Veteran Military Attorney James Hagler on Chicago Counterpoint Tonight
CHICAGO – Feb. 1, 2012 – World renowned attorney and educator Jeffery M. Leving welcomes marital and family law lawyer James Hagler, SFC (USA-ret), as his guest military expert and legal commentator on “Chicago Counterpoint” on CAN-TV/Ch.21 at 8:00PM tonight. Hagler is a visionary, strategic litigator who understands the myriad of legal complications and conflicting emotions that a member of the military faces when going through a divorce or child custody situation. Hagler has been at the forefront fighting for military servicemembers’ often fragile child custody rights while on deployment.
Selected as one of Illinois’ Super Lawyers® by his peers, Hagler has a proven track record of winning high-profile cases around the country with the Leving Legal Team. Attorney Hagler also spearheads the Litigation Mentorship program passing down his specialized knowledge gained from winning hundreds of court cases. He routinely handles sophisticated cases involving complex financial matters and has represented many high-profile clients including professional athletes, recording artists and public officials. Hagler has also helped reunite fathers with their children from Poland, Argentina, and Mexico and was tapped as a resource by State Department officials to provide strategic recommendations on enforcement of the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction cases.
With most military deployments lasting at least six months, military spouses can legally move children to another state, establish residency, and gain competitive legal advantage in that state’s divorce courts before the deployed parent even returns home.
“We should do more than display flags and watch parades; we should ensure that servicemembers’ rights are protected while they are protecting ours,” says Leving, “Those serving our country have state-of-the-art equipment to defend against foreign enemies, but during deployment they often become targets of complicated legal weaponry aimed directly at their children. When veterans return home from deployment, they should not find themselves fighting for equal protection and due process under the law.”
“Servicemembers often have travel restrictions and financial constraints, making it difficult to visit their children in another state, let alone fight for parental rights,” adds Hagler. “Military and Civilian Bars must develop better relationships to assist deployed military personnel with family law matters. The Fatherhood Educational Institute (https://fatherhood-edu.org) covers the educational needs of fathers and promotes positive involvement in their families and communities. This organization is good for our society, and I am very pleased to be a part of it,” said James Hagler, who also serves on the Board of Directors of the Fatherhood Educational Institute.
