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

When a couple is divorcing, one of the parties often wants to keep the home but may feel overwhelmed about how to go about getting financing or refinancing, the mortgage alone.  Our guest, Larry LoVetere, VP of Mortgage Lending with Guaranteed Rate sits down to explain some refinancing options that a divorcee has for their mortgage.  What are some primary factors about refinancing a mort...

When a person is facing credit issues such as bankruptcy or massive credit card debt, it is not uncommon for those people to bury their heads in the sand to hide from reality.    Attorney Jim Smith, Fair Credit Attorneys, speaks with Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk, Sterk Family Law Group, to provide some insight and tips on how to dig yourself out of that credit hole and move away from...

In the event that a loved one passes away, what should do you do if you inherit firearms? Many people have estate plans, which include items such as wills or trusts to delegate their property and effects to loved ones and friends, but even if no estate plan is in place and a loved one dies and their personal effects include firearms, there are certain legal considerations to keep in mind.  Th...

Chances are, we've all hit a point where we feel stuck and unmotivated.  We may be pining to do something, but we don't know what - or where to start.  Guest Brian P. Swift, founder of Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation, host of the "Everything Inspired" radio show, and four-time published author, joins Gwen Sterk to share how we can all find a little bit of inspiration.   In 1979...

Many people have a credit card or two in their names, and some people may add or consider adding another user to their credit card accounts for various reasons.  Some parents may add a child to their account to help them establish credit or a couple may add their partner or spouse to their accounts.  There are two different types of users that may be added to a credit card account: a joi...

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that almost 1 in 5 consumers has an inaccurate credit report and sometimes, trying to resolve these errors can become extremely overwhelming.  If you have errors affecting your credit score, your credit rating may drop and that can affect other areas in your life like renting, buying a home or vehicle and much more. What do you do if you can't resolve yo...

The act of parenting may often feel like a balancing act but for those who co-parent, it may especially feel like you're going to fall off the parenting teeter-totter.  Attorneys Gwendolyn J. Sterk and Jennifer L. Allred sat down to discuss some of the struggles co-parents may face in the legal process and ways to help find some balance in parenting matters, for both the parents and the child...

Have you ever encountered someone who, no matter the circumstance or situation, strives to practice the act of selflessness? If you can't recall meeting someone in person, take a listen as Gwendolyn J. Sterk speaks with Tom Grotovsky! Over the years, Tom has devoted himself to giving back to others however he can.  Tom is the proprietor of Great American Bagel in Joliet, IL as well as The Unf...

If an individual or a couple is in a financial bind and is having difficulty paying off debt(s), they may look into a legal process called bankruptcy to help alleviate or relieve said debt.   But, if a couple is considering a divorce or in the process of a divorce, how can bankruptcy affect a divorce?  Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk, Sterk Family Law Group, speaks with Attorney Firas A...

With the start of the new school year, it is often hard for both parents and students to get back into the swing of things.  Many families especially struggle with homework time so we invited Angela Molloy of Beyond Book Smart to share some insight and some helpful tips for parents.   There are many factors that can cause frustration for both parents and students, including the hustle an...

Healthcare insurance coverage is something that many, if not most, people may stress about.  For those who may be in-between careers or retirement, whose employers don't offer insurance benefits, or as a small business owner what are your options?  Broker Anna Minikina, Healthcare Solutions Team, speaks with Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk about various options for obtaining healthcare cover...

The matter of support, whether it relates to maintenance (formerly known as alimony) or child support, or both, is often a very sensitive subject in family law cases. In Illinois, the laws and courts follow sets of guidelines to determine the amount of support that an ex-spouse or the children will receive.  Tune in to hear how Attorneys Gwendolyn J. Sterk and Keisha P. Bardney explain how su...

When a couple decides to divorce after the age of 50 years old, the process has been referred to as a "grey divorce."  What are some of the differences and considerations for adults divorcing after 50? Tune in as Attorneys Gwendolyn J. Sterk and Joan van Oss discuss some of the unique circumstances surrounding a grey divorce and why they matter.  To learn more or to connect with Sterk Fa...

More than 45 years ago, in recognition of a growing need, the Chicago Christian Counseling Center was created through the joint effort of the two Reformed Church in America and the three Christian Reformed Church classes in the Chicago area.  Since then, it has continued to expand its services to support and meet the mental health needs for individuals, families, and marriage partners who see...

Since 1969, Cornerstone Services has been an advocate for people with disabilities in Joliet and the greater Will County and Kankakee areas. Cornerstone Services provides progressive, comprehensive services for people with disabilities, promoting choice, dignity, and the opportunity to live and work in the community.    The agency’s dedicated staff helps people find and keep jobs, m...

At some point in all of our lives, we have experienced the fallout of ineffective communication. Messages may be misconstrued or the delivery of the message may be taken out of context.   Communicating with a loved one who may have an attention deficit, who has suffered a traumatic brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer's, or other neurological disorders can prove to build even bigger barrier...

Being a teenager is tough but throw in social media, a pandemic, and other world events and it may be even tougher than many adults may realize.  Teens today have unique circumstances to face and that may bring unique mental responses.  Ryan Hesslau and his team at ForeverU have set out to be advocates and provide resources and support for youth and empower them to be brave and bold.&nbs...

Located in Orland Park, IL, Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. is family law and estate planning practice that offers a unique approach to family law and estate planning through not only a team approach but also through a holistic approach by relying on numerous resources.  Our firm leader, Gwendolyn Sterk, has been practicing law for over 30 years. After spending many years with another firm, in 2...

Through media and advertising, many people may succumb to the pressures of a society that overemphasizes body images and this often includes children and teens.  According to data shared through the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders:   42% of 1st-3rd grade girls want to be thinner. 81% of 10-year-old children are afraid of being fat. 46% of 9-11 year-olds...

As parents and students are preparing to start the college application process, the weight of the entire process can be overwhelming.  Some of the common questions that may arise are: "What major should I select?"  "What college should I apply to?"  "How the heck are we going to afford this!?!"  "Where do we start?" Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk speaks with Certified College Plan...

Aging is a shared journey – one that does not have to be made alone and is experienced by all of us every day, not just by older adults. Pathlights, formerly known as PLOWS Council on Aging, helps guide the community along the best path to aging – providing resources, advocacy, programs, and services needed to live with independence and dignity.     Ken Grunke, Executive Director of...