Resource Sessions: Legal and Resource Podcasts by Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.

Divorce isn't just a legal process, it's an emotional journey. In this episode, Kelly Garver and Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk talk about the emotional realities, challenges, and steps toward healing. They discuss some of the emotional weights of divorce: identity shifts, grief, guilt, and the challenge of starting over. You’ll hear some ideas on how to learn to cope, build support, and rega...

In this episode of Resource Sessions, Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk of Sterk Family Law Group, P.C., spotlights the Southland Development Authority (SDA) as the Non-Profit Hero. Joined by CEO Bo Kemp and Vice President of Programs & Client Services, Manny Davila, the conversation dives deep into the organization's mission to revitalize and economically empower the South Suburbs of Cook County. B...

In this episode, we shine a light on our latest Non-Profit Hero, National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS), which is dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Joining us is Linda Smarto, Executive Director of NADS, who walks us through the organization’s history, their wide range of supportive services for families, and how they continue to advocate, educate, a...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jackie Montvidas, a commercial real estate broker with Oliveri Real Estate, and Gwendolyn J. Sterk, a family law attorney with Sterk Family Law Group, P.C., for a big-picture conversation about real estate as a possible long-term investment. They talk about the things people often overlook—from how life changes can affect property ownership, legal considerations an...

For many families, pets are more than just animals—they’re members of the family. But when a couple divorces, who gets custody of the pet? In this episode of Resource Sessions, we review Illinois' approach to pet custody, exploring how courts determine pet ownership and what factors influence these decisions. We discuss Illinois’ law that considers a pet’s well-being in divorce proceedings, fa...

Change is never easy—especially when the economy feels uncertain. Many individuals and families hesitate to make important legal decisions, fearing financial instability or the unknown. In this episode, Sterk Family Law Group explores how economic uncertainty impacts Illinois family law matters, from estate planning to parenting modifications and other major life transitions. We’ll break down the...

In this episode, we celebrate our latest Non-Profit Hero, Josephine's Way, an initiative founded by Arrie Simpson, inspired by her grandmother Josephine's legacy. Known for her warmth, sass, and boundless generosity, Josephine was the heart of her community. Her home was a place of support and inclusivity, always open to children and neighbors alike, ensuring everyone felt valued and cared...

In this episode of Resource Sessions by Sterk Family Law Group, we are joined by Samantha, the owner of Rose & Rae Hair Studio located in New Lenox, IL. Sam has not only established her business in the beauty industry but she has also gone above and beyond to offer additional services to the community Realizing that there are so many people suffering various forms of grief in silence, she crea...

Join us in this episode as Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk and Kelly Garver discuss the important work of their office mascot and beloved team member, Duke Sterk, a certified therapy dog. Discover how Duke offers comfort and relaxation to clients, especially during stressful situations like consultations and depositions. His calming presence has become an invaluable part of the office environment and...

This episode highlights our latest Non-Profit Hero, Bridges to a New Day. Founded in 2003 by Carolyn Khan and a group of dedicated volunteers, Bridges to a New Day was established to address gaps in the community mental health system, with a clear focus on preventing long-term mental health issues. Officially incorporated in 2004, the organization began offering workshops across Will County. Key P...

Our latest Non-Profit Hero is Give Something Back (Giveback) and we had the pleasure of speaking with Shameco Moore about this inspirational organization.  Founded in 2003 by Bob Carr, the organization was born out of gratitude for a $250 college scholarship he received unexpectedly as a senior at Lockport Township High School in Illinois, forty years prior. Today, the organization extends its sup...

Continuing our series discussing the upcoming changes to Illinois employment laws going into effect in 2025 in Illinois, this episode touches on a new act and amendments that impact both employers and employees. Attorney Seth Matus joins Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk again to provide insights into these legislative updates.   Illinois Right to Privacy in the Workplace Act Amendments (ref:  https://w...

