September 2025 Newsletter

As fall peeks around the corner, September invites a return to routine and often a bit of reflection. It's the perfect time to regroup on family goals, prepare for end-of-year transitions, and take proactive steps to protect what matters most, your family.

End-of-Year Goals: It's Not Too Late

There are just a few months left in 2025. Whether your family set New Year intentions or has simply been riding the rollercoaster of this year, September is a wonderful checkpoint. Maybe it's time to revise parenting agreements or simply carve out more quality time. We're here to help you realign your family goals with the clarity and care you deserve.

Second-Parent Adoption: Why It Matters More Than Ever

With recent legal challenges putting pressure on LGBTQ+ family rights, it's more important than ever to legally secure your family structure. If you're a non-biological parent, second-parent adoption offers vital legal protection, even if your name is on the birth certificate or you're listed on a parenting agreement.

OLL Cares: Connections for the Homeless

This month, we're proud to spotlight Connections for the Homeless, an Evanston-based organization working to end homelessness one person at a time. From prevention to housing to advocacy, their work creates lasting impacts across our community.

We've Moved

We're excited to share that as of September 1, 2025, O. Long Law, LLC has a new home at 909 Davis Street, Suite 500 in Evanston. We're still in the heart of the community and just a short walk from our old space.

Spotlight

Welcome Zoé Lemon to the O. Long Law Team. Zoé brings strong advocacy skills and a passion for justice to her work in family law. A graduate of DePaul University College of Law, Zoé is committed to making the legal system more accessible for all families, especially those from underserved communities.

Olivia Long Named an Elite Lawyer for 2025. A national honor awarded to attorneys who demonstrate exceptional legal skill, unwavering integrity, and outstanding dedication to their clients.

Recent Blogs

What Happens to Inheritance in an Illinois Divorce? — Inheritance is usually considered non-marital property in Illinois, but how you use or combine that inheritance during your marriage could change everything.

Do I Have to Disclose Non-Marital Assets During Divorce? — Yes, and failing to do so can cost you. Even if property is clearly non-marital, Illinois law requires full financial disclosure.

What Happens If I Don't Follow the Court's Orders? — Court orders aren't suggestions, they are legally binding.

Legal Tips

A birth certificate isn't the same as legal parentage. Even if both parents are listed on a child's birth certificate, that doesn't always establish legal rights, especially for non-biological or LGBTQ+ parents.

Myth: Parenting time can be denied if child support isn't paid.

Fact: Parenting time and child support are legally separate issues. One parent can't withhold time with the child because the other is behind on payments.