Matthew C. ArnouxPartner312-863-2802m.arnoux@asfamlaw.com
Matthew Arnoux is an experienced litigator who handles complex family law matters.
Matthew litigates cases involving substantial estates and is skilled at examining forensic and accounting experts in cases involving the tracing and characterization of assets and the valuation of businesses. Matthew’s cases often involve the determination of spousal support. Matthew’s financial acumen is also important in the structuring of prenuptial agreements.
Matthew also represents clients involved in disputed custody and visitation cases. He has extensive experience with questioning psychiatrists, psychologists and other mental health professionals to help determine what is in the best interest of children. Matthew helps prepare his clients for all of their evaluations with mental health professionals.
Matthew has successfully litigated Hauge Convention cases resulting in the return of children to South Africa and Canada. Matthew has lectured fellow professionals on Hague litigation in the Chicago Bar Association Seminar series.
Because Matthew has extensive trial experience, he is able to settle the majority of his cases. Matthew believes that clients should take an active role in determining and controlling their lives by the settlement process. He also believes that the best settlements for clients are the result of preparation which allows his client to negotiate from a position of strength.
Matthew also practices in the appellate courts. Among two of his groundbreaking appellate cases, Matthew successfully argued for expanding a parent’s right to collect child support beyond the previous statute of limitations, and in a separate case, successfully argued for the prohibition of the disclosure of a parent’s pharmacy prescription records in a custody case. Both cases changed the status of the law at the time the decisions were issued and in the child support case, enabled a parent to collect back child support from the other parent 35 years after the divorce judgment.
Matthew is also certified by the Cook County courts to represent children in family law disputes and is frequently appointed by Domestic Relations Judges to serve in this capacity. Matthew has written reports and testified in numerous hearings and trials wherein custody, parenting time and relocation were issues.
Matthew practices in the courts of Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will and Kane counties, and has handled complex cases in Florida and Massachusetts, where he has been admitted pro hac vice. He has also successfully tried criminal jury and non-jury cases involving criminal charges related to family law issues. Matthew’s peers have selected him as a member of the Illinois Leading Lawyers Network and an Illinois Super Lawyer.
Matthew is married to Bobbi Panter, the Chicago entrepreneur who developed all natural pet products bearing her name. Matthew and Bobbi are active in local and national philanthropic organizations.
Matthew and Bobbi are active in community organizations such as PAWS, Underdog Rescue and The Community Center.
Education
- University of Illinois, J.D., 1984
- Georgetown University, B.A. (Economics), cum laude
Admissions
- Illinois, 1984
- United States Supreme Court, 2010