In this Episode 42 - recorded on May 8th, 2024, Marjie, Barry and Kevin host retired Judge Mark Lopez, formerly of the Cook County (IL) Circuit Court, Domestic Relations Division.  In this wide-ranging discussion, Judge Lopez shares some insights and perspectives from his 22 years on the bench.   Some topics are:Should you be scared to appear in Court?How are judges chosen in Cook County?What does a judge look at when deciding cases?Can you take off your shirt in Zoom court?  (No.)Does it help to be loud and boisterous in Court?What is a 'pretrial?'When can you ask for a change of judge in your case? Judge Lopez now works as a mediator and arbitrator for JAMS, a private dispute-resolution firm.   He's got experience in resolving family-law and other conflicts!  Call JAMS and ask for him at 312-655-0555.                    ==================About the hosts of 'Dynamite Divorce and Other Matters:"Chicago Lawyers Marjie Nielsen, Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 70 combined years of experience in Custody, Divorce and other Family Law matters.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                They work tirelessly to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      ===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Marjie Nielsen  -  https://nextsteplegalservices.com/about-us   Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu    cell 312-493-4241=============Intro/outro music for this episode: From #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/to-the-future   License code: TLAELJDDAJJYICOF

In this Episode 41 - recorded on January 19, 2024, Marjie, Barry and Kevin sit down with former prosecutor ('Assistant State's Attorney') Igor Bozic to talk about Juvenile Court -- and the RISKS that parents face in not maintaining a calm, steady atmosphere around their children at home.How does the Illinois child-protection agency (DCFS) begin focusing on you and your family?   Screaming, yelling, throwing things in the house.   Being overheard by neighbors.   Having your kids witness arguments between the adults.   Teachers, social workers, counselors as 'mandated reporters' to DCFS.   Police and their duty to contact DCFS when kids are involved.How can DCFS take custody of your newborn baby even when you've never abused or neglected her?  (Yes, it can happen.)What happens when DCFS knocks on your door for an unannounced home inspection?  Is there any good news in all this?  (Yes!)                       ==================About the hosts of 'Dynamite Divorce and Other Matters:" Chicago Lawyers Marjie Nielsen, Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 70 combined years of experience in Custody, Divorce and other Family Law matters.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                They work tirelessly to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      ===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Marjie Nielsen  -  https://nextsteplegalservices.com/about-us   Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu    cell 312-493-4241=============Intro/outro music for this episode: From #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/to-the-future   License code: TLAELJDDAJJYICOF

In this Episode 40 - recorded on September 8, 2023, Marjie (our new co-host), Barry and Kevin sit down with: Doctor of Psychology Pascale Piron  https://emergepg.com/pascale-piron, for a look behind the mental-health curtain.  Psychologist, therapist, counselor -- what's difference (other than cost?)  Can all of them do counseling?  testing?  evaluations?   Why therapy for kids is good, and how some parents try to sabotage it.   Why adults in litigation or family-law conflicts can greatly benefit from therapy.  And what about parents' fears that seeing a therapist might give the other side reasons to claim they're crazy?  In this, Marjie's first episode as co-host, she, Barry and Kevin throw some spaghetti at the wall (figuratively,) telling Dr. Piron some of their best techniques for dealing with sticky, real-world situations, only to be humbled by Dr. Piron,  who is ridiculously more qualified to speak about mental-health issues!  And mental health is a big factor in family-law court cases, with some parents determined to 'win' at all costs -- even throwing their children into the fight.                    ==================About the hosts of 'Dynamite Divorce and Other Matters:"  Chicago Lawyers Marjie Nielsen, Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 70 combined years of experience in Custody, Divorce and other Family Law matters.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                They work tirelessly to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      ===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Marjie Nielsen  -  https://nextsteplegalservices.com/about-us   Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu    cell 312-493-4241=============Intro/outro music for this episode: From #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/to-the-future   License code: TLAELJDDAJJYICOF

