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. This month, we’re focused on big changes, big love, and big steps forward for our families.

End-of-Year Goals: It's Not Too Late 

There are just a few months left in 2025 (crazy right?). 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. We’re here to make the process clear and affirming.

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. As housing insecurity continues to rise, organizations like Connections are vital to ensuring everyone in our community has a safe place to call home. Visit their website to learn how you can support their mission or get involved.

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. We can’t wait to welcome you to the new office soon!

As always, if you're navigating change or planning ahead, we're here to support you with clarity, care, and trusted legal insight.

Warm regards,

The O. Long Law Team

We're thrilled to welcome Zoé Lemon as the newest member of the O.Long 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, where she earned a Certificate in Public Interest Law and was recognized for her pro bono service, Zoé is committed to making the legal system more accessible for all families especially those from underserved communities.

We’re proud to have her on board and excited for the care and clarity she’ll bring to our clients. Welcome, Zoé!

We’re thrilled to share that Olivia Long has been recognized as an Elite Lawyer for 2025, a national honor awarded to attorneys who demonstrate exceptional legal skill, unwavering integrity, and outstanding dedication to their clients.

This designation reflects not just legal excellence, but a deep commitment to advocacy, leadership, and community impact. Olivia now joins a select group of attorneys across the country recognized for setting the standard in their field.

Learn more about what it means to be an Elite Lawyer and view Olivia’s full profile.

Olivia is excited to return to her alma mater, UChicago Law, for the Meet the Dean event at the end of the month. As a proud University of Chicago Law School graduate, she’s looking forward to hearing directly from Dean Adam Chilton about his vision for the future of one of the country’s leading law schools.

Want to know more? Click here for a recent interview with Dean Chilton

where he shares thoughtful insights on leadership, innovation, and the next chapter for UChicago Law.

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. To protect your family, consider second-parent adoption or other legal steps to solidify your parental status. Courts recognize legal documents, not assumptions.

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. If there's a concern, it must be addressed through the court and not through personal enforcement.