Firm News
We are excited to share that Birnbaum Gelfman Sharma & Arnoux will be transitioning to Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC, signaling the start of a dynamic new chapter for our firm
This new name not only symbolizes our growth and leadership but also emphasizes the evolution of the talented attorneys who steer our organization. The diverse strengths of our three partners perfectly equip us to handle any challenge, both in and out of the courtroom. With Matthew Arnoux’s decades of experience, Molshree Sharma’s specialized expertise, and Jonathan Standeford’s extensive knowledge and early achievements, we have the ideal foundation for a successful law firm.
The firm welcomes Jonathan R. Standeford as our newest Partner
Upon receiving his degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago – John Marshall Law School in 2021, Jonathan began practicing family law exclusively and was elevated to the position of Partner at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC in 2024.
Jonathan Standeford is a skilled litigator whose broad legal experience offers him the dynamic perspective he wields with every client. He regularly handles matters across Illinois regarding dissolutions of marriage, parentage, asset divisions, maintenance, child support, and allocation of parental responsibilities, and prenuptial/postnuptial agreements.
Jonathan believes mediation and settlement should be explored but will not hesitate to zealously represent and advocate for his client when resolution cannot be met. Jonathan regularly contacts clients to maintain open channels of communication to ensure that nothing is missing in his representation. He is known for his willingness to prioritize clients above all else to ensure their concerns are heard and their needs are met. While there are no winners in domestic relations proceedings, Jonathan always advocates to ensure the outcome of the proceedings are positive and, in the client’s best interests.
Jonathan’s dedication to advancing the practice of family law is unparalleled as he routinely reviews appellate court proceedings, maintains an updated knowledge of the law, and argues before the court for application of the law in a positive manner and in favor of his client.
Jonathan also has a specialized interest in and understanding for matters involving jurisdictional disputes, both involving the Hague Conventions on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and non-signatory countries. Jonathan has assisted in the return and securing of minor children from Australia, India, Germany, and various other jurisdictions within and beyond the borders of the United States.
Shannon Gara was promoted to Senior Paralegal
Any law firm knows that great paralegals are the key to success, and no one better than us at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. Shannon Gara is always one step ahead, prepared for anything, and basically a mind reader. She holds everything together and we are lucky to have her.
Congratulations to Jonathan Standeford
Congratulations to Jonathan Standeford for his selection to Best Lawyers Ones To Watch. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication company in the legal profession, and “Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™ highlights excellence in legal talent for lawyers who are earlier in their careers. We are thrilled that Jonathan is honored with the distinction.
Molly and Jonathan attended and presented at the 2023 ISFL (International Society of Family Law) World Conference
Firm attorneys, Molly and Jonathan, attended and presented at the 2023 ISFL (International Society of Family Law) World Conference. This was the 18th (Golden Jubilee) World Conference on July 12 – 15, 2023 in Antwerp, Belgium.
Their presentation, “The State, The Family, and The Individual: Reproductive Rights and the Implication on Divorce” focused on the laws surrounding embryo cryopreservation. The paper compared: the US Court’s jurisprudence with that of the European Courts, potential issues regarding recognition of parental and custody rights (generally), and specifically the Hague Convention, and finally, the impact of the US Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Golan v. Saada: Protecting Domestic Abuse Survivors in International Child Custody Disputes
Molshree “Molly” A. Sharma is a partner at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. Her family law practice includes international custody disputes under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Please read her article Golan v. Saada: Protecting Domestic Abuse Survivors in International Child Custody Disputes published in Family Law Quarterly, Vol. 56, No. 2 & 3, 2022-2023, by the American Bar Association by clicking here.
Molshree “Molly” Sharma is profiled in the September 5th issue of Crain’s Chicago Business as Crain’s 2022 Notable Woman in Law
Molshree “Molly” Sharma is profiled in the September 5th issue of Crain’s Chicago Business as Crain’s 2022 Notable Woman in Law. This is an extremely prestigious award given to attorneys displaying excellence in their field. Molly has vast experience in complex family law cases representing professionals, business owners and homemakers. She handles custody issues with sensitivity and advocates vigorously for her clients to achieve fair resolutions. Molly has expertise in international family law; especially in cases with assets and investments abroad and custody jurisdiction matters. Please follow the link below for more.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/awards/crains-2022-notable-women-law
Attorney Jonathan Standeford Featured In A Roundtable Discussion For July 2022 Edition of Crain’s Chicago Business
In the July 2022 edition of Crain’s Chicago Business, Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC was featured in a Roundtable Discussion being represented by Jonathan Standeford. Throughout the discussion, Jonathan explored how the pandemic has shaped court cases and domestic difficulties throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas and court systems.
Jonathan discusses the pros, the cons, and ultimately the inevitable jump to digital. The court, litigants, and their counsels were forced to adapt in real time because of a pandemic that shocked the world. While the pandemic is serious and remains ongoing, various changes have been implemented which have allowed court cases to continue, especially in domestic relations.
Specifically, Jonathan discussed the benefits of Zoom, the contact which can be maintained through video conferencing, and the general access of counsel now that different means are being utilized. Additionally, Jonathan discusses how BGSA remains open to meeting with clients in the office, via video call, and in-person at court. Many of these phases are crucial to connecting with clients to ensure the level of trust necessary to address their concerns, critiques, and most importantly their questions.
Finally, Jonathan discussed how attorneys conduct themselves in similar manners, even when faced with obstacles such as the pandemic. Please follow the link below to read the full article.
https://www.chicagobusiness.com/crains-content-studio/roundtable-family-law-0
Trying To Move When You Have An Ex-Spouse Who Opposes
Moving is one of the most stressful moments of a person’s life. If you have a child with an ex-spouse who is opposing the move, it becomes one of the hardest legal battles to fight. Illinois Courts have always felt that relocation should only be granted when it is absolutely clear that the move is in the best interest of the child. This can be extremely hard to show, but two attorneys from Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC were able to overcome those odds and get relocation granted in a situation where the outcome was anything but set in stone.
In a recent case, Reuben A. Bernick and Dagny R. Broome represented a client attempting to move out of state. The main reason for the move was better educational opportunities in the public school system. The minor child was adamantly opposed to the move. The child stated unequivocally to the Guardian Ad Litem in the case, that they wanted to stay in Chicago and was fine with only seeing the other parent once a month or less. Given the age of the child, a teenager, their opinion was very important to the Court and needed to be considered.
Despite this, Mr. Bernick and Ms. Broome showed that while the minor child may not want to move, the public school system in Chicago was failing the child and ultimately, they would have a better chance of succeeding in the future if relocation was granted. This was shown through testimony of the Guardian Ad Litem, who spoke to the strong educational facilities in the other state, testimony of their client who spoke to the struggles the parties had with getting the necessary support needed for academic success in Chicago, and testimony of the client’s husband, who spoke to his own children’s public-school record and the support received. Through this testimony and through skillful presentation of the eleven factors that the Courts consider in such cases, Mr. Bernick and Ms. Broome showed the Judge that relocation was the best outcome for all involved.
Molshree “Molly” A. Sharma’s Hague Convention Article Accepted for Publication in the American Bar Association Family Law Journal
Molshree “Molly” A. Sharma’s article on The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction was recently accepted for publication in American Bar Association Family Law Journal. Molly has written extensively on international custody matters and is an expert in the field. She has lectured around the world including at the Private International Law Conference in Rio De Janeiro, International Family Law Conference in Tel Aviv, International Society of Family Law in London, in Ethiopia, India and Washington D.C.