In this Episode 39 - recorded on July 20, 2023, Barry and Kevin answer some of the questions commonly asked of them by non-lawyers.   There are links included below, including "Illinois Legal Aid Online," for people who would like some online help in preparing legal documents.  While some of the questions and answers are specific to Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois, there are also some universal truths and principles that anyone should find useful, as they attempt to navigate a complicated court system.                    ==================Chicago Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience in Custody, Divorce and other Family Law matters.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin work to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      ===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu    cell 312-493-4241=============Intro/outro music for this episode: From #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/to-the-future   License code: TLAELJDDAJJYICOF

Back from a summer break, Barry and Kevin are again ready to ruminate and pontificate on the practice of family law.  They are joined today by Chicago Attorney Clare McMahon from Hoffenberg & Block , who bravely wades into this wide-ranging discussion about the "Best Ideas and Worst Ideas in Family Law."  In this Episode 38 - recorded in early December, 2022, Clare, Barry and Kevin gather around the (virtual) table to debate and explain some basic family-law concepts, as well as more-complicated techniques and battle-proven strategies.  These three experienced attorneys pull out some tools from the family-law toolbox (some well-known and others not-so-well-known) , examine them in the light of experience, and discuss how they are useful, time-wasting or harmful.  Terms and phrases like, "Discovery," "Deposition," "Deception," "Testimony," "Spew," and "Financial Affidavit" are tossed around freely, and mixed in with some war stories, anecdotal evidence and questionable opinionating.  Why can't these intelligent people, these experienced practitioners, simply agree on one, efficient way of doing things?  Could it be that practicing family law is more art than science?  Might the complexity of human relationships have something to do with it?  Listeners to this cacophonous, unscripted debate may learn some secrets of navigating family-law disputes arising from broken dreams, broken promises and broken relationships.  They may even gain some hope, inspiration and a feeling of encouragement.                      ==================Chicago Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience in Custody, Divorce and other Family Law matters.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin work to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      ===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu    cell 312-493-4241Our guest:  Attorney Clare McMahon -  Hoffenberg & Block  312-853-8000=============Intro/outro music for this episode: From #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/to-the-future   License code: TLAELJDDAJJYICOF

In this Episode 37 - recorded on a hot day in June, 2022, Barry and Kevin discuss an insider's view of negotiating settlement agreements -- the kind that become divorce judgments, parenting-time orders, and custody ('allocation') judgments.When you receive a 20-page parenting-time proposal, what should you look for?  How about "drop dead" ('self-executing') sentences and paragraphs -- which allow the other party to judge when an important line has been crossed (for example, failing to take the child to an athletic practice as scheduled) and now your rights and obligations instantly change (for example, you lose your Wednesday evenings permanently.)   How about 'escape clauses,' sometimes couched as flexibly allowing 'special occasions' to step on the other parent's parenting time?  One person's 'flexibility' is another person's fear and uncertainty.     Or variable terms, like "1/2 of Spring Break," or "the first half of Winter Break," with no definite dates for the beginning and ending of those breaks?                    ==================Chicago Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience in Custody, Divorce and other Family Law matters.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin work to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      ===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu

In this Episode 36 - recorded in May, 2022, Barry and Kevin discuss what happens after a Divorce, Allocation Judgment or other Court Order has been entered.  All that work, all the thinking and negotiating and planning -- so easy to fall apart or not work as planned.Kevin and Barry shares some stories and techniques for smoothing the way to the rest of your life -- your life after Court, when you have to live with the words on paper.                    ==================Chicago Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience in Custody, Divorce and other Family Law matters.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin work to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      ===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.orgMentioned in this episode:             The Illinois 'Statewide Financial Affidavit'             A pointer to the Illinois HFS Child Support Estimator             The Hewitt case (Illinois Supreme Court, 2016)================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu

2021 was a busy year for our podcast, with a multitude of guests sharing ideas, hopes, dreams, techniques and behind-the-scenes secrets from their real-world experience.  A bunch of lawyers and one Doctor of Psychology, what could go wrong?In this Episode 35 - recorded in February, 2022 without a net, and without a guest, Barry and Kevin remember and summarize the hours and hours of 'Dynamite Divorce and Other Matters' episodes recorded in 2021.                      ==================Chicago Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience in Custody, Divorce and other Family Law matters.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin work to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      ===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu

