Tomiko L. Buchanan is a native of
Evanston, Illinois. In 1994, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science
in Business Management from Northern Illinois University's School of
Business. In 1997, Tomiko graduated from Valparaiso University School
of Law and earned herJuris Doctor. Tomiko became a member of the
Illinois State Bar in 1997 and the Federal Bar for the Northern
District of Illinois in 1998. Tomiko's legal career began 16 years ago
in the Winnebago County Public Defender's Office. Tomiko worked first
in the misdemeanor unit; completing over 100 jury & bench trials
for a variety of cases such battery, retail theft, domestic battery,
traffic court, and drug cases. Next, Tomiko transitioned to abuse and
neglect court to advocate for the parental rights (custody rights) of
individuals suffering from addictions to drugs/alcohol, victims of
domestic battery and parents who discovered that their children were the
victims of child abuse. Finally, Tomiko litigated cases in felony drug
Court as an advocate for individuals accused of selling and using
drugs.After her transition from the Winnebago County Public Defender's
Office, she successfully tried over 15 jury trials for an insurance
defense firm representing driver's accused of negligence. On April 22,
2002, Tomiko opened the Law Office of Tomiko L. Buchanan. There are
three divisions of the Law Office of Tomiko L. Buchanan; the family law
division, criminal law division, and the real estate law
division.Attorney Buchanan's primary practice area is family law which
includes divorces, custody, visitation rights, cases involving domestic
violence, child support, alimony, paternity, DNA testing, removal cases
, contribution to college expenses, property division, prenuptial
agreements, post-nuptial agreement, orders of protection, and no
stalking orders.In addition to her work as a family lawyer, Tomiko's
practice encompasses her numerous appointments as a mediator of custody
and visitation disputes in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit Court Family
Division. Attorney Buchanan is a strong proponent of mediation since
it can resolve the most hostile visitation and custody disputes for a
fraction of the cost and time of litigation.Moreover, Attorney Buchanan
serves as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) for the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
Court. The function of the GAL is to make recommendations relating to
custody disputes, parenting time, and removal in accordance with the
best interests of the minor children.Tomiko is a member of the Illinois
State Bar Association and the Winnebago County Bar Association. Tomiko
is a wife and mother of one son. Tomiko is a member of Pilgrim Baptist
Church of Rockford, Illinois. On her spare time, she enjoys reading,
bike riding, and spending time with her family.
