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Jonathan Merel
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Josephine Norton
Annemarie Tarara
David Zwaska
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Mitchell J. Dean
Colette Gallo
Laude Hartrum IV
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Paige Ryterski
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Recent Blog Posts
Protecting Yourself With A Court Order
August 24, 2025 | Merel Family Law
If you are a victim of domestic or intimate partner violence, the compassionate team at Merel Family Law wants to help you t…
Read more
Divorce Mediation Vs. Court Battles
August 24, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Merel Family Law focuses exclusively in family law, including divorce, child custody, alimony, high‑net‑worth divorce, LGBTQ…
Read more
Navigating Divorce With Confidence
August 24, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Merel Family Law understands how overwhelming and stressful going through a divorce or knowing you need to start the process…
Read more
From Classroom to Courtroom: The Truth About Practicing Law
August 21, 2025 | Kara Wolinski
Law School vs. Real Practice Law school is structured very differently than the real world. In some ways, law school is dras…
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Is Collaborative Divorce The Right Approach For Me?
August 7, 2025 | Merel Family Law
When it comes to divorce, you have more than one option for how the process moves forward. While many people picture courtro…
Read more
How Remarrying Affects Alimony
August 7, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Remarriage can significantly impact alimony, both for the person receiving it and the person paying it. Whether you’re alrea…
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6 Universal Truths About Marriage And Divorce
August 7, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Marriage and divorce look different for every couple, but there are some patterns we tend to see time and again—both in how…
Read more
Will I Be Forced To Pay For My Child To Attend Private School?
August 7, 2025 | Merel Family Law
If your co-parent wants to enroll your child in private school and you do not agree, it’s natural to wonder whether a court…
Read more
Collaborative Divorce Can Reduce Stress For Families
August 7, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Divorce doesn’t have to mean conflict, courtrooms, or long emotional battles. For many families, collaborative divorce offer…
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Who Can File An Order Of Protection
July 25, 2025 | Merel Family Law
At Merel Family Law, we often speak with people who aren’t sure whether they qualify to request legal protection from someon…
Read more
Legal Help For Victims Of Domestic Violence
July 25, 2025 | Merel Family Law
At Merel Family Law, we know how difficult it is for victims of domestic violence and abuse to recognize they need legal hel…
Read more
Divorce And Retirement Accounts
July 25, 2025 | Merel Family Law
At Merel Family Law, we understand that financial concerns are among the most stressful parts of ending a marriage. One of t…
Read more
What To Know About Dividing Marital Assets Fairly
July 23, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Dividing property in a divorce is not always as simple as splitting everything down the middle. Fairness depends on a range…
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Recognizing When Legal Help Is Necessary
July 10, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Family matters that involve the court system are often emotionally charged and time-sensitive. Whether you’re dealing with a…
Read more
When Your Ex Ignores Court Orders
July 6, 2025 | Merel Family Law
When a court finalizes a divorce, the orders in the agreement are not suggestions—they are legally binding. This includes te…
Read more
Is Mediation Right For You?
June 23, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Divorce can bring a lot of stress, but it doesn’t always have to involve a courtroom. At Merel Family Law, we help clients d…
Read more
Collaborative Divorce And Your Kids
June 23, 2025 | Merel Family Law
When parents decide to divorce, one of their biggest concerns is how it will affect their children. At Merel Family Law, we…
Read more
Temporary Vs. Final Orders Explained
June 23, 2025 | Merel Family Law
In Illinois, an order of protection is a legal tool used to help protect someone from abuse, harassment, or threats. At Mere…
Read more
How To Save Money in a Divorce
June 11, 2025 | Bradley Kaye
Divorce can be one of the most financially draining experiences in a person’s life. Legal fees, asset division, child suppor…
Read more
Co-Parenting After Divorce: How To Put Your Child’s Needs First
June 11, 2025 | Merel Family Law
The separation itself may be over, but the real work of parenting continues. For many families, co-parenting becomes the new…
Read more
What If I’m The Breadwinner And The One Filing For Divorce?
June 10, 2025 | Jonathan Merel
If you’re the one bringing home most (or all) of the income in your household, divorce can feel like stepping into a minefie…
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How Your Texts, DMs, And Posts Can Make Or Break A Divorce Case
June 10, 2025 | Jonathan Merel
We hate to break it to you, but your phone is not your safe space. It’s not a journal. It’s not a burner diary. It’s a digit…
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Why Delaying Your Divorce Is A BAD Idea (In Most Cases)
June 10, 2025 | Jonathan Merel
Let’s be real: nobody wants to file for divorce. However, if you’re in a situation where it’s clearly heading that way and y…
Read more
What Happens To The Wedding Ring In A Divorce?
June 10, 2025 | Jonathan Merel
Let’s talk about the ring. You know the one. The tiny (or not-so-tiny) circle of metal that kicked off an engagement, marked…
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