SEE THE LINKS BELOW!Safety and freedom.  Who wouldn't want that?  But abusive partners, spouses and other family members can put the  safety and freedom of you and your children at risk.  No one should live in constant fear of physical or emotional harm.  Agencies, advocates and the legal system stand ready to help.    On the other hand, no one should lose his or her home, children or freedom due to misuse of the legal system or false allegations of abuse.  In this Episode 34, recorded on 12/9/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Kara Bekelya, an experienced Indiana attorney, shine a light on some gut-wrenching issues that don't get enough attention:abusive relationships, where victims can find understanding and help,some facts and insights about the court system, 'orders of protection,' what judges look for, how victims can protect themselves, the involvement and misuse of the police, and some ways to defend against false allegations. Some of the many resources out there:Indiana coalition against domestic violence:   icadvinc.orgNational domestic violence hotline:   www.thehotline.orgConnections for Abused Women and Children:    www.cawc.orgWings program Chicago:    wingsprogram.comFair Haven Rape Crisis Center:     fairhavenrcc.orgSt. Jude house:      www.stjudehouse.orgSarah's Inn:   sarahsinn.orgBetween Friends   www.betweenfriendschicago.org                    ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin work to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      Our Guest:  Indiana family-law and personal-injury attorney Kara Bekelya  (contact her at:  www.marshallslaw.com)===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu     Guest:  Attorney Kara Bekelya -  www.marshallslaw.com

Parents.  Children.  Money.  Power.  Control.  Disabled adults.   What could go wrong?  This podcast is about "Guardianship."  It sounds like a blanket of comfort and protection.   "Guardianship."  The power to decide, for adults and children who can't.  Protection against bad decisions and wasted assets sounds good!  But having a guardian could mean the loss of control.   Can you imagine having another person make your medical decisions, sell your house or spend your money?   Who should have this awesome power?Sometimes, a guardianship clears up uncertainty.  For example, when a single mother has mental or physical challenges and isn't able to raise her children.  The schools or doctors can accept the guardian's decisions, in place of the parent. Or when a child receives a large amount of injury or accident money.  The guardian helps protect and spend that money - under court supervision.   However, when the numbers are very big, or the emotions are very strong, issues of POWER, MONEY AND CONTROL can rip apart a family.  Some family members have even had fistfights in the hallway of the courthouse.In this Episode 33, parts One and Two, Recorded on 10/8/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Mark Broaddus, a very-experienced Chicago probate lawyer, discuss a variety of dilemmas and questions, including:Who can be a guardian?  Do they have to pass a background check?  Can anyone file for guardianship over someone's children? Do parents have to live in fear of this? At age 14, does a child have the power to choose a guardian?  Can the child choose to move in with 'Uncle Burt,' because he has more money, and is more fun?How does a guardianship  of a child differ from a child-custody case, or a juvenile-court case?  What advance planning and documents can help prevent family meltdowns over power and money?                    ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      Our Guest:  Chicago probate attorney Mark Broaddus   (call him at 312-855-4057.)===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu      Guest:  Attorney Mark Broaddus -  www.chuhak.com    312-855-4057

Parents.  Children.  Money.  Power.  Control.  Disabled adults.   What could go wrong? This podcast is about "Guardianship."  It sounds like a blanket of comfort and protection.   "Guardianship."  The power to decide, for adults and children who can't.  Protection against bad decisions and wasted assets sounds good!  But having a guardian could mean the loss of control.   Can you imagine having another person make your medical decisions, sell your house or spend your money?   Who should have this awesome power?Sometimes, a guardianship clears up uncertainty.  For example, when a single mother has mental or physical challenges and isn't able to raise her children.  The schools or doctors can accept the guardian's decisions, in place of the parent. Or when a child receives a large amount of injury or accident money.  The guardian helps protect and spend that money - under court supervision.   However, when the numbers are very big, or the emotions are very strong, issues of POWER, MONEY AND CONTROL can rip apart a family.  Some family members have even had fistfights in the hallway of the courthouse.In this Episode 33, parts One and Two, Recorded on 10/8/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Mark Broaddus, a very-experienced Chicago probate lawyer, discuss a variety of dilemmas and questions, including:Who can be a guardian?  Do they have to pass a background check?  Can anyone file for guardianship over someone's children? Do parents have to live in fear of this? At age 14, does a child have the power to choose a guardian?  Can the child choose to move in with 'Uncle Burt,' because he has more money, and is more fun?How does a guardianship  of a child differ from a child-custody case, or a juvenile-court case?  What advance planning and documents can help prevent family meltdowns over power and money?                    ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      Our Guest:  Chicago probate attorney Mark Broaddus   (call him at 312-855-4057.)===================CARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykin   Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nu     Guest:  Attorney Mark Broaddus -  www.chuhak.com    312-855-4057

