Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Two Guys on Politics Podcast: A Centrist View on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • The Arab street Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • D230 students win prestigious art awards Education
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez would have made a great mayor Blogger
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications Business
  • Inappropriate Illinois license plates
    New Secretary of State reaffirms rejection of inappropriate license plates Chicago
  • Justice Department Health Care Fraud Unit
    Chicago Man Convicted of Participating in Illegal Kickback Conspiracy Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas receives the American Arab Chamber of Commerce 2021 Action Award for her support of Arab and Muslim Americans, returning more than $1.3 million to Arab and Muslim taxpayers.
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas refunding more than $47 million to homeowners Cook County
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Buckner unveils plan to help businesses and strengthen job Business
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Kam Buckner 2023
    Buckner slams Garcia, Johnson and Lightfoot for Crypto hypocrisies, supports probes Chicago
  • Fighting oppressive taxes in Cook County Editors Pick
  • Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman
    Suburbs lose a great leader in Liz Gorman Blogger
  • Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman
    Liz Gorman brings sanity and services back to Cook County Board Blogger
  • Alexi Giannoulias, former Illinois state treasurer and candidate for Illinois Secretary of State
    Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team report Government
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Pritzker’s assault weapons ban not enough to make law abiding citizens safe Blogger
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website
    Vallas urges probe in Lightfoot’s CPD scandal and accuses of Congressman Garcia of being AWOL from Chicagoland needs Chicago
  • Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go Blogger
Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights

Duped dad prevails in court, won’t go to jail

Posted on November 12, 2021November 13, 2021 By Guest Columnist No Comments on Duped dad prevails in court, won’t go to jail
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Duped dad prevails in court, won’t go to jail

By Efar Veronique

A desperate man was saddled by the court with an enormous child support payment and child support arrearage, that he couldn’t afford to pay, and for a child that was not even his. He was worried that he would lose his license, lose his job, and lose his liberty.

He called attorney Jeffery M. Leving for help. The caller told Leving that he mistakenly signed a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity for the minor child, back in 2006 when the girl was born.

A voluntary acknowledgement of paternity, or “VAP,” is a document typically signed by the biological father and mother, in which the man acknowledges he is the father of the child. However, this man later learned that his relationship with the mother was not exclusive.

He requested a DNA test with the mother, and discovered that he was not, in fact, the father of the child. The mother then indicated to him that she would correct the matter. She didn’t.

Nothing happened for the following nine years, and this man believed the matter had been resolved, trusting the mother.

Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights

 

However, recently and unexpectedly, he was prosecuted and served with a Petition for Child Support and summons to appear in court for child support, regarding the same minor child.

He frantically filed a motion on his own without a lawyer, to deny fatherhood of the child because of the genetic test, but the court still entered a default judgment against him, and required him to pay current child support and a huge arrearage. He couldn’t pay these large amounts of money and, eventually, he did lose his driver’s license, which imperiled his job. Next, his liberty hung in the balance.

This man started to think there was no way out of his predicament. Luckily, however, he turned to Leving for help.

To win this case, Leving had to design a strategy to vacate the VAP, especially this one that is 15 years old. The legal strategy was to seek to vacate the VAP as a judgment of the court. “This is very difficult to do, because under Illinois law, a VAP can only be vacated on the grounds of duress, fraud, or mutual mistake — which can be extremely difficult to prove,” said attorney Maureen Gorman.

Leving put together a top notch team of litigators from his firm to fight for this client who had been wronged. Leving’s Detective Wayne Halick, who previously worked successfully on cases just like this one, said that “requiring a man to pay child support for another man’s child is, plain and simple, wrong.”

Under the facts of this case, Leving asserted the VAP should be vacated on the grounds of mutual mistake. A Petition to Vacate the VAP, arguing that the man and the mother signed the VAP because they mistakenly believed that he was the father, was drafted.

