Maria G. Antoniolli, known as “Gabby,” is a managing partner at Antoniolli, Cerny & Winthers, P.C., where she concentrates her practice in family law. Gabby represents clients in all aspects of divorce and family law matters, including complex financial issues, allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, child support, maintenance, parentage, relocation, orders of protection, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and post-decree matters. She also represents clients in matters involving the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, including administrative appeals and abuse and neglect proceedings.
Gabby is a certified Guardian ad Litem and has served in that capacity in contested family law matters, as well as in juvenile court proceedings involving abused, neglected, and dependent minors. Her experience as both an advocate and a court-appointed GAL gives her a unique perspective in cases involving complex parenting issues and family dynamics.
Before entering private practice, Gabby served as an Assistant State’s Attorney with the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office. During her time as a prosecutor, she gained extensive courtroom and trial experience across several divisions of the office. She prosecuted traffic and misdemeanor matters, including DUIs and domestic battery cases, before being promoted to the Felony Juvenile Division, where she managed hundreds of juvenile cases from intake through disposition and worked extensively with DCFS in matters involving abused, neglected, and dependent minors. Gabby later served in the Felony Trial Division, where she prosecuted serious felony offenses.
Gabby’s extensive courtroom experience continues to shape her approach to family law. She is a practical and strategic advocate who understands that not every case should be litigated simply because it can be. She works closely with her clients to identify their priorities, develop a strategy tailored to their circumstances, and pursue efficient resolutions whenever possible. When litigation is necessary, however, Gabby brings substantial trial experience, thorough preparation, and a direct, analytical approach to the courtroom.
Practice Areas
- Divorce and Post-Decree Matters
- Allocation of Parental Responsibilities
- Parenting Time
- Parentage
- Child Support
- Maintenance
- Relocation
- Domestic Violence and Orders of Protection
- Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements
- Adoptions
- DCFS Administrative Appeals
- Abuse and Neglect Proceedings
- Guardian ad Litem Representation
Certifications
- Certified Guardian ad Litem
- J.D. Certificate in Trial Advocacy
- J.D. Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution
Experience
Antoniolli, Cerny & Winthers, P.C.
- Managing Partner
McSwain Nagle Giese & Rapp, P.C. — Wheaton, Illinois
- Partner, 2022–2023
- Associate Attorney, 2020–2022
Mullen Winthers & Cerny, P.C. — Winfield, Illinois
- Associate Attorney, 2018–2020
DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office — Wheaton, Illinois
- Assistant State’s Attorney, 2012–2017
- Law Clerk, 2009–2012
- Legal Secretary, 2008–2009
- Intern, 2004–2008
Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office — Chicago, Illinois
- Law Clerk, 2011–2012
Memberships & Leadership
- DuPage Association of Women Lawyers, President
- DuPage County Chapter of the Justinian Society of Lawyers
Education
- The John Marshall Law School, Chicago, Illinois - J.D. - 2012
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - B.A. - 2008
Political Science
Our Client Testimonials
We are proud of the relationships we have built, and we think our clients say it best.
Within the past year, Axel helped us with the sale of our first home, the purchase of our new construction home and more recently, developing a living trust/will for us. With all of these situations being new to us, he walked us through every...
Axel at Antoniolli, Cerny & Winthers, P.C. represented us for our recent home sale and new home purchase. This was our first time selling a home. Axel and his team were professional, very responsive and helped us feel well informed throughout...
Axel was a fantastic attorney. I had called him about a traffic ticket and he knew exactly what to do. Highly recommended.
Axel is an attorney with integrity, he has the experience and compassion most others lack. Won my case and didn't break the bank. Extremely grateful for his representation.
We worked with Axel Cerny and he did a great job. We worked on our will and related documents. He explained everything and insured we had a complete understanding of everything. I would highly recommend using him. Thanks Axel!
Melissa Fernandez was my Divorce attorney, after terrible experiences with prior attorneys, I was so grateful to have found her. She is client focused, efficient, explains complex issues in a way you can understand them in order to make informed...