Often added to the legal and emotional turmoil of a divorce, custody, parentage, child-support or other family-law dispute are pressures over unpaid bills and debts.  Banks and other creditors sometimes try to collect for a while, but when they give up, they "charge off" the debt and sell it to a "debt buyer" for 3 or 4 cents on the dollar.  Then, a semi-automated collection campaign can begin.In this Episode 32, parts One and Two, Recorded on 8/10/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Michael Wood, an experienced Chicago consumer-law attorney, discuss:The clear-eyed (ruthless) way that banks and other creditors look at consumer debt.How consumers live with financial uncertainty as they navigate life's ups-and-downs.How -- on the other hand- banks and creditors face no uncertainty at all -- since they calculate, predict and price for the expected 'defaults.' How "debt buyers" snap up unpaid consumer debts at 3 or 4 cents on the dollar, but then attempt to collect the full amount through semi-automated pressure campaigns and lawsuits.How you can now use a government-authorized website to "pull your own credit report" not once a year, but every week (for free!) - Annualcreditreport.comFOR THOSE DEBTORS INVOLVED IN A FAMILY-LAW DISPUTE:Remember that the banks, creditors and "debt buyers" operate on a for-profit basis.While banks and creditors at least provide some goods or services, "debt buyers" provide only collection pressure and stress.Family-law disputes are stressful enough, but debt buyers and their attorneys try to collect payments by further increasing people's stress and turmoil.Debt buyers contact neighbors and extended family -- everyone in the consumer's physical and emotional vicinity -- to increase the collection pressure.A consumer-law attorney may be able to help.                    ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      Our Guest:  Chicago consumer-law attorney Michael Wood    (312) 757-1880      https://communitylawyersgroup.com===================Free, weekly (no longer once/year) access to your own 'credit report':    Annualcreditreport.comCARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykinAttorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nuGuest:  Attorney Michael Wood - https://communitylawyersgroup.com/

Often added to the legal and emotional turmoil of a divorce, custody, parentage, child-support or other family-law dispute are pressures over unpaid bills and debts.  Banks and other creditors sometimes try to collect for a while, but when they give up, they "charge off" the debt and sell it to a "debt buyer" for 3 or 4 cents on the dollar.  Then, a semi-automated collection campaign can begin.In this Episode 32, parts One and Two, Recorded on 8/10/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Michael Wood, an experienced Chicago consumer-law attorney, discuss:The clear-eyed (ruthless) way that banks and other creditors look at consumer debt.How consumers live with financial uncertainty as they navigate life's ups-and-downs.How -- on the other hand- banks and creditors face no uncertainty at all -- since they calculate, predict and price for the expected 'defaults.' How "debt buyers" snap up unpaid consumer debts at 3 or 4 cents on the dollar, but then attempt to collect the full amount through semi-automated pressure campaigns and lawsuits.How you can now use a government-authorized website to "pull your own credit report" not once a year, but every week (for free!) - Annualcreditreport.comFOR THOSE DEBTORS INVOLVED IN A FAMILY-LAW DISPUTE:Remember that the banks, creditors and "debt buyers" operate on a for-profit basis.While banks and creditors at least provide some goods or services, "debt buyers" provide only collection pressure and stress.Family-law disputes are stressful enough, but debt buyers and their attorneys try to collect payments by further increasing people's stress and turmoil.Debt buyers contact neighbors and extended family -- everyone in the consumer's physical and emotional vicinity -- to increase the collection pressure.A consumer-law attorney may be able to help.                    ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      Our Guest:  Chicago consumer-law attorney Michael Wood    (312) 757-1880      https://communitylawyersgroup.com===================Free, weekly (no longer once/year) access to your own 'credit report':    Annualcreditreport.comCARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykinAttorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nuGuest:  Attorney Michael Wood - https://communitylawyersgroup.com/

