Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. Welcomes Attorney Cynthia L. Petersen

Introducing Cynthia L. Petersen 

Sterk Family Law Group. P.C. has expanded their family of professionals with the addition of Attorney Cynthia L. Petersen.  

Attorney Cynthia L. Petersen has focused her legal career in family law and understands the importance of combining legal knowledge and skill with empathy for clients navigating difficult and emotional circumstances.

At Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. she focuses on complex financial matters involving retirement assets, providing in-house legal guidance to help ensure the necessary documents accurately reflect and carry out the intended terms of the division.

Cynthia earned her Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, serves as Treasurer of the Jo Daviess County Bar Association, serves as a board member at a local animal shelter, and has been a board member of her community’s Chamber of Commerce.

Get to Know Cynthia L. Petersen

• What do clients look for in an attorney? – Clients looking for an attorney want someone who can understand their circumstances and the emotional issues involved in their situation.  Knowledge and expertise are important, but empathy isn’t far behind.  A good attorney has the knowledge and skills while a great attorney has the knowledge, skills and the ability to relate to their clients.
• Why did you choose Family Law? – Family law is one of the most rewarding areas of the law.  Not only do we help people who are in sometimes their worst situation in life, but we also act as a bridge between the court, which approach cases like a financial and/or business transaction, and the client who is often going through emotional trauma and may not be in a frame of mind to make the best decisions about the financial aspects of their case without the help of a good attorney.
• What is your greatest fulfillment as a family law attorney? – My favorite part of practicing family law is doing my best when negotiating a fair settlement for my client or using my best litigating skills to get what my client needs in their case.  The happiness and gratitude expressed by the client is truly heart warming.
• How do you get away from stress and separate your work from your home life? – I am an artist and photographer so painting a picture or going through the countryside and taking pictures is relaxing for me.  I am also a singer and sing on the worship team at church, which is my favorite stress reliever.
• Who is your hero? – My mother is my hero.  She is wise, loving and always affirming.  She taught me how to approach life with joy and positivity.  She trained me to sing and taught me how to be confident.
• What is your favorite quote? – My life verse is Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
• My favorite funny quote is: “Dogs have owners, Cats have staff.”
• What do you do in your spare time? – I love to watch good TV shows with my husband in the evening, or go to a good movie.  Of course, singing, taking photos and going shopping with my 2 daughters is also fun.
• What is your biggest accomplishment? – I had a case in which the ex-spouse did not want his former wife to have his executive “top hat” pension.  I prevailed at court and the ex-husband appealed.  I did an oral argument in front of the Appellate Court and they quoted me when affirming the trial court’s decision and sending the case back to the trial court to enforce the ruling.
• How do you like working with Sterk Family Law Group, P.C.? – Sterk Family Law Group, P.C. represents their clients zealously and really cares about them.  I love being part of that.
• What is a fun fact about you? – My husband and I own an escape room business, which is very fun.  I love to watch people trying to figure out the riddles, clues and other challenges and it is even more fun to watch their reactions when they win.
• What is your favorite holiday and why? – I should say Mother’s Day, because I am a mother of 3, but my favorite holiday is Easter because it is a joyful holiday – and I get to sing great songs at church!
• Are you connected to the counties in which you practice? – I am a board member of a pet shelter in my county and have been on the board of the Chamber of Commerce in my small town as well.  Our town has a town choir in the Christmas season and I love being a part of that.
• If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? – I would love to be a dog with a pampering owner.  I spoil my dog and cats and often say to them, “Ah to spend my day lazing around and getting treats.  Wouldn’t that be the best?!”

Sterk Family Law Group, P.C., 11508 West 183rd Place NW, Orland Park, IL 60467, info@sterkfamilylaw.com, Phone: (815) 600-8950 • Fax: (815) 600-8519