested and you may pay at the door – $40
Contact us for more information
Map

10 THINGS TO DO AFTER YOUR DIVORCE
So you have the decree in hand (or are almost finished). What’s next? Hear important legal and financial steps from Family Law Attorney Meighan Harmon, JD, and Certified Financial Planner and Public Accountant Ellen Rogin, CFP, CPA.
Tuesday, May 11, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Evanston YWCA, 1215 Church Street, Evanston
(Church Street between Asbury Avenue and Ridge Avenue is a one way street going east.
You must access the YWCA parking lot on Church Street from Asbury Avenue.)
Reservations requested and you may pay at the door – $40
Contact us for more information
Map

DOWNTOWN CHICAGO WORKSHOP
INTRODUCTION TO DIVORCE: ASK A LAWYER AND A MEDIATOR
In this downtown evening workshop hear Family Law Attorney Danielle Rickard, JD, MA, and Mediator and Psychologist Dr. Gail Petrich, MA, JD, Psy. D., give an overview of legal issues and discuss spousal and child rights, legal options, reasonable expectations and your role in the process. Use this opportunity to gather important information and ideas for handling the divorce process.
Tuesday, June 22, 6:30 – 8:30pm
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
325 N. Wells, Room 407, Chicago
Reservations requested and you may pay at the door – $40
Contact us for more information
Map

LEAVING A LONG-TERM MARRIAGE
Have you been married 20+ years? Is your nest emptying? Your life-stage changing? Your future depends on how well you plan now. Gain insights from Family Law Attorney David Pasulka, JD, and Family Law Attorney and Mediator Maureen Sullivan Taylor, JD, as they review current thinking on maintenance (alimony), examine issues of retirement funds and insurance, and discuss your legal options and financial picture. Discussion of child support will be limited.
Saturday, July 17, 1:00 – 3:30pm
Evanston YWCA, 1215 Church Street, Evanston
(Church Street between Asbury Avenue and Ridge Avenue is a one way street going east.
You must access the YWCA parking lot on Church Street from Asbury Avenue.)
Reservations requested and you may pay at the door – $40
REGISTER NOW
Contact us for more information
Map

LET’S DO THE NUMBERS
Financial decisions made during the divorce process shape your financial well-being for years to come. A panel of financial experts will present an enlightening synopsis of what you need to know to protect and secure your financial health. Hear Rebecca Hannan, CDFA, CPA, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Public Accountant, and Neil Johnson, CPA discuss the financial process of divorce, division of assets, the financial disclosure statement and where your financial demands should focus.
Tuesday, August 10, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Evanston YWCA, 1215 Church Street, Evanston
(Church Street between Asbury Avenue and Ridge Avenue is a one way street going east.
You must access the YWCA parking lot on Church Street from Asbury Avenue.)
Reservations requested and you may pay at the door – $40
REGISTER NOW
Contact us for more information
Map

WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?
FROM A JUDGE, LAWYER, THERAPIST AND MEDIATOR

• Judge Jane D. Waller, Domestic Relations Division, Circuit Court of Lake County
• Helen Sigman, JD, Family Law Attorney
• Penny Katz, Mediator and Therapist
• Dr. Beth Wilner, Child Therapist

This multi-part comprehensive workshop moderated by Family Law Attorney Helen Sigman, JD, includes panels of professionals with expertise in family law and children. Hear an in-depth discussion of children’s issues and the legal system including child support, custody and parenting time, negotiating with your spouse and the impact of the divorce process on children, followed by a question and answer session
Saturday, September 11, 1:00 – 4:30pm
Evanston YWCA, 1215 Church Street, Evanston
(Church Street between Asbury Avenue and Ridge Avenue is a one way street going east.
You must access the YWCA parking lot on Church Street from Asbury Avenue.)
Reservations requested and you may pay at the door – $60
REGISTER NOW
Contact us for more information
Map

DIVORCE UNIVERSITY™
Don’t miss this unique daylong seminar with a judge, lawyers, mediators, therapists, financial advisors and more. The day begins with a panel discussion led by seasoned legal professionals. During lunch, hear personal stories from women who’ve come through divorce. Then, consider financial issues with a panel of experts. Finally, attend a workshop of your choice on emotional aspects of divorce. Throughout the day, talk with experienced professionals.
Seating is limited so payment of $125 by Wednesday, November 3 is recommended. If space remains, you may pay $140 at the door.
Fee includes admission, materials, resource book, continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
Sunday, November 7, 9:00am – 4:15pm
Evanston Hospital, Frank Auditorium, 2650 Ridge Avenue, Evanston
REGISTER NOW
Program from Divorce University, April 2010
Contact us for more information
Map

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO DECIDE TO DIVORCE?
Have you thought about divorce but are unable to decide?
Do you agonize whether the marriage is really over?
Do you fear whether you can handle it emotionally or financially?
Are you staying for the children?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this workshop is for you. Dr. Carroll Cradock, Clinical Psychologist and Mediator, will lead a discussion for women who are contemplating divorce but have not yet made a decision to go forward. Gain fresh insight that can help you come to your own best decision. This is also a great opportunity to connect with other women in similar situations.
Tuesday, December 7, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Evanston YWCA, 1215 Church Street, Evanston
(Church Street between Asbury Avenue and Ridge Avenue is a one way street going east.
You must access the YWCA parking lot on Church Street from Asbury Avenue.)
Reservations requested and you may pay at the door – $40
REGISTER NOW
Contact us for more information
Map

Support Groups

Our 8-week support groups are led by Licensed Clinical Social Workers who offer a therapeutic, compassionate and informational environment. Having support and friendship from women going through divorce at the same time is vital and empowering. Moving through the divorce process toward new perspectives and healing is important for your well-being. Please consider joining a Lilac Tree support group to help you with the emotions of divorce, share your experiences, meet other women and make new friends.

Groups begin when a minimum of six women register and are limited to eight women in a group. Since there are limited spaces in each support group, pre-registration with a Lilac Tree staff member and a deposit are required – $280.  Partial scholarships are available.

• Evanston
  Thursday evenings 6:30 - 8:30pm, starts July 22
  Lilac Tree Office, 1123 Emerson Street, Evanston
  Map

• Highland Park
  Thursday afternoons 12:00 - 2:00pm, starts September 23
  1866 Sheridan Road, Highland Park
  Map

• Chicago
  Monday evenings 6:30 - 8:30pm, starts October 4

REGISTER NOW
Contact us for information about additional Support Groups

Groups start dates are subject to change.
The Lilac Tree reserves the right to determine refunds close to or after start dates.

Individual Information Sessions

We offer individualized information sessions, a private and confidential opportunity for women contemplating divorce or beginning the process to learn in greater detail what to expect, what your rights are, how to hire the professionals you might need and what you need to know about your finances.
Pre-registration required – $90
Lilac Tree Office, 1123 Emerson Street, Evanston
REGISTER NOW
Contact us for more information
Map

Partial scholarships are available for all Lilac Tree programs by calling our office at 847.328.0313.

Free referrals to professionals are available by calling our office at 847.328.0313.

The Lilac Tree reserves the right to determine refunds.

A Special Thank You...
The Lilac Tree would like to thank The Margaret and Richard Merrell Foundation and the Portes Family for their ongoing generosity.