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Attorneys
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Jonathan Merel
Melissa Caballero Dunn
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Josephine Norton
Annemarie Tarara
David Zwaska
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Mitchell J. Dean
Colette Gallo
Laude Hartrum IV
Cora Leeuwenburg
Paige Ryterski
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Recent Blog Posts
Your Rights After Domestic Violence
May 25, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Victims of domestic violence in Illinois have legal rights that can provide protection, stability, and support. If you’re in…
Read more
Child Custody Laws In Chicago, IL
May 19, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Child custody decisions are often one of the most important parts of a divorce or separation. If you are looking for a Chica…
Read more
Mistakes To Avoid During Divorce
May 19, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Divorce is never easy, and the legal process can add even more stress to an already difficult time. We’ve seen how common mi…
Read more
TikTok Advice That Will Screw You Over
May 16, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Welcome to the wild world of TikTok divorce advice: where strangers with ring lights and zero legal training confidently han…
Read more
When Breakups Go Viral
May 16, 2025 | Merel Family Law
It’s the ultimate modern problem. You didn’t just build a relationship. You built a brand. Maybe you were the “Couple Goals”…
Read more
Divorce When You’re A Digital Nomad
May 16, 2025 | Merel Family Law
We all know divorce is tough, but what happens when you and your spouse aren’t even tied down to one place? Nowadays, where…
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5 Mistakes High-Net-Worth Individuals Make
May 16, 2025 | Merel Family Law
When you’re busy building wealth, the last thing you expect is to be caught off guard in your personal life. In family law…
Read more
Can AI Be Your Divorce Lawyer?
May 16, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Look, we get it. AI is amazing. You’re probably already using it to write emails faster, brainstorm vacation plans, or even…
Read more
How to Avoid Divorce Before You Even Get Married
March 3, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Many people don’t want to think about divorce before marriage, but the best way to avoid divorce is to never end up in a bad…
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Navigating Pet Custody in Illinois
January 27, 2025 | Merel Family Law
In recent years, the concept of pet custody has become an increasingly important issue as more and more people consider thei…
Read more
Social Media and Relationships
January 22, 2025 | Merel Family Law
The internet has undoubtedly transformed the way we connect and share our lives. Social media and relationships are increasi…
Read more
Highlighting the Truth About Post-separation Abuse
December 9, 2024 | Merel Family Law
As a certified Domestic Violence Professional, I have seen every form of abuse play out in my clients’ lives: from physical…
Read more
Second Parent Adoptions in 2025
December 5, 2024 | Merel Family Law
Are you worried that your same-sex parental rights are more fragile now than ever? You are not alone. I can help. 1. What is…
Read more
Child Representation In Family Law
November 1, 2024 | Merel Family Law
One of the most complicated and emotionally-fraught aspects of a divorce is child custody litigation. Illinois now addresse…
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Divorce for Business Owners
October 2, 2024 | Merel Family Law
Divorce is already a scary proposition for anyone. But, divorce for someone who owns a business sounds like a nightmare, rig…
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Orders of Protection Overview
September 30, 2024 | Merel Family Law
Domestic violence is a severe issue with significant consequences, especially when children are affected. Family disputes ca…
Read more
Can a Recovering Alcoholic Get Custody? Understanding Your Rights
September 5, 2024 | Merel Family Law
Recovering from alcohol addiction doesn’t automatically disqualify you from obtaining joint custody of your children. If you…
Read more
Marital vs. Non-Marital Property
August 29, 2024 | Merel Family Law
One of the most important parts of any divorce is property division. Whether it’s liquid assets like cash, or sentimental it…
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Illinois Divorce Law 101: A Beginner’s Guide
July 1, 2024 | Merel Family Law
Ending a marriage is never easy. But when you’ve reached the difficult decision to divorce, knowledge is power. Understandin…
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Happy 15th Birthday, Merel Family Law!
March 11, 2024 | Merel Family Law
There’s been a lot of change for Merel Family Law in the past 15 years. From rapid growth and expansion of services to a ful…
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How a Second Marriage Can Impact Children
March 2, 2024 | Merel Family Law
Remarrying after a divorce is a time for celebration—for the most part. It might not be obvious, but many children of divorc…
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Can I Spend Money While Going Through a Divorce?
December 1, 2023 | Merel Family Law
When you are going through a divorce, it can feel like your life comes to a standstill while you work out the detail with yo…
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The Essential Guide to Creating a Comprehensive Parenting Plan
November 6, 2023 | Merel Family Law
Creating a comprehensive parenting plan is crucial for divorced or separated parents to ensure the well-being and stability…
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How to Modify Child Support in Illinois
October 31, 2023 | Merel Family Law
Child Support is a critical component of ensuring the well-being of children whose parents are no longer together. In Illino…
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