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

We’re proud to feature Park Lawn Charity as our latest Non-Profit Hero! For 70 years, Park Lawn has been creating opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive and reach their full potential. From residential living and day programs to supported employment, their services empower individuals to live with dignity, independence, and purpose.

At Sterk Family Law Group, we believe in celebrating the organizations that strengthen our community. Park Lawn’s mission of inclusion and opportunity inspires us, and we’re honored to share their story.

Learn more about Park Lawn: https://www.parklawn.comLearn more about Sterk Family Law Group: https://www.sterkfamilylaw.com

#NonProfitHero #ParkLawn #SterkFamilyLaw #CommunityMatters #Inclusion #disabilitysupport Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes.

Co-Parenting Strategies for Healthy Communication

In this episode, Gwendolyn J. Sterk sits down with Kris Anderson, a licensed clinical social worker and life coach, to unpack practical strategies for co-parenting with less conflict and more intention. Together, they explore how to shift the focus from your ex to your children, creating a child-centered approach that models healthy communication and problem-solving.

Kris shares tips for “fighting fair,” setting boundaries, and utilizing technology tools like co-parenting apps to maintain clear and neutral communication. Gwendolyn emphasizes the value of treating co-parenting conversations like business meetings, knowing when to step away, and avoiding negative talk in front of children.

Listeners will walk away with actionable steps: from celebrating small wins to creating personal mantras, that can transform tense interactions into opportunities for growth. This conversation is about building peace after pain and showing kids what respect, resilience, and love can truly look like.

Learn more:
comealiveandthrivewithkris.com
sterkfamilylaw.com

Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, Kane, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes.

Our latest Non-Profit Hero is LARC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Chicagoland. Since 1956, LARC has grown from the Lansing School of Special Education into a trusted community resource, supporting about 100 individuals in living self-directed, enriched lives.Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk speaks with Ernest Gonzalez, Executive Director, and Julie Barrera, Director of PR and Development, to discuss how LARC’s programs help individuals live independently, participate fully in their communities, and find meaningful work.Through personalized services and a commitment to dignity and belonging, LARC continues to make a lasting impact for those it serves. Learn more about LARC: https://www.larclansing.com/Learn more about Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. at: https://www.sterkfamilylaw.comSterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes.

In this episode, we discuss some tips on how to effectively communicate during emotionally charged family law matters. Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk, Sterk Family Law Group, P.C., speaks with Virginia Torres Ryan, LCSW, JD, Family Horizons Counseling, about how to respond with purpose, even when facing high-conflict situations.

They discuss ways to reduce emotional reactivity, improve tone in written communication, and how to stay focused on facts rather than feelings.

• How to avoid emotionally driven responses

• Why clarity and tone matter in written and digital communication

• Tips for setting boundaries and choosing when to respond

• The value of consistent messaging between attorneys and mental health professionals

  
  

This episode is designed for family law professionals, mental health providers, and anyone supporting individuals through conflict-driven legal matters. Virginia also references insights from the High Conflict Institute and their recommended approach by Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq, to crafting effective responses, offering an excellent resource for those looking to learn more: ⁠How to Write a BIFF Response⁠.

Click to connect with Family Horizons Counseling PLLC

Click to connect with Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Our goal in our Resource Session's podcast is to reflect our firm’s commitment to a holistic, team-based approach for our clients.

Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center.

The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes.

Gwen Sterk sits down with Sierra Dockery of nViZion Rise Academy, our latest Non-Profit Hero, to highlight the incredible work being done to support children with visual impairments and additional disabilities. Sierra shares how the Academy’s specialized instruction, innovative tools, and nurturing environment help students build essential academic and life skills. Their mission goes beyond the classroom, empowering each child to shape their futures with independence and purpose.

Learn more about Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. at: https://www.sterkfamilylaw.com/

Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes.

We’ve all been there: putting things off, avoiding the uncomfortable, or feeling stuck. In this episode, Gwendolyn J. Sterk and Dr. Sue Denk discuss why we procrastinate, particularly when emotions are high or significant decisions need to be made.

They’ll walk through what avoidance can look like during family law matters, how it affects your mental health, and why even small steps forward can make a big difference.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this one’s for you.

Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.

************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.

In this episode, Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk of Sterk Family Law Group, P.C., is joined by advocates in the domestic violence prevention field to explore Karina’s Law, an Illinois law designed to strengthen firearm enforcement for individuals subject to orders of protection.

Guests include:

• Maralea Negron, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Research at The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence, who also played a role in the implementation of Karina’s Law

• Jennifer Gabrenya, MS, CDVP, Chief Executive Officer of ANEW: Building Beyond Violence and Abuse

They discuss how this law is helping close deadly enforcement gaps, how efforts are unfolding across Illinois, and what survivors and professionals need to know moving forward.

Resources Mentioned:

• Sterk Family Law Group: www.sterkfamilylaw.com

• ANEW: www.anewdv.org

• The Network: www.the-network.org

• Karina’s Law: Illinois House Bill 4144, Public Act 103-0543
  https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=10300HB4144sam002

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or www.thehotline.org

Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.

************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.

#KarinasLaw #IllinoisLaw #DomesticViolenceAwareness #ProtectSurvivors #FamilyLaw #OrderOfProtection #SurvivorSafety #SterkFamilyLaw #ANEWdv #TheNetworkChicago #EndDomesticViolence #PolicyChange #SurvivorVoices #LegislativeImpact #ViolencePrevention #AdvocacyInAction #JusticeForKarina

Some changes came to Illinois family law in 2025. In this episode, Kelly Garver and Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk chat about some of the updates to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (IMDMA) and explain what these changes mean.

• New relocation rules and how distance is now measured

• Imputing income for child support or maintenance cases

• What happens to parenting plans if a divorce is dismissed or the case is stopped

• The impact of incarceration on spousal maintenance, formerly known as alimony

• Changes to confidentiality in court-ordered counseling sessions

Learn more about Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. at: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.sterkfamilylaw.com/⁠⁠⁠

Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.

************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.

Keywords: Illinois divorce law updates 2025, IMDMA amendments, parenting plan law Illinois, child support changes 2025, spousal maintenance Illinois, Gwen Sterk, Sterk Family Law podcast, Illinois family law changes

Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk talks with coach Kris Anderson about how to rebuild your identity after divorce. They explore the emotional crossroads of bitterness versus growth, the power of perspective, and why self-care is more than just spa days. Learn how to set new goals and step into the next version of yourself.

Learn more about Kris Anderson: comealiveandthrivewithkris.com

Learn more about Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. at: ⁠⁠https://www.sterkfamilylaw.com/⁠⁠Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.

************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.

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 regain a sense of self in the aftermath of this major life change.

This conversation is for anyone navigating the emotional side of a divorce.

Learn more about Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. at: ⁠https://www.sterkfamilylaw.com/⁠Sterk Family Law provides a full range of family law and estate planning services in Orland Park for clients in Will, Cook, and DuPage counties. The Sterk Family Law Group team provides a holistic approach to the practice of law and strives to not only service a client’s legal needs, but also help manage a client’s emotional and overall well-being by establishing connections with a vast network of counselors, support groups, and various other non-traditional service providers within local communities by way of the unique Resource Center. The Resource Center provides Sterk Family Law clients with access to other professionals to help prepare for the next step in their lives.

************** This is a legal advertisement from Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. It does not constitute legal or medical advice and should not be construed as such. This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.