"We fought over the divorce, but now that it's over, my ex won't stop fighting about our children!  Never a moment's peace!  It's always one thing or another -- my ex always looks for exceptions and loopholes in our parenting agreement, and I'm always having to defend my actions and my time with my child! " IS THERE NO END?  After a highly-contested court case involving divorce, child-custody or parenting-time, the arguing and name-calling can continue unabated.  There's seemingly no escape from  the feuding, sniping and arguing over language, procedures, decisions, calendar dates and time schedules.  Every word, sentence or paragraph in a court order, when examined in microscopic detail and with full-throttle hostility, can have life-changing effect.  Caught in the middle are the children, victims of the endless war that now threatens to poison the rest of their lives.  IT MAY BE TIME FOR A "PARENTING COORDINATOR" TO STEP IN AND TAKE CONTROL.In this Episode 31, PART ONE, Recorded on 7/16/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Kathy Bojczuk, a Chicago-area attorney with years of family-law experience, discuss:How some parents argue long after court cases are finished,The laws or rules that allow a judge to appoint a "Parenting Coordinator,"When a Parenting Coordinator might be a good idea - or bad idea,Should the Parenting Coordinator be given the power to persuade, or the power to decide,Ways to work effectively with a Parenting Coordinator,Seeing the bright side of all this!BUT WHAT ABOUT:a parent's freedom to raise his or her children?a stranger interfering in basic decisions?the cost and complication of having a professional constantly "on call" for flare-ups and disagreements between the parents?                    ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      Our Guest:  Chicago-area Attorney Kathy Bojczuk    (773) 580-1122      www.bojczuklegal.com==================="Children in Between" - online parenting-conflict course            online.divorce-education.comCARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykinAttorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nuGuest:  Attorney Kathy Bojczuk       www.bojczuklegal.com

"We fought over the divorce, but now that it's over, my ex won't stop fighting about our children!  Never a moment's peace!  It's always one thing or another -- my ex always looks for exceptions and loopholes in our parenting agreement, and I'm always having to defend my actions and my time with my child! " IS THERE NO END?  After a highly-contested court case involving divorce, child-custody or parenting-time, the arguing and name-calling can continue unabated.  There's seemingly no escape from  the feuding, sniping and arguing over language, procedures, decisions, calendar dates and time schedules.  Every word, sentence or paragraph in a court order, when examined in microscopic detail and with full-throttle hostility, can have life-changing effect.  Caught in the middle are the children, victims of the endless war that now threatens to poison the rest of their lives.  IT MAY BE TIME FOR A "PARENTING COORDINATOR" TO STEP IN AND TAKE CONTROL.In this Episode 31, PART TWO, Recorded on 7/16/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Kathy Bojczuk, a Chicago-area attorney with years of family-law experience, discuss:How some parents argue long after court cases are finished,The laws or rules that allow a judge to appoint a "Parenting Coordinator,"When a Parenting Coordinator might be a good idea - or bad idea,Should the Parenting Coordinator be given the power to persuade, or the power to decide,Ways to work effectively with a Parenting Coordinator,Seeing the bright side of all this!BUT WHAT ABOUT:a parent's freedom to raise his or her children?a stranger interfering in basic decisions?the cost and complication of having a professional constantly "on call" for flare-ups and disagreements between the parents?                    ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      Our Guest:  Chicago-area Attorney Kathy Bojczuk    (773) 580-1122      www.bojczuklegal.com==================="Children in Between" - online parenting-conflict course            online.divorce-education.comCARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykinAttorney Kevin R. Johnson - www.divorce.nuGuest:  Attorney Kathy Bojczuk       www.bojczuklegal.com

