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Recent Blog Posts

Highlighting the Truth About Post-separation Abuse

December 9, 2024 | Kristina Lindsay

As a certified Domestic Violence Professional, I have seen every form of abuse play out in my clients’ lives: from physica…

Second Parent Adoptions in 2025

December 5, 2024 | Annemarie Tarara

Are you worried that your same-sex parental rights are more fragile now than ever? You are not alone. I can help. 1. What …

Child Representation In Family Law

November 1, 2024 | aurelijafitzpatrick

One of the most complicated and emotionally-fraught aspects of a divorce is child custody litigation. Illinois now addres…

Divorce for Business Owners

October 2, 2024 | David Zwaska

Divorce is already a scary proposition for anyone. But, divorce for someone who owns a business sounds like a nightmare, r…

Orders of Protection Overview

September 30, 2024 | Colette Gallo

Domestic violence is a severe issue with significant consequences, especially when children are affected. Family disputes …

Can a Recovering Alcoholic Get Custody? Understanding Your Rights

September 5, 2024 | Jonathan Merel

Recovering from alcohol addiction doesn’t automatically disqualify you from obtaining joint custody of your children. If y…

Marital vs. Non-Marital Property

August 29, 2024 | Cora Leeuwenburg

One of the most important parts of any divorce is property division. Whether it’s liquid assets like cash, or sentimental …

Illinois Divorce Law 101: A Beginner’s Guide

July 1, 2024 | Brett Kaplan

Ending a marriage is never easy. But when you’ve reached the difficult decision to divorce, knowledge is power. Understand…

Happy 15th Birthday, Merel Family Law!

March 11, 2024 | Jonathan Merel

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 f…

How a Second Marriage Can Impact Children

March 2, 2024 | Jonathan Merel

Remarrying after a divorce is a time for celebration—for the most part. It might not be obvious, but many children of divo…

Can I Spend Money While Going Through a Divorce?

December 1, 2023 | Jonathan Merel

When you are going through a divorce, it can feel like your life comes to a standstill while you work out the detail with …

The Essential Guide to Creating a Comprehensive Parenting Plan

November 6, 2023 | Jonathan Merel

Creating a comprehensive parenting plan is crucial for divorced or separated parents to ensure the well-being and stabilit…

How to Modify Child Support in Illinois

October 31, 2023 | Jonathan Merel

Child Support is a critical component of ensuring the well-being of children whose parents are no longer together. In Illi…

Evidence in Domestic Violence Cases: What Illinois Family Courts Consider

October 24, 2023 | Jonathan Merel

Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects countless families across the United States, including in the state of…

Legal vs. DIY Divorce: Which Is Right for Your Situation?

October 20, 2023 | Jonathan Merel

Divorce is never an easy process. It’s an emotionally charged and complex journey that often involves a myriad of decision…

How Does Divorce Affect Women?

April 10, 2023 | Jonathan Merel

Divorce is a life-changing event that affects both men and women, but studies have shown that women often experience more …

With Teen Parents, Who Is Responsible for Child Support?

September 30, 2021 | Jonathan Merel

When it comes to teen parents, child support is often complicated. Because the parents of the child may be considered mino…

Homestead Rights in Illinois

July 30, 2021 | Jonathan Merel

The word “homestead” might bring to mind how the U.S. western territory was settled, by allowing any American to put in a …

Understanding How to Divorce a Foreign-Born Spouse

July 7, 2021 | Jonathan Merel

A 2021 report from the U.S. Census Bureau offers interesting data when it comes to marriage in the U.S. On average, foreig…

Why Some Couples Choose Civil Unions Over Marriage

February 9, 2021 | Jonathan Merel

What Is a Civil Union? In Illinois, a civil union is a legal relationship between two people that affords them the same le…

Does Illinois Recognize Common Law Marriage?

August 28, 2020 | Jonathan Merel

What is Common Law Marriage? Common law marriage consists of two individuals living together who have not been legally mar…

The Family Law Team at Merel Family Law

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