SJ Law

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That means if you named an ex-spouse or an outdated beneficiary years ago and forgot to update it, your will can't fix that.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

07/14/2026

Happy Birthday to our Founding Partner, Kelly Schodorf! Wishing you a day filled with celebration and all your favorite things. Cheers to you, Kelly!

07/13/2026

School's starting soon — do you and your co-parent agree on where your child will enroll?

Enrollment season is when school choice disagreements between separated or divorced parents tend to surface — especially if one parent wants to switch districts, move to a private or charter school, or is relocating.

A few things to know:

If your custody order designates one parent as having final say on educational decisions, that language controls — even if the other parent disagrees.

If custody is joint with no clear tiebreaker, and you can't reach an agreement, the school may not be able to enroll your child until the dispute is resolved.

Waiting until the week before school starts is the worst time to sort this out. If you anticipate a disagreement, address it now — not after enrollment deadlines pass.

If you and your co-parent are at an impasse about where your child should go to school this year, don't wait for the deadline to force the issue. We can help you understand your options and, if needed, get in front of the court quickly.

07/02/2026

SJ Law will be closed Friday, July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen with regular hours on Monday, July 6th.

Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

07/02/2026

SJ Law adds family law attorney!

Katherine Phelps brings a wealth of experience in family law, helping clients navigate divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody and support, and parentage matters. She's known for guiding people through some of life's toughest moments with compassion, clear communication, and steady support — because she believes no one should have to face these challenges alone.

Katherine earned her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Kansas and went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 2013. She's licensed to practice in both Kansas and Missouri.

Please join us in welcoming Katy to the SJ Law family!

06/23/2026

SJ Law partner, Whitney Chrisman, has been named as a 2026 Super Lawyers Rising Star in Kansas and Missouri for the 5th year in a row! Please join us in congratulating Whitney for her outstanding work and recognition.

06/18/2026