Bush & Heise - Barrington, Illinois

Sandy R.

I am writing a review as the Step-mother of a very sweet boy being raised by a Narcissistic mother. This is a situation where mom and dad were never married and the child doesn't even remember them together. She kept my husbands son away from him for years and when we decided to take her back to court to modify the current 6 year old agreement, we got stuck with Anna. After my husband had multiple mediations that he was forced to do with Anna, he did not get anywhere. Over $3500 for 3 sessions, where Anna promoted their arguing and bashing of the father, she told the mother that the current agreement states this... you don't have to agree, she also raised her voice to belittle the father. Isn't mediation just that? A NEUTRAL person looking for the best interest of the child? A person who should listen to both sides and state "Do you think that would be better for your son?" and listen to feedback and give GOOD feedback. Not one-sided for the mom. I will say as a mother, Children, especially boys NEED their fathers. Fathers already get limited time with their children, why be so difficult, give more. Anna is not the one to perform a fair mediation. If you get her, I would suggest a substitution immediately.

D K.

Anna Bush, a court appointed mediator. I took my son's narsictic mother back to court due to the facts of my son's mother keeping my son away from me. This is the father taking the mother back to court situation due to the mother not following the current agreement. At Anna's and my one on one first visit, Anna promised to make the situation fair and will change things for son and father relationship. Visiting Anna, my son's mother, and I on a mediation visit, Anna obviously broke all promises that she had spoken about at our first and only one on one visit. Anna has a degree, but lacks the importance of what's best for the child. Anna is biased. I can't comprehend why the court keeps such individuals to represent a child. I question Anna's life experiences especially after showing zero empathy for the father who wants to see and be with his kid/s more. The professionalism does not exist for what I experienced. My son's mother shouting at me, and Anna banging her hands on the table joining my son's mother's rage. If that wasn't a sign that my son's mother is not stable and lives with anger possibly doing the same to the minor, we have a court appointed mediator acting out in rage also. Anna attempted to promote me to join the shouting and to get angry. This and more was a shocking experience. Anna asked me not to share what goes on in her offices. I will tell all personal, when Anna Bush is appointed to your case, immediately ask for a substitute. You don't want to go through what I witnessed and experienced. You may become dramatized if you go with Anna bush, I definitely am.

Brien M.

Anna Bush has proven to be incredibly biased, consistently siding with the mother while showing clear disdain for fathers or women who challenge her authority. Despite being court-appointed in May 2023, she has yet to provide the judge with a report, leaving the case in limbo while continuing to bill exorbitant amounts.

In a no-asset divorce case, her fees have exceeded $20,000, a shocking figure given the lack of meaningful progress or tangible results. Her actions—or lack thereof—have only fueled conflict, ignored facts, and prolonged an already difficult situation. Avoid working with Anna Bush at all costs. She is more concerned with her billing than the best interests of the children.

Denise S.

I would like to write an update on my review. Anna Bush was the GAL for my stepkids about 3 years ago. She reported back to the judge that the kids were fine with their mother and her boyfriend. Unfortunately, things got out of hand in that household and the judge swiftly changed the decision and we now have the youngest son living in our home. THANK GOODNESS, He is out of harms way and has adjusted beautifully in district 220 and our home. He went from having very bad grades and behavior issues to amazing grades and no behavior issues!! Do not hire Anna Bush. If your lawyer suggests her for a GAL do not agree to it. She was wrong on all accounts and did not see red flags. She has no business dealing with kids. NONE!

updated 1//10/2024
My stepson is now at Barrington High school and is doing quite well. He has a stable home with my husband, 3 other siblings and myself. His mother is no longer with the man who "bit" and bullied my stepson. It's interesting that even she, the mother, realized what a dysfunctional relationship/household she had. Again, I am thankful that the judge did not allow for our youngest son to be in that abusive household even though Anna Bush thought that the mother's household was in "good" standing. She based things like "did the kids have their own room?" as quality of living.This should not be the case! Many kids share rooms with siblings and it is a great thing for kids. Anna Bush made a HUGE mistake in my opinion when siding with this mother and thinking her household was a better one even with all the circumstances that happened. Unfortunately, our other two kids who stayed in that household, and now that they are adults 18 and 22, have major obstacles to overcome with all the trauma from the many years of emotional abuse.

Nicole C.

I highly recommend Bush and Heise. I believe Anna has done everything in her power to protect my children's best interest. Anna is straightforward and does not pick sides. My children come first in her eyes. She was in constant communication with my lawyer, myself, and my ex's lawyer as well. When an emergency arise, Anna was quick to return my phone calls. She has told my children to contact her office anytime if they feel a situation is unsafe or alarming to them. The rest of the staff are understanding and willing to help. When I speak to Julie regarding payments, she is friendly and helpful. She never made me feel like all she wants is money. The receptionist Andrea is cheerful and polite. I have never felt disrespected in any manner.

I thank Anna and her staff for their continued support. I highly recommend Anna and her wonderful staff to others.

Denise S.

Anna Bush was hired as a GAL for my husbands 3 children. He was seeking full residential custody for his kids. We were hopeful that a GAL would connect with the children ages 10, 13 and 16 whom all had asked to help them in getting out of their situation at their mothers house. Sad that I am even saying this but Mrs. Bush did not do her job effectively or efficiently. She came to our house to do a “home visit” and literally was in and out in two minutes. She never really took the time to get to really know her clients, the children! And when the older one asked to discuss things with her - she was dismissed and told that a judge could care less what she has to say. She never spoke to doctors or teachers with whom she could have gathered evidence. It seems she made her assumptions without making the appropriate steps to get to the bottom of things in a thoughtful and dedicated process. Our middle son spoke to her as well and his words were twisted and misconstrued. During this dreadful 2 year stretch, she was on many vacations- changed court dates to fit her needs and really was only more concerned about her payments then the well being of her clients. As an educator, it was sad to view an adult, who is a licensed GAL, with little to no experience in how to handle children. She really had no tools in how to connect with children and she was not compassionate with the children. In all honestly, all three kids speak very negative about her. As an outsider, I saw that she was very unorganized, non-compassionate and definitely unwilling to really hear both sides. It seemed that once she made up her mind on something (without really triangulating all the evidence) she didn’t want to hear anymore. Most importantly, Mrs. Bush has no business dealing with kids and especially making life decisions that will effect kids lives forever. I am very disappointed in her services as a GAL. Beware!!! I will also add that even if you show good faith and pay her every month towards your bill - which we have-she will still want you to pay more. I have never dealt with a lawyer quite as ignorant as her. Do not Hire her as a lawyer. I DO NOT recomend her. You have been warned!

Savings F. Y.

I’m so thankful for all Anna and her team did for my son! She was able to see my ex is a Narcisist and limited time with my son was the best.
It was a long two and half years but at the end my ex couldn’t fake it and show his true color.
Anna did what was best for my son. She was the GAL in my case. She has years of experience and knowledge with Verbal abusive people.

John H.

Anna Bush was appointed parenting coordinator in my case. If ever a case could benefit from having a PC, it would be mine since my ex and I do not agree on anything. She charged us over $8000 and had virtually no impact on resolving a single issue in the case. She never made a single written or formal recommendation to the court. This after the judge stated unequivocally in court that there was a 99% chance that he would implement every one of her recommendations. She only had one meeting with the two us but never issued minutes or recommendations from that meeting. The bulk of her time was spent reading emails back and forth between my ex and I. She did nothing to help resolve a single issue in the case. Anna Bush was a complete waste of time and money.