A hearing on the matter was scheduled. On the date of the hearing, the judge granted Leving’s client’s Petition to Vacate on the spot without an evidentiary hearing. The judge entered an order granting all the relief the man requested, including vacating the VAP, vacating all orders entered subsequent to the VAP, vacating the current child support order and all child support arrearages, and directing the state Department of Healthcare and Family Services to adjust its records to show zero dollars in arrearages. Leving’s client can now request reinstatement of his driver’s license, which will make his employment more secure and, best of all, no jail time for him.

Leving said that “this was an important victory, modified for broadcast. If this man had not come to see me, it is very likely he would have been mandated to pay child support for many, many years, would have irrevocably lost his job because he could no longer drive, and could have even ended up in jail, all for not paying child support for another man’s child.” Now Leving’s client no longer has to fear being unemployed, without a driver’s license, and going to jail. “I was very pleased that justice was done for this good man, who had done nothing wrong” said Leving.

About the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving Ltd.

Matrimonial attorney Jeffery M. Leving has dedicated his career to safeguarding children and reuniting them with their separated and divorced fathers. He is a pioneer in the Fathers’ Rights movement and founded the Fatherhood Educational Institute, a 501(c)(3) charity which seeks to eliminate father absence.

Leving has written several acclaimed books, including Fathers’ Rights and How to be a Good Divorced Dad, the latter of which was praised by President Obama and by Cardinal Francis E. George, then the archbishop of Chicago. The Illinois House of Representatives honored Leving “for his work in safeguarding the rights of fathers and protecting the welfare of children and families in this State.”

To learn more about law and fatherhood, follow Jeffery M. Leving on Twitter and Facebook and call 312-807-3990.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Guest Columnist
Guest Columnist at Independent Column Contributors
Suburban Chicagoland accepts guest columns.

The opinions of the guest columnists do not necessarily represent the views of Suburban Chicagoland, its owners, editors, of staff and are the opinions of the writer. For information on the writers contact them using the email in their shirttail at the bottom of the column.
Latest posts by Guest Columnist (see all)
  • A bipartisan fix for America’s looming homecare crisis - May 31, 2022
  • Democrats’ drug proposal cuts patient costs — but also restricts access - January 2, 2022
  • Duped dad prevails in court, won’t go to jail - November 12, 2021
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Chicago, Cook County, Jeffery Leving, News, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:attorney, child custody, custody, father's custody, father's rights, Jeffery Leving. Dads' Rights, Jeffery M. Leving

Post navigation

Previous Post: Orland Township’s Fall Job Fair a Success
Next Post: Winning for clients at Leving firm CLE

Related Posts

  • 2022 Native American $1 Coin. The 2022 Native American $1 Coin will commemorate Ely S. Parker, a U.S. Army officer, engineer, and tribal diplomat, who served as military secretary to Ulysses S. Grant during the U.S. Civil War
    United States Mint Announces 2022 Native American $1 Coin Reverse Design Features
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Out-of-state father wins custody of childduring and after neglect investigation Chicago
  • New start for Lyons motel News
  • John Husnick provides direction at Worth Township Career Fair
    Building Trades Career Fair offers opportunities for students Business
  • American Arab Chamber of Commerce President Hassan NIjem welcomes homeowners at the Mosque Foundation Tax Refund Workshop organized by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and the Chamber Friday Nov. 5, 2021 at the Mosque Foundation
    Mosque Foundation hosts Pappas, Chamber property tax refund program Business
  • Pat Dowell,  Alderman and Committeeman of Chicago’s Third Ward, announced her candidacy for Illinois Secretary of State April 7, 2021
    Ald. Pat Dowell Calls for Personal Dashboard for the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office  Chicago