This is terrible!  First, I'm forced into a court battle for my child's future, now I have to be "evaluated" to see if I'm a good parent?  OF COURSE I'm a good parent!  It's my ex who's causing all the problems and lying about me!  I hope the "professionals" will see that!In highly-contested child-custody and parenting-time cases, a judge will sometimes appoint a mental health professional to gather information and carefully sift through the conflicting and competing narratives and write a report.  This is important stuff, since a professional's evaluation report can completely change the course of a divorce or custody case, and completely alter the life of the parents and their child.  In this Episode 30, PART ONE, Recorded on 7/9/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Dr. Pascale Piron, a Chicago-based Doctor of Clinical Psychology, pull back the curtain and bring you behind the scenes.  What goes through the mind of a mental health professional who must evaluate and report on:parenting skills, attitudes and demeanor, ability to work with the other parent, and ability to keep children safe.  BUT HOW can: interviews with the parents and their 'collaterals' (friends, family members, teachers, others), some psychological tests, a review of documents and pictures from the parents, and an occasional home visit, possibly provide enough background to judge a person's life as a parent, their parenting abilities, who is telling the truth and who is acting out of spite?  HOW can the mental health professional possibly decide whether someone should have the majority of time or decision-making for the child?  No one can step into a parent's shoes and know the 'real' situation from such a snapshot, right?                      ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.      Our Guest:  Dr. Pascale Piron, a Chicago-based Doctor of Clinical Psychology             Emerge Psychology Group:  https://emergepg.com==================="Children in Between" - online parenting-conflict course            online.divorce-education.comCARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykinAttorney Kevin R. Johnson - WWW. DIVORCE.NU    or call his cell  phone:  312-493-4241Guest:  Dr. Pascale Piron, Emerge Psychology Group - https://emergepg.com

This is terrible!  First, I'm forced into a court battle for my child's future, now I have to be "evaluated" to see if I'm a good parent?  OF COURSE I'm a good parent!  It's my ex who's causing all the problems and lying about me!  I hope the "professionals" will see that!In highly-contested child-custody and parenting-time cases, a judge will sometimes appoint a mental health professional to gather information and carefully sift through the conflicting and competing narratives and write a report.  This is important stuff, since a professional's evaluation report can completely change the course of a divorce or custody case, and completely alter the life of the parents and their child.  In this Episode 30, PART TWO, Recorded on 7/9/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Dr. Pascale Piron, a Chicago-based Doctor of Clinical Psychology, pull back the curtain and bring you behind the scenes.  What goes through the mind of a mental health professional who must evaluate and report on:parenting skills, attitudes and demeanor, ability to work with the other parent, and ability to keep children safe.  BUT HOW can: interviews with the parents and their 'collaterals' (friends, family members, teachers, others), some psychological tests, a review of documents and pictures from the parents, and an occasional home visit, possibly provide enough background to judge a person's life as a parent, their parenting abilities, who is telling the truth and who is acting out of spite?  HOW can the mental health professional possibly decide whether someone should have the majority of time or decision-making for the child?  No one can step into a parent's shoes and know the 'real' situation from such a snapshot, right?                      ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.   Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.  Our Guest:  Dr. Pascale Piron, a Chicago-based Doctor of Clinical Psychology   Emerge Psychology Group:  https://emergepg.com==================="Children in Between" - online parenting-conflict course         online.divorce-education.comCARPLS - legal resources           www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org================== Who we are:                                                                      Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykinAttorney Kevin R. Johnson - WWW. DIVORCE.NU    or call his cell  phone:  312-493-4241Guest:  Dr. Pascale Piron, Emerge Psychology Group - https://emergepg.com

