Archive for category - Articles

How to be (or find) a happy lawyer, Part 1 of 2

Posted on March 10, 2010 by John Steele

For me, there are two things that prevent me from getting jaded, burned out, or whatever seems to happen to most family law attorneys.  First, I started my own firm a few years ago.  This means I don’t have to take on clients I do not like, or that I think are scum bags.  Read the rest of this entry »

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People never cease to amaze me (part 84)

Posted on February 5, 2010 by John Steele

Question I received this morning:

27 yrs ago when my boyfriend was 26 he fondled his step daughter. This went on for aprox 5-6 months and he put a end to it.  He remained her stepfather until four years ago when his wife died. She was aware of the abuse. Read the rest of this entry »

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Reading the fine print

Posted on January 24, 2010 by John Steele

I received an interesting question the other day that really shows me people do not know what they are doing when they say “I do”: Read the rest of this entry »

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Choosing Poorly (A Post Many Will Not Want to Read)

Posted on January 10, 2010 by John Steele

At the end of the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the bad guy and Indiana finally arrive at a room holding a bunch of goblets and guarded by an old man.  One of the cups was the one Jesus used at the last supper, and anyone who drinks from it will get to live forever.  The bad guy picks one, drinks from it, and is immediately turned into a pretty gross corpse.  The old man looks at Indiana and says, “He choose poorly”. Read the rest of this entry »

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Mortgages and Divorce

Posted on January 2, 2010 by John Steele

A frequent question I receive often:

My x was order by the court in my divorce decree to refinance in 90 days to have my name removed from our joint property….or he has to sell with my coroperation….he said he was letting the property foreclose…. Read the rest of this entry »

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Happy New Years!

Posted on January 1, 2010 by John Steele

The beginning of the new year seems so full of opportunity and also allows everyone to make their latest ‘new years resolutions’.  While many will fail (including my resolution to eat better), it is part of our tradition to review, analyze, and attempt to correct our current shortcomings at the turn of the calender.   Read the rest of this entry »

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By John Steele

Posted on December 15, 2009 by John Steele

Here is a question typical of what I get at least once a month:

What is the possibilities to win a 50/50 physical custody in a one year old? Read the rest of this entry »

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Oral agreements are worth the paper their written on

Posted on November 28, 2009 by John Steele

I received several inquiries today from people who wanted to know how they go about enforcing an oral agreement.  My first option would be to get a time machine.  That way the person can go back, grab a lawyer, have him draft an agreement, and get the person to sign it.  My second option would be . . . look at it as a learning experience for next time when you should grab a lawyer, have him draft an agreement, and get the person to sign it. Read the rest of this entry »

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Respecting Illinois judges (part II)

Posted on November 3, 2009 by John Steele

6 Months in jail for flipping off the judge.  I love these stories, as its about time judges started taking back the courtroom from people who think the ghetto or trailer park they live in somehow extends to the courtroom:

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/mchenry.contempt.court.2.1288146.html

Posted on November 3, 2009 by John Steele

6 Months in jail for flipping off the judge. I love these stories, as its about time judges started taking back the courtroom from people who think the ghetto or trailer park they live in somehow extends to the courtroom:

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/mchenry.contempt.court.2.1288146.html

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New Parental Notification Law takes effect Nov 3rd

Posted on November 2, 2009 by John Steele

For those of you who do not know, starting tomorrow, November 3rd, the law requiring parental notification goes into effect in regards to abortion.  Now this is not a post regarding abortion, but rather my thoughts as a family lawyer on the issue of parental notification. Read the rest of this entry »

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