Sterk Family Law Practice Areas
A Family Law and Estate Planning Firm Here to Serve You
Divorce
The divorce process in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Issues affecting families in a divorce are provided for in this statute, as well as provisions governing children, property distribution, and spousal support. Any person anticipating a divorce must have a working understanding of the Court process as well as the substantive issues to be addressed. Gwendolyn J. Sterk and the Family Law Group assists clients in and around Orland Park, Illinois (Cook County, Will County, DuPage County) with their divorce proceedings.
Post-Decree Matters
Commonly known as “post-decree matters”, litigation after entry of a judgment for dissolution of marriage is sometimes necessary. Such post-divorce modification should always be set forth by experienced legal professionals such as those at Gwendolyn J. Sterk and the Family Law Group. Post-Decree matters may range from enforcing terms of a divorce decree to reviewing ongoing obligations such as support for children or a former spouse. Our family law attorneys have experience in successfully attaining post-decree modification in and around Orland Park, IL (DuPage County, Will County, and Cook County).
Paternity/ Parentage
If you and a partner or former partner have a child together and are not married, your parental issues are addressed through a Parentage Action. Paternity cases involve issues such as establishing parentage, contesting parentage, obtaining DNA testing to determine parentage, parenting issues including allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, child support, medical insurance, medical expenses and other issues relating directly to the child. Our paternity lawyers and legal team at Gwendolyn J. Sterk and the Family Law Group are dedicated to finding the best legal solutions for the child and family.
Pre-Nuptial Agreements
Certain couples anticipating marriage seek to enter into an agreement prior to the marriage in order to provide for future events such as death or divorce. A pre-nuptial agreement lawyer can address these concerns. We strive to assist the client in dealing with this sensitive issue in a manner thatwhich is respectful of both parties’ intentions, while protecting the interests of our individual client. It is advisable to start this process well before your wedding date. We suggest you contact us immediately if you are considering such an agreement.
Orders of Protection
An Order of Protection is a written Court Order which lawfully prohibits abusive behavior. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) is a law that relates specifically to family and household members. Under the IDVA, a Circuit Court Judge can order and forbid a family or household member from continuous abusive behavior by granting an Order of Protection. Whether you are the person seeking an Order of Protection or the individual who is ordered to comply, it is extremely important to understand the severity and obligations of such an order.
Wills and Trusts
Estate planning involves legally binding documents including wills & trusts. These documents pertain to how things will be left and divided upon the owner’s death.
The most commonly known estate planning document, a will details how you want your property to be divided when you die. It may also include details related to guardianship of minor children and the method of payment of debts and taxes you may owe. A will is probably the single most important document you create to prepare for the future.
Estate Planning
Estate planning is a complex and often intimidating concept to approach, but the importance cannot be stressed enough, and Gwendolyn J. Sterk and the Family Law Group is here to help you navigate the process. Estate planning is the process of using legal means to formally determine and document how your estate will be distributed upon your death. Regardless of how modest or extensive your estate is, you must decide how it will be eventually allocated.
Adoption
The addition of a new family member through an adoption proceeding can be a wonderful experience. Certain steps have to be taken during the process to ensure that appropriate notice and consents are obtained. Whether the adoption is related or unrelated, Gwendolyn J. Sterk and the Family Law Group can offer a consultation with you to discuss your options and the requirements that must be met before commencing an adoption proceeding.
Begin Your Journey To Self-Healing
Sterk Family Law Group is a firm of experienced family law attorneys in Orland Park, IL. Contact us to schedule your free family law or estate planning consultation today!