About Ballard Law Office P.C.

Tomiko’s legal career began 17 years ago in the Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office. Tomiko worked first in the misdemeanor unit; completing over 100 jury and bench trials for a variety of cases such as 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 or 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 courts as an advocate for individuals accused of selling and using drugs. After she transitioned from the Winnebago County Public Defender’s Office, she successfully tried over 15 jury trials for an insurance defense firm representing drivers accused of negligence. On April 22, 2002, Tomiko opened Ballard Law Office P.C. There are three divisions of the Ballard Law Office P.C.; the family law division, criminal law division, and the real estate law division. Attorney Ballard'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 Ballard 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 Ballard 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 Macedonia Baptist Church of Rockford, IL. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, bike riding, and spending time with her family.