I'm still having nightmares about my custody case! How can I get past this? How can I find peace and protect my kids from further trauma? Maybe I should share my inner feelings with my kids and lean on them for emotional support! (WHAT?!)                                         In this  Episode 29, PART ONE, Recorded on 6/4/2021,Barry, Kevin and special guest Andrea Rice share their intelligent and well-spoken  (at least in their minds!) insights about how parties, partners and children can 'move on' after a divorce or custody case.  Heal the scars, prevent further damage.  Be the 'captain of the ship' in your household, prevent outside disruptions. How can I begin dating again?Can I take my teenager's phone away as a punishment?I still hold bitter feelings toward my ex, should I talk about this to my kids?I should be just 'be myself' with my kids, right?Can I shout at my kids?  Every parent does that, right?I buy food, clothes and supplies for my kids -- I'll get credit for that, right?                    ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                                                           Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.     Our Guest:  Attorney Andrea Rice, the 'World's Happiest Divorce Attorney'              www.whdivorceattorney.com/==================="Children in Between" - online parenting-conflict course            online.divorce-education.comCARPLS - legal resources             www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org==================Who we are:                                                                                                           Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykinAttorney Kevin R. Johnson - WWW. DIVORCE.NU    or call his cell  phone:  312-493-4241Guest:  Attorney Andrea Rice -  www.whdivorceattorney.com

I'm still having nightmares about my custody case! How can I get past this?  How can I find peace and protect my kids from further trauma?  Maybe I should share my inner feelings with my kids and lean on them for emotional support! (WHAT?!)                                         In this  Episode 29, PART TWO, Recorded on 6/4/2021,Barry, Kevin and special guest Andrea Rice share their intelligent and well-spoken  (at least in their minds!) insights about how parties, partners and children can 'move on' after a divorce or custody case.  Heal the scars, prevent further damage.  Be the 'captain of the ship' in your household, prevent outside disruptions. How can I begin dating again?Can I take my teenager's phone away as a punishment?I still hold bitter feelings toward my ex, should I talk about this to my kids?I should be just 'be myself' with my kids, right?Can I shout at my kids?  Every parent does that, right?I buy food, clothes and supplies for my kids -- I'll get credit for that, right?                    ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                                                           Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.     Our Guest:  Attorney Andrea Rice, the 'World's Happiest Divorce Attorney'              www.whdivorceattorney.com/==================="Children in Between" - online parenting-conflict course            online.divorce-education.comCARPLS - legal resources             www.carpls.orgIllinois Legal Aid Online             www.illinoislegalaid.org==================Who we are:                                                                                                           Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykinAttorney Kevin R. Johnson - WWW. DIVORCE.NU    or call his cell  phone:  312-493-4241Guest:  Attorney Andrea Rice -  www.whdivorceattorney.com

The Judge is giving my little son his own lawyer?  But I'm his parent!  I know him better than anyone!                                            In this  Episode 28, PART TWO, Recorded on 4/23/2021,Barry, Kevin and special guest Modupe Sobo share their battle-scarred war stories about the 'Guardians ad litem' and 'Child Representatives' that judges often appoint for children in hotly-contested custody and divorce cases.  They are appointed to serve as the 'eyes and ears of the court.'  What does that mean? Do I have to pay this new attorney?Should I be afraid for myself?  For my child?How can I present myself in the best-possible light?  What should I tell my son or daughter before their interview?                      ==================Custody and Divorce Lawyers Barry C. Boykin and Kevin R. Johnson have more than 50 combined years of experience.  They know first-hand the court battles, stress and struggles that people endure as disputes are resolved in the family-court system.                                                           Barry and Kevin try to bring hope and clarity to a troubled world, where lawyers, judges and other professionals see the best and worst of human behavior on public display.     Our Guest:  Attorney Modupe Sobo  -  call her at 312-427-1100==================="Children in Between" - online parenting-conflict course             https://online.divorce-education.com/CARPLS - legal resources             https://www.carpls.org/Illinois Legal Aid Online             https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/==================Who we are:                                                                                                           Attorney Kevin R. Johnson - WWW. DIVORCE.NU    call his cell  phone:  312-493-4241Attorney Barry C. Boykin -  https://www.gclclaw.org/barry-c-boykinGuest:  Attorney  Attorney Modupe Sobo  -  call her at 312-427-1100