Great experience Steven Wasko was hired on my behalf as part of a guardian ad litem case; my former partner and I went through a not so amicable custody litigation and we needed a GAL to sift through all of our claims and decide what would be in the best interest of the kids. Steve did exactly that; he was very impartial on his assessment, truly listening to both parties concerns, but eventually making the decisions that best served the interest of the kids. This speaks tons to his professionalism and dedication, and I found his work to be impeccable. In addition, he has shown kindness, providing words of encouragement when the case seemed to be dragging forever. You will be lucky if Steven is appointed as your GAL. UPDATE: March 2026: Kids are thriving and happy as any kid could be. Can't thank enough read more

Steve Wasko was my child's attorney during my divorce. Because I was not allowed to be present during his meetings with my teenage son, I do not know to what extent my son opened up during their conversations. However, my son told me that Mr. Wasko truly understood him and showed genuine empathy. He reassured my son that he could reach out to him anytime, and throughout the divorce process--especially during conflicts with his father--my son relied on him greatly. Mr. Wasko is calm, objective, and fair. At the same time, he approaches each case with warmth and compassion. From beginning to end, he made every effort to see the situation from my child's perspective and worked wholeheartedly to protect my child's safety and well-being. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for his dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for my child. read more

Steve acts like he cares about you... but he doesn't. ($$$) Says he will do so much but does nothing. Easily intimidated by bigger attorneys than him. So Good luck to you! read more

A trash individual. Doesn't care anything about the truth or justice. Essentially if you are an African American father, he will do his best to remove you as a parent. I ask Wasko in a phone conversation after a year with no scheduled visits with my child, in what capacity are you representing my child? He proceeds to yell, "none of your f'ing business, I'll make a report against you to the judge!!! Hung up the phone and refused to take and more calls. I filed a complaint against Wasko with the board. read more

Steponate & Wasko - The attorney this review is about - Lawyers Near Me - Park Ridge, Illinois

Below ZERO stars if it was possible. Readers should carefully consider my experiences with Mr. Wasko, the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) in my divorce. Fathers VERY likely face the risk of losing access to their children, while mothers may benefit from Mr. Wasko's bias towards maternal viewpoints, which can and will misrepresent situations and harm both fathers and children involved in any proceeding. About two years ago, Mr. Wasko was appointed as GAL to represent my children. He briefly thanked me for my retainer but spent significantly more time with my ex-spouse. Our planned hour-long call ended early, and he showed little to ZERO interest in my perspective, eventually cutting off communication despite my attempts to reach him. Any email or calls I attempted simply went into the unforgiving darkness of space. During our 50/50 parenting schedule, my son, then five, reported multiple instances of abuse, hitting, pushing, chair thrown at him, and parental alienation after visits with his mother. When I raised these concerns with Mr. Wasko, he remained absolutely unresponsive. After months of complaints from my child, I urged my attorney to have Mr. Wasko conduct a video call with my son. During this 15-minute video interview, Mr. Wasko recommended that we schedule an appointment with a psychologist he suggested to further evaluate the situation. I was unaware that Ms. Gail Grossman, the physiologist, is a long-time associate of Mr. Wasko, and they have collaborated for many years. During my son's interview with Ms. Grossman, she subsequently authored a letter to the judge alleging that the father was abusing and physically harming the son, claiming that the child was unwilling to be with his father. Everything my son shared with Ms. Grossman was reversed to favor his mother. Mr. Wasko presented these unfounded allegations to the judge, prompting me to seek a second opinion. The second physiologist I selected conducted a thorough analysis that revealed the truth to the court. Moreover, throughout the legal proceedings, Mr. Wasko covertly advised my ex-partner to engage and hire a physiologist for my son without my knowledge and consent, in addition to file a complaint with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) against me alleging sexual abuse against my one-year-old daughter. Once the facts were brought to light in court, Dr. David Hunt, the physiologist involved, was dismissed, and both DCFS and the local police department (detectives) determined the complaint to be baseless and unfounded. While I could elaborate extensively on Mr. Wasko's pure sick and unethical conduct throughout my case, I will summarize by stating that he was involved for over two years, extracting as much financial gain as possible while neglecting his responsibilities as a GAL. It became increasingly clear that he engaged in covert dealings with the physiologists he favored, opposing attorneys with whom he had friendships, and other professionals, all with the intent to undermine a child's future and to inflict lasting harm and devastation on both the child(ren) and the child's father. My divorce proceedings were not primarily against my former spouse; instead, Mr. Wasko transformed the situation into a personal conflict with me and involving himself and other professionals associated with the case. After more than two years, the truth ultimately emerged, leading to Mr. Wasko's removal from my case. I was awarded full custody, decision-making and the majority of parenting time, successfully protecting my children from a sick and harmful individuals like Mr. Wasko and others involved in my case. If anyone is seeking assistance regarding this individual serving as a GAL in their case, please feel free to reach out to me. I would be more than happy to provide support. read more

As Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) representing my children, Steve Wasko delivered an oral report at trial that was marked by serious omissions, misrepresentations, and factual errors. After these errors were pointed out to the judge, she overruled Mr. Wasko's recommendations and ultimately discharged him from the case. read more

Likes to spend other people's money but doesn't advocate for the children who is hired to help

Very professional, knowledgeable, to the point, personable and noted in his industry. Would recommend him highly. Came to him after bad experience with first divorce atty and he showed me results, tolerance and great care. I consider him a stellar individual. read more

Initially, you are impressed with Mr. Wasko's undivided attention as he hones in on the relative facts of your case. Throughout the process, Mr. Wasko remains real, professional and his expertise in knowing and delivering the law is apparent. His honesty and integrity is beyond reproach. You don't feel like a number at this firm and his associates are caring, decent and hardworking. Divorce is emotional and necessary at times and this attorney and his staff make you feel able to recover and move on. Personally, I am an individual who wears her heart on her sleeve so to speak. Steven grounds you in his no-nonsense yet caring approach. His representation in court is direct and to the point, unlike my previous lawyer. His associates are respectful and handle your past/present negative/abuse experiences with a sense of decency and personal care. Every moment you sense that Mr. Wasko is building on a canvas of reality within the law. Respected by judges and colleagues alike, you come to realize how well you are represented. read more