SJ Law

10/15/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. City of Newton employees and staff wore purple in support of victims of domestic violence. Founding partner, Kelly Schodorf, serves as Municipal Court Judge of Newton, Kansas.

10/12/2026

10/12/2026

SJ Law will be closed today for Indigenous People’s Day.

10/10/2026

Founding partner Kelly Schodorf recently presented “Tips from the Bench” to city prosecutors at the Kansas League of Municipalities annual conference. Drawing on her experience as the Newton Municipal Court judge, Kelly offered a judge’s-eye view of what makes for effective advocacy in municipal court. We’re proud of her commitment to the legal community across Kansas.

09/11/2026

SJ Law is proud to support our local veteran community!

Kelly Schodorf presented an estate planning seminar at the Kansas Veterans' Home, helping families of residents understand important planning options for their loved ones.

At SJ Law, civic involvement and community education are core to who we are. We believe everyone deserves access to clear, helpful information about protecting their family's future.

Does your organization, church group, or community club have members who could benefit from an estate planning seminar? We'd love to help! Send us a message to learn more about scheduling an educational presentation for your group.

09/01/2026

SJ Law was a proud sponsor of Holding New Therapy - Perinatal & Reproductive Mental Health's August Brunch and Bond. Brunch & Bond is a free community event created for moms, mother figures, & non-binary parents looking for connection, friendship, & a little time to themselves. As a women owned firm, this event is near and dear to our hearts.

Holding New Therapy provides Kansas therapy for miscarriage, postpartum depression, infertility, & birth trauma. Offers couples counseling and online perinatal mental health therapy sessions.

07/20/2026

Estate Planning Tip: Your beneficiary designations override your will.

Many people update their will and think they're covered, but on accounts like life insurance, retirement plans (401k, IRA), and payable-on-death bank accounts, the beneficiary form is what actually controls where the money goes. Not your will.

That means if you named an ex-spouse or an outdated beneficiary years ago and forgot to update it, your will can't fix that.

✅ Quick action: Pull up your retirement and insurance accounts today and confirm your beneficiaries are current.

Questions about how your estate plan fits together? We're here to help.

07/17/2026

We're confident in what we do — but don't just take our word for it. Here's what our clients have to say:

07/15/2026

Does it matter who files for divorce first?

It can... and here's why we recommend not waiting.

✅ Choice of venue. If you and your spouse live in different counties or states, filing first can determine where your case is heard.

✅ You set the tone. The initial petition frames what's being asked for first (custody, support, property). The other side responds to your position, not the other way around. Temporary orders granted by the judge initially control custody, parenting time, possession of assets, and financial responsibilities until a motion hearing can be heard.

✅ Preparation time. Filing first usually means you've had time to gather documents and plan. You don't want to be caught off guard if your spouse files first.

✅ Asset protections kick in.

If you're weighing your options, talk to one of our family law attorneys before making any moves. Understanding your position before you file can make all the difference.