More Related Articles

3rd Congressional District Congresswoman Marie Newman Newman claims victory over Lipinski in 3rd Congressional District breaking news
Suburban Chicagoland grows to more than 1 million views per month Blogger
Cicero officials, businesses and residents joined together on November 17 and 18 to raise money for the Mexico and Puerto Rico which suffered greatly as a result of Hurricane Maria Cicero officials, businesses and residents raise money for hurricane relief Government
Congressman Dan Lipinski Lipinski introduces bill to end prescription price gouging Baby Boomers
Garth Brooks to perform virtually through Drive-in Theater screens around the country, including at SeatGeek Stadium Exclusive Garth Brooks concert to be performed at SeatGeek Stadium and 300 venues across America Cook County
Chicago Wolves Food Drive Chicago Wolves host food drive Saturday April 24 Chicago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez would have made a great mayor
    January 26, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Pritzker’s assault weapons ban not enough to make law abiding citizens safe
    January 16, 2023
  • Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Return semi-conductor and chip-making industries to America
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: The China threat to Asia’s Democracy
    January 9, 2023
  • Harry and Patricia Michalski courtesy of their facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10105680464226180&set=t.100009314491026&type=3
    Remembering Pat Michalski who dedicated her life to diversity and fairness
    December 30, 2022

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Chicago Mayor Lori Lightf... Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has faile... posted on January 15, 2023
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website Vallas urges probe in Lig... Vallas urges probe in Lightfoot's CPD scandal and accuses of Congressman Ga... posted on January 16, 2023
  • Chicago Mayoral candidate Kam Buckner 2023 Black and Latinx Elected... Black and Latinx Elected Officials Unite Against the Chaos Caused by Mayor... posted on January 8, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash First Installment Cook Co... First Installment Cook County property taxes due date pushed to April 3 Coo... posted on January 4, 2023
  • Alexi Giannoulias, former Illinois state treasurer and candidate for Illinois Secretary of State Secretary of State Alexi... Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team... posted on January 17, 2023
  • NEWS
  • D230 students win prestigious art awards
    January 26, 2023
  • State Rep Fran Hurley 35th district
    Hurley Named Chair of Police and Fire Committee
    January 25, 2023
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications
    January 23, 2023
  • Inappropriate Illinois license plates
    New Secretary of State reaffirms rejection of inappropriate license plates
    January 23, 2023
  • Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
    Arrest and Criminal Charges Announced Against British and Russian Businessmen for Facilitating Sanctions Evasion of Russian Oligarch’s $90 Million Yacht
    January 23, 2023
  • Justice Department Health Care Fraud Unit
    Chicago Man Convicted of Participating in Illegal Kickback Conspiracy
    January 23, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Return semi-conductor and chip-making industries to America
    January 15, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: The China threat to Asia’s Democracy
    January 9, 2023
  • Sam Bankman-Fried in an interview during the Bitcoin 2021 conference. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Demands continue for Lightfoot and Garcia to detail ties to FTX scandal
    December 15, 2022

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wolves 2022-2023 season
    Chicago Wolves top Stars for second win in a row
    October 25, 2022
  • Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop! The team that does a lot of the work to help the Stagg High school band perform works behind the scenes like a NASCAR pit stop. The students are profiled in this feature
    Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop!
    August 31, 2022
  • Soccer. Photo by Md Mahdi on Unsplash
    International soccer returns to SeatGeek Stadium
    August 7, 2022
  • Stefan Noesen, Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves Noesen wins President’s Award
    July 22, 2022
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website
    Paul Vallas demands Lightfoot explain email scandal, and use of government resources for political campaign
    January 12, 2023
  • David Crowley, Milwaukee County Executive. Photo courtesy of Milwaukee County
    Milwaukee County sells 90 lots for single family homes
    January 11, 2023
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website
    Chicago’s Police Officers Endorse Paul Vallas for Mayor
    January 9, 2023
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. Photo courtesy of the Cook County government
    Pappas: Cook County property taxes due by December 30
    December 28, 2022
  • Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
    Orland Park offers Christmas Tree, Wreath and Light recycling
    December 27, 2022
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications
    January 23, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Buckner unveils plan to help businesses and strengthen job
    January 19, 2023
  • United Airlines Flight at O'Hare Airport
    United offers endless airline travel problems for travelers
    December 25, 2022
  • Sam Bankman-Fried in an interview during the Bitcoin 2021 conference. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Demands continue for Lightfoot and Garcia to detail ties to FTX scandal
    December 15, 2022

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme