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 ..read more

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, couns ..read more

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, couns ..read more

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 tha ..read more

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.                     ..read more

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 pu ..read more

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 12/8/2021, Barry, Kevin and guest Kara Bekelya, an exp ..read more

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 ..read more

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? Somet ..read more

Custody!  Divorce!  Parenting time!  Money!  Disagreements over children!      SEE LINKS BELOW: "I want my child to speak directly to the Judge."  "Let's have the children tell their story directly to the Judge."  "Let the children have a voice -- the Judge should interview the children!"  Really!  Are you serious?  Have you thought this through? In this Episode 17, Attorney Kevin R. Johnson and Attorney Barry C. Boykin discuss, explain and disagree about "in camera interviews" -- one of the most-contentious issues in family law ..read more