Stephen Yekel and Lisa Yekel, who were married for over two decades, separated in late 2023.
Despite their divorce, Lisa continued to speak highly of Stephen and remained supportive of him publicly.
Key Takeaways
- Despite their divorce, Lisa Yekel publicly defended and praised Stephen Yekel, highlighting his integrity, dedication, and professional expertise.
- The couple faced significant challenges, including financial struggles linked to Lisa’s daycare business and personal adjustments, yet Stephen provided unwavering support throughout.
- Stephen Yekel’s life was marked by resilience, respect, and service, leaving behind a legacy cherished by his family, colleagues, and community.
Their marriage witnessed both triumphs and challenges.
When the couple parted ways, speculation swirled about the reasons behind their separation.
However, they chose to keep the specifics of their private life undisclosed.
Amid unfounded rumors, including allegations of infidelity, financial difficulties, and Stephen’s involvement in a friend’s car accident, Lisa came forward to clarify their story.
In a heartfelt Facebook post dated June 1, 2024, Lisa addressed the rumors and voiced her unwavering support for Stephen, particularly during his campaign for state court judge.
Lisa emphasized that their divorce was not due to any infidelity.
She candidly shared that the transition of their children leaving home for college was a significant life adjustment, one that contributed to the couple’s challenges.
As Steve Yekel’s former wife, I feel that I need to respond to some of the false comments that have been written and spoken about him.
Via Facebook
First: “ Our story”: What happens in our private life is private, but since it has been brought into this campaign, let me share our TRUTH. We divorced at the end of 2023. I would like to state that he did not have a physical relationship outside of our marriage. I’m not going into the reasons I will only say when both of your children leave home for college within a year of each other, and you are now home alone, it is a big adjustment. In my case, that was a difficult change in my life’s direction. Sometimes things just don’t work out like you want them to, but life goes on.
Lisa also shed light on their financial difficulties, specifically their bankruptcy.
She took full responsibility for the financial strain caused by the daycare center she operated.
The daycare, which they started in 2006, was a joint effort intended to provide a safe space for their children and others.
However, the 2008 financial crisis led to a sharp decline in enrollment, from 159 children to just 41.
Despite the hardships, Stephen supported the daycare and their family without complaint.
Lisa acknowledged that her leniency with parents who couldn’t pay their bills exacerbated the financial challenges.
She used Stephen’s savings to keep the daycare afloat, but ultimately, they were unable to recover.
Via Facebook
Second: “Our bankruptcy”: The daycare was my responsibility, I operated/managed it and paid the bills without receiving a salary. Steve’s job was doing the grocery shopping on the weekends for the daycare with the help of his daughter. It was in both of our names, but it was his name and credit that got it financed. It was my idea to build the daycare because there wasn’t anywhere that we felt comfortable for our two children to go after I went back to work. When we opened in 2006, we filled up fast until the crisis hit in 2008, which led our enrollment to be reduced from 159 children to 41 children as their parents lost their jobs, therefore we never fully recovered. I held on until 2016, but then I became ill which led me to no longer be able to carry out my job responsibilities for the daycare. Steve supported his family while he helped support the daycare without complaint. I don’t know how many wives can honestly say that they had the same support from their husbands. He did everything he could to avoid bankruptcy. Unfortunately, I had used his life savings to keep the daycare open. In my defense, I was too lenient on parents who couldn’t pay their bills and they eventually left owing thousands of dollars, again that’s my fault, not Steve’s.
Regarding rumors about a car accident, Lisa clarified that Stephen was driving a loaned vehicle at the time due to repairs on his own car.
The accident occurred after Stephen visited their daughter, and Lisa affirmed that he had always taken responsibility for his actions, including cooperating fully with authorities.
Third: “The car accident”: His best friend who passed away recently had Steve’s car in his shop for repairs and loaned him a vehicle to use, which is the reason he was not driving his car when he was involved in the accident. He was on the way home after visiting our daughter who had just moved into her apartment in Pooler. The Steve Yekel I know never would have asked the police officer not to give him a citation. He has always taken responsibility for his actions.
Via Facebook
In her post, Lisa described Stephen as a caring, respectful, and honest individual.
She praised his dedication to his family and his expertise as an attorney, stating that he is “one of the most knowledgeable attorneys you will ever meet.”
Via Facebook
Final: “ The conclusion”: In my 26 years of knowing Steve Yekel, and being married to him. He is one of the most respectful, honest, and caring people I know. I worked with judges, attorneys, and court personnel before and after I met him. He is one of the most knowledgeable attorneys you will ever meet. He knows the law inside and out. Steve Yekel will apply that knowledge equally and fairly while treating everyone with dignity and respect.
Lisa closed her post by endorsing Stephen for state court judge, highlighting his fairness, integrity, and legal acumen.
“If you want a judge who will work hard and knows the law, then you should vote for STEVE YEKEL FOR STATE COURT JUDGE!” she urged.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lisa Yekel lives in Savannah, Georgia.
- She owns a German Shepherd.
- Yekel had been as controversial as her ex-husband because she kept supporting him even after the divorce.
