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

Showcased as Sterk Family Law Group's Non-Profit Hero for March 2023, First H.E.L.P. reduces mental health stigma for First Responders through education, advocating for benefits for those suffering from post-traumatic stress, acknowledging the service and sacrifice of First Responders lost to suicide, assisting officers in their search for healing, and bringing awareness to suicide and mental...

For those who have lost a child, it is a pain like no other and one that never really goes away.   In our latest podcast, we sat down to speak with Dr. Sue Denk who discusses the book she co-authored, "The Secret Child: Life After Loss," and she shares some insights and tips on trying to cope after the loss of a child.  Her goal in sharing her story both through this podcast and the book...

Showcased as Sterk Family Law Group's Non-Profit Hero for February 2023, the mission of the Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is to creatively generate financial support with which to enrich and enhance the opportunities and educational experiences of Lincoln-Way High School District 210 students. Since its inception in 1994, volunteer Foundation directors have embraced this mission and our com...

As a follow-up from our last podcast with Larry LoVetere, in August 2022, we discussed the impact of interest rates and real estate in divorce cases. Now, as we are in the middle of Q1 in 2023 we wanted to take another look at how the real estate market is looking, especially for divorcees.  What kind of shifts has been seen in the last almost 6 months? What are we seeing in terms of supply?...

On January 1, 2023, some changes in Illinois policy went into effect to help further protect victims of domestic violence who are seeking protective, or restraining, orders against their abusers.  Senate Bill 03667 amends the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963, the Stalking No Contact Order Act, the Civil No Contact Order Act, and the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 to allow victims wh...

Showcased as Sterk Family Law Group's Non-Profit Hero for January 2023, since 1983, Rainbows has supported children experiencing grief of all kinds through facilitated peer groups within their communities. Their services provide assistance for children and teens who may be experiencing grief from a serious illness or death, separation or divorce, incarceration, deportation, or community crises.&nb...

In the event that a life circumstance has you thinking about contacting a family law attorney, you likely may already feel overwhelmed, nervous, and confused.  Making the decision to speak with an attorney can seem frightening, but it doesn't always need to be.  In our latest podcast, family law Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk speaks with Elizabeth A. Briick about the consultation process an...

As we start a new year, we wanted to share some inspiration from our own Elizabeth A. Briick.  Tune in to listen to some helpful insight on how to make subtle changes for a fresh start.  To learn more or to connect with Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. or Gwendolyn Sterk, call 815-600-8950 or visit www.sterkfamilylaw.com  In addition to this podcast, we encourage you to refer to the Ste...

There are many types of trauma and abuse that many people don’t “see” including domestic, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. As a trauma survivor and single mother who struggled to make ends meet, Jennifer Ramirez's hardships became her motivation to have a better life. What started as a grass-roots effort to empower women has grown into &Rise – a thriving non-profit organization dedicate...

In many instances, a family law court may appoint what is called a reunification therapist in your legal case.    Reunification therapy is a form of family therapy that has the goal of working on the dynamics between a parent and child to be able to reunite their relationship.  This form of therapy strives to help the parties develop healthy communication and to create bonds, and he...

The Yard Foundation is a dynamic team of four extremely driven individuals (Clem, Erin, Tony, and Amy) who strive to find fun, creative ways to help others all while bringing awareness to various causes.  Sterk Family Law Group is proud to honor them as our November 2022 Non-Profit Hero.  The Yard Foundation officially started in 2021 after a group of friends found that their online phil...

After Jennefer Hofferica’s mother, Nadine, passed away in 2020 from ALS, Jennefer was looking to find a way to honor her mother while servicing. Nadine was a long-time victim of domestic abuse and had a small blue butterfly tattoo on her shoulder and Nadine’s legacy helped Nadine’s Blue Butterfly emerge from it’s cocoon.  Sterk Family Law Group is pleased to honor them as our October 2022 Non...

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and in an effort to help raise awareness and share our gratitude for their efforts, The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation is being honored as Sterk Family Law Group's September 2022 Non-Profit Hero! The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing comfort and distraction from painful pr...

Guest Joseph Baar Topinka joins us to discuss some of the history and the evolution of women in the workplace in America. The first women's rights convention was held in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York to demand civil, social, political, and religious rights and since then, women have made great strides in labor and employment. Listen to learn some historical facts, how women have overcome gender r...

Since 1936, United Way of Will County has united communities and resources to empower people and create positive sustainable change.   United Way of Will County fights for the self-sufficiency, health, safety and education of every person in Will County. Through their extensive network of individuals, funded partners and corporate affiliates, they lead collaborations, community and busin...

Chances are you've heard the news about the fluctuating mortgage interest rates. 2021 saw a plummet in rates for homebuyers and the housing market was booming.   Now, in quarter three of 2022, the interest rates are changing almost daily and all of us have questions about what this means. For those who are in the process of a divorce, this can bring up even more questions.   At...

For over 65 years, United Cerebral Palsy-Center for Disability Services in Joliet, IL has provided support and direct services to individuals and families impacted by the challenges of developmental disabilities, in addition to providing community awareness and advocating for issues pertaining to those with developmental disabilities. UCP-CDS offers individuals and their families access to a compr...

In December 2016, the seed for Project Fire Buddies was planted when firefighters and paramedics, from the Oak Forest, IL Fire Department, helped one child who was struggling with complications from cancer. The experience touched their hearts and they wanted to do more to help and Project Fire Buddies was born. Through the efforts of volunteer firefighters and first responders, Project Fire Buddie...

In Illinois, if a parent who has either equal parenting time or the majority of parenting time pursuant to a court order wants to move, certain laws are applicable.  In general, there are distance restrictions that determine if the move is allowed without permission from the other parent or court order.             As of January 2022, the...

Many people may find themselves watching videos of puppies, kittens, or other cute animals throughout the day to take a break and relieve some stress. Beyond being cute to watch, animals can play an important part in various forms of therapy for people as well. According to Psychology Today,  "Animal-assisted therapy can be a useful intervention for some individuals or groups. A meta-analysis...

Thousands of south suburban residents are homeless. The team and volunteers at South Suburban Pads works hard to provide assistance for individuals and families facing homelessness and to help build healthier, happier and more sustainable futures. In this podcast, Executive Director Doug Kenshol shares how South Suburban PADS provides emergency shelter, affordable homes and supportive services tha...

Purchasing a home is usually an overwhelming experience on it's own but throw in a divorce, and it is a whole different ballgame.  If a person is going through a divorce, what things do they need to keep in mind as they embark on process of a major purchase?  Our guests Kathryn Hoffman, a Certified Divorce Real Estate Specialist, and Larry LoVotere, VP of Mortgage Lending with Guaranteed...

Chances are we've all heard about or experienced the effect of the employee shortage in local businesses.  Of late, there has been a substantial shift in the working world and it is a shift that has allowed more negotiating power to the employee or potential employee.  Over the last few years, many people have taken the time to reflect and many have put their minds to change their career...

There are 6.5 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and by the year 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.    Alzheimer's disease has no cure and is a disease that greatly affects not only those diagnosed but their loved ones as well.   Thankfully, there are organizations like the Alzheimer's Association to provide information, resources, and suppor...

When an individual struggles with mental health concerns, a crisis situation may become even more overwhelming for all parties involved.  Retired police officer Troy Siewert dedicated the last seven years of his law enforcement career as a Crisis Intervention Team trainer.  Siewert worked with numerous police departments, first responders, local hospitals, mental health providers, and ot...