With the end of the year approaching, November is a time for gratitude and growth. Many of us are preparing for family gatherings, holiday traditions, and end-of-year decisions, which can bring both joy and stress. Whether you're revisiting parenting agreements, navigating a separation, or simply seeking a peaceful holiday season, we’re here to help you prepare.

Planning for the Holidays: Co-Parenting

The holiday season can be one of the most emotionally charged times of year, especially for co-parents. To avoid conflict and last-minute scrambling, now is the time to confirm holiday parenting schedules. Clear agreements on travel, expenses, and extended family visits go a long way toward creating a season of peace for you and your children.

Year-End Divorce Planning: Don't Wait Until January

January is often known as "divorce month," but what you should know is that waiting can actually cost you financially and emotionally. If you're contemplating divorce, the end of the year is actually a strategic time to act. Planning now can help you understand your 2026 outlook, prepare important documents ahead of the holidays, and avoid the emotional pressure of starting over in the new year. If you're considering a change, reach out now for a consultation to explore your options.

OLL Cares: Lyric Young Professionals (LYP) 

This month, we’re proud to spotlight the Lyric Young Professionals (LYP), a group of young arts supporters building the next generation of opera lovers in Chicago. With more than 150 members from diverse backgrounds, LYP fosters community through curated events, fundraising, and advocacy, all in support of emerging artists at the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. This month, we were thrilled to sponsor LYP’s recent Mix & Medley pre-show gathering ahead of Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci.  Visit their website to learn more about events and other ways to support.

Whatever this season holds for you, remember: planning is powerful. O.Long Law, LLC is here to help you on your path forward.

Warm regards,

The O. Long Law Team

Olivia recently returned to the University of Chicago Law School to serve as an alumni judge for the fall round of the Hinton Moot Court. A former competitor and past committee co-chair, Olivia enjoyed the opportunity to share knowledge and make connections with current students. This provides students to learn from various alumni from different areas of law, while sharpening their litigation skills. To learn more, check out this 2018 article from the University of Chicago Magazine to learn more about the Hinton Moot Court here.

Spousal support (also called maintenance or alimony) isn’t guaranteed in every Illinois divorce. Courts consider factors like the length of the marriage, income difference, and each spouse’s financial needs. That means it’s important to understand your rights and options early on.

Working with a lawyer (and using tools like our Alimony Calculator) can help ensure your agreement is fair, enforceable, and tailored to your situation.

Myth: You need a reason or "fault" to file for divorce in Illinois.

Fact: Illinois is a no-fault divorce state. You don't need to prove wrongdoing, just an irreconcilable difference. The focus is on moving forward, not assigning blame.