2025 Employment Laws for Illinois - Part One Attorney Seth Matus joins Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk to review amendments to employment laws coming to Illinois starting in 2025. This first part of our two-part series discusses these important changes for both employers and employees. Key Topics Discussed Illinois Equal Pay Act Amendments (ref:  Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of Public Act 103...

Thank you to our latest Non-Profit Hero, Catholic Charities, for joining Gwendolyn J. Sterk to discuss their services and program. We were honored to hear from Stephanie Hook, Community Relations Coordinator, and Derek Schultz, Agency Event Coordinator, who shared insights into their community programs and upcoming events. Their programs include their Counseling Programs, which provide essential s...

In this episode, guest Sean Sebold of Sebold Capital Management joins Attorney Gwendolyn Sterk to discuss the topic of financial and investment planning following a divorce. This podcast provides practical guidance on understanding potential financial implications, the division and management of assets, and the importance of long-term plans. They also explain the term “in-kind distribution” which,...

In this episode of our podcast, we delve into the intricacies of evaluative mediation and its relevance for individuals navigating the complexities of procuring a home loan during or after a divorce. Our guest, Larry LoVetere from Guaranteed Rate, sheds light on how this mediation model can be particularly beneficial in such scenarios. Evaluative mediation involves a neutral third party who provid...

In our latest Non-Profit Hero feature, we are honored to feature, Filling the Gap . Filling the Gap is a restorative organization dedicated to providing dignified and transformational housing to people in need. Their goal is to bring together resources from the community, local government, stakeholders, and other non-profit agencies to increase the number of housing options available to this widel...

In our latest Non-Profit Hero feature, we are honored to feature South Suburban Joy Emporium , a remarkable non-profit based in Midlothian, IL. Joy Emporium stands out for its comprehensive approach to community support, addressing both immediate and ongoing needs to ensure every individual has access to essential resources and support systems. From food assistance to educational programs, Joy Emp...

We had the pleasure of featuring our latest Non-Profit Hero, Operation Playground, an organization dedicated to uplifting the community of Frankfort and surrounding areas. Since 1999, Operation Playground’s goal is to provide park facilities for everyone in the community to have access to safe, engaging, and enriching environments. Operation Playground is not just about physical spaces; it also ai...

Featured as a Non-Profit Hero, The You Belong Foundation is dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and disabilities and acknowledging their unique challenges. Thank you to founder, Wendy Cunningham Barnes for joining us. She shared their mission to unite the special needs community by offering support, resource-sharing, and inclusive programs tailored for people with disabilities....

Listen to our radio segment on air with the Friends Over Fifty Show on WJOL 1340AM. Ed, Rich and Kelly discussed what family law and estate planning entails, pet custody in Illinois , fostering pets, and the important role pets can play in people's lives. For more information about the radio show, visit www.thekerfins.com For information about the foster programs mentioned: Little City or Love...

Our latest Non-Profit Hero, The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra (IPO), is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape of the greater Chicago area through the power of symphonic music. Their programs aim to engage both seasoned aficionados and newcomers by creating a shared space where music's universal language can be fully appreciated. Thank you to Christina Salerno for joining us to share...

ICYMI: Gwen and Kelly chatted about a weird nuance on air today with The Kerfins : how are the looming cicadas similar to family law matters? While it may seem that we are just jumping on the trending topic of cicadas and your first thought may be that this comparison might seem a bit far-fetched, but with a closer look, the parallels between the two have a lot of similarities. Just as the cicada...

Our latest Non-Profit Hero spotlight shines on SPARK: Skills Provided for At-Risk Kids. Thank you to founder Carolyn Jackson for her dedication and for sharing the impactful journey of SPARK. Through her vision, SPARK offers vital support and opportunities to at-risk youth, fostering hope and positive change. To connect with Ms. Jackson and SPARK call 708-701-6913 or email spark.inc2007@gmail.com...

Will County Habitat for Humanity has been named our March 2024 Non-Profit Hero, a testament to its commitment to transforming lives and communities. This organization, an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, has been serving Will County since its inception in 1988. Will County Habitat for Humanity has not only provided families with a place to call home but has also played a pivotal ro...