Stern Mendez

05/05/2026

A court order limiting communication means exactly that.

If the court says conversations should only involve child-related matters, discussing property division, finances, or settlement issues over text can create bigger problems for your case.

▶️ Watch the full episode for more insights on communication mistakes to avoid during divorce and parenting litigation: https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-06/

04/30/2026

Prenups aren't just for celebrities anymore. 💍

In the latest episode of I Do Until I Don't, Marvin and Martin break down how millennials are changing the prenup conversation—and why more couples at every income level are making them a priority before walking down the aisle.

They also get into the AI question: can you use an online tool to draft your own prenup? The answer might surprise you.

▶️ Watch here: https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-07/

04/29/2026

Still living under the same roof during a divorce?

Sometimes staying in the home can feel like holding your breath underwater—trying to resolve as much as possible before you need to come up for air.

In a recent episode of I Do Until I Don’t, Josh and Marvin discuss how the choice to stay in the home or move out can impact your case.

🎧 Watch the full episode here:
https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-05/

04/27/2026

Divorce doesn’t have to mean a courtroom battle.

Understanding the difference between mediation and litigation can help you choose the right path for your family, your finances, and your future. Mediation often offers more flexibility, privacy, and control—while litigation may be necessary in more complex or high-conflict situations.

Learn the pros and cons of each approach 👉

Comparing mediation vs. litigation for your divorce. Learn the key differences in cost, timeline, privacy, and control to find the right approach for you.

04/24/2026

A single text message can have lasting consequences—especially in a parenting case. Martin highlights one critical mistake to avoid: involving children in litigation conversations.

Courts prioritize the best interests of the children—and your communication matters more than you think.

▶️ Watch the full video to learn the 5 types of texts you should never send: https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-06/

04/01/2026

Think twice before you hit send. 📱

In the latest episode of I Do Until I Don't, our attorneys Martin Sliwinski and Leo Sokolov break down the 5 categories of text messages that can hurt your divorce or parenting case—and what to do instead.

From messages that suggest parental alienation to texts that violate court orders, they cover what courts and guardians ad litem are really paying attention to and how to communicate in a way that actually helps your case.

▶️ Watch here: https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-06/

03/12/2026

Should you move out at the start of a divorce? Josh and Marvin break down why leaving the marital home too soon can affect parenting time, finances, and your case strategy.

Watch the latest episode of I Do Until I Don't:
https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-05/

03/04/2026

Should you move out at the start of a divorce?

It’s one of the first and most emotional questions people ask when tensions are high at home.

In the latest episode of I Do Until I Don’t, Josh and Marvin discuss the legal, financial, and parenting implications of leaving the marital home too soon. From temporary parenting schedules to financial planning and court expectations, they break down what you should consider before making a decision you can’t easily undo.

If you're navigating separation or want to understand how these early decisions can shape a case, this episode offers practical insight grounded in real courtroom experience.

Watch here: https://sternmendez.com/blog/video/podcast-episode-05/

02/05/2026

Martin Sliwinski had the opportunity to present at Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education’s Business Valuation, Financial & Tax Issues in Divorce 2026: Courtroom Skills and Practice seminar on January 19.

The virtual event brought together judges, CEOs, and experienced attorneys to discuss how AI and technology are changing the legal landscape. The conversation covered real-world examples of AI in courtrooms, ethical challenges, confidentiality concerns, AI “hallucinations,” and what the future of litigation may look like as technology continues to evolve.

It was an engaging and timely discussion, and we’re grateful to IICLE and the panelists for a great program. A recording is available on demand at https://www.iicle.com/busval26

12/16/2025

Meet Margaret Kawarski, our newest partner at Stern Mendez!

Margaret practices all aspects of divorce and family law, where she combines her strength for problem solving with her passion for supporting people through significant life changes. She brings to the firm extensive experience handling high-conflict child custody and parenting disputes, as well as cases that involve complex financial matters. Margaret aims to resolve matters through negotiation, mediation, and other collaborative methods whenever possible, but is prepared to litigate when court intervention is necessary to protect her clients’ interests.

Margaret was raised in a Polish immigrant household, is fluent in Polish, and remains closely connected to the Chicagoland Polish community. This background allows her to effectively serve Polish-speaking clients and bring insight and understanding to families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Margaret enjoys mentoring law students and younger attorneys and, when she’s not at work, exploring Chicago’s neighborhoods, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Learn more about Margaret: https://sternmendez.com/blog/get-to-know-margaret-kawarski/