Resource Sessions: Legal and Resource Podcasts by Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.
Coerced Debt and Domestic Violence: What Illinois’ New 2027 Law Means for Survivors
We recently discussed Illinois’ new coerced debt laws in our blog , including what qualifies as coerced debt, how survivors may dispute it, what changes beginning January 1, 2027, and how these issues can intersect with divorce. In this episode of Resource Sessions, Attorney Gwendolyn J. Sterk speaks with consumer protection attorney James “Jim” Smith, Co-Founder of Fair Credit Attorneys , about what coerced debt is, how it differs from traditional identity theft, and what the new law may mean for survivors of domestic violence and individuals navigating divorce. They discuss the documentation you may need to establish coerced debt, how collection agencies must respond to a qualifying claim, the potential impact on credit reporting, and why preserving emails, letters, financial records, court documents, police reports, and other evidence may matter. The conversation also explores an important family law question: what happens when coerced debt surfaces during or after a divorce? Gwen and Jim discuss why family law and consumer credit attorneys may need to work together to address divorce orders, debt allocation, credit reporting, and post-divorce relief as clearly as possible. The episode also covers where someone can start if they believe they may be dealing with coerced debt, including prioritizing personal safety, reviewing credit reports, considering a credit freeze, preserving evidence, and speaking with the appropriate legal professionals. To learn more or to connect with Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. or Gwendolyn Sterk, call 815 -600-8950 or visit https://www.sterkfamilylaw.com/ https://www.sterkfamilylaw.com/ To connect with Attorney Jim Smith, visit: https://faircreditattorneys.com/about/james-smith/ ************** 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 serve 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 gives Sterk Family Law clients access to other professionals to help them 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.
