Skip to main content
Home
Attorneys
Attorneys
View All Attorneys
Jonathan Merel
Melissa Caballero Dunn
Jaclyn DeSana
Bradley R. Kaye
Ashley Margason
William McSurley
Josephine Norton
David Zwaska
Marleena Broekema
Mitchell J. Dean
Colette Gallo
Laude Hartrum IV
Paige Ryterski
Nicole Fagin
Divorce Coach
About
Check Out Our HQ
Support Staff
Testimonials
In The Media
Articles
About
About Our Firm
Check Out Our HQ
Support Staff
Articles
In The Media
Testimonials
Practice Areas
Practice Areas
Family Law
Divorce Lawyers
High Net Worth Divorce
Alimony Lawyers
Child Custody Lawyers
Property Division Lawyers
Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers
LGBTQ Family Law
LGBTQ Divorce Lawyers
View All Practice Areas
Blog
Locations
Locations
Downtown Chicago
Highland Park
Hinsdale
Metro Detroit, MI
Contact
Contact the Firm
Contact Us
Payment Portal
Home
Attorneys
Our Leadership
Jonathan Merel
Founder and Managing Principal
Melissa Caballero Dunn
Managing Partner
Our Partners & Associates
Marleena Broekema
Partner
Jaclyn DeSana
Partner
Bradley R. Kaye
Partner
Ashley Margason
Partner
William McSurley
Partner
Josephine Norton
Partner
Paige Ryterski
Partner
David Zwaska
Partner
David R. Dawson
Of Counsel
Mitchell J. Dean
Associate
Nicole Fagin
Associate
Colette Gallo
Associate
Laude Hartrum IV
Associate
Emily Morris
Associate
Samantha Sharland
Associate
Melissa Spero
Associate
Kara Wolinski
Associate
Attorneys
View All Attorneys
Jonathan Merel
Melissa Caballero Dunn
Jaclyn DeSana
Bradley R. Kaye
Ashley Margason
William McSurley
Josephine Norton
David Zwaska
Marleena Broekema
Mitchell J. Dean
Colette Gallo
Laude Hartrum IV
Paige Ryterski
Nicole Fagin
Divorce Coach
About
Check Out Our HQ
Support Staff
Testimonials
In The Media
Articles
About
About Our Firm
Check Out Our HQ
Support Staff
Articles
In The Media
Testimonials
Practice Areas
Family Law
Divorce Lawyers
High Net Worth Divorce
Alimony Lawyers
Child Custody Lawyers
Property Division Lawyers
Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers
LGBTQ Family Law
LGBTQ Divorce Lawyers
Practice Areas
Family Law
Divorce Lawyers
High Net Worth Divorce
Alimony Lawyers
Child Custody Lawyers
Property Division Lawyers
Prenuptial Agreement Lawyers
LGBTQ Family Law
LGBTQ Divorce Lawyers
View All Practice Areas
Blog
Blog
Categories
Child Custody
Child Support
Co-Parenting
Divorce
Domestic Violence
Family Law
Firm News
LGBTQ+ Family Law
Property Division
Uncategorized
View All Posts
Latest From Our Blog
When Spousal Maintenance Ends In Illinois
Legal Vs. DIY Divorce: Which One Is Right For You?
Illinois Divorce Process Step-by-Step: Filing To Finalization
Locations
Downtown Chicago
440 W Randolph Ave. 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
312-288-3057
View Location
Highland Park
595 Elm Place Suite 225
Highland Park, IL 60035
312-288-3057
View Location
Hinsdale
40 E. Hinsdale Rd. Suite 202
Hinsdale, IL 60521
312-288-3057
View Location
Metro Detroit, MI
101 West Big Beaver Rd. Suite 1400
Troy, MI 48084
312-288-3057
View Location
Locations
Downtown Chicago
Highland Park
Hinsdale
Metro Detroit, MI
Contact
Contact the Firm
Contact Us
Payment Portal
312-288-3057
248-716-7000
Schedule a Consultation
Payment Portal
Learning Center
Domestic Violence Posts
Providing Professional, Reputable and Approachable Legal Counsel.
Schedule a Consultation
Recent Posts
Evidence In Domestic Violence Cases: What Do Illinois Family Courts Consider?
January 16, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that affects countless families across the United States, including in the state of I…
Read more
How To Deal With A Gaslighter
January 2, 2026 | Merel Family Law
“That never happened.” “You’re crazy.” “You’re just being emotional.” “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “You’re th…
Read more
Understanding Custody Rights After Domestic Violence
December 15, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Domestic violence changes everything in a child custody case. Illinois courts take abuse allegations seriously. When there’s…
Read more
Custody Rights After Domestic Violence
December 12, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Domestic violence changes everything in a child custody case. Illinois courts take abuse allegations seriously. When there’s…
Read more
When Your Spouse Breaks A Restraining Order
December 3, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Restraining orders exist for one reason: to protect people from harm. When someone violates one, things get dangerous fast…
Read more
Understanding No Contact Provisions In Illinois Protective Orders
November 27, 2025 | Merel Family Law
No contact doesn’t always mean what you think it means. When a judge issues a protective order in Illinois, the no-contact p…
Read more
What To Do When Your Ex Violates A No Contact Order
November 27, 2025 | Merel Family Law
A protective order isn’t worth much if it can’t be enforced. When your ex ignores the terms of a no-contact order, you’re no…
Read more
Signs Of Domestic Abuse To Be Aware Of
September 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Domestic abuse doesn’t always look the same in every relationship. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial…
Read more
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
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
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
Your Rights After Domestic Violence
May 25, 2025 | Jonathan Merel
Victims of domestic violence in Illinois have legal rights that can provide protection, stability, and support. If you’re in…
Read more
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 ca…
Read more
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 I…
Read more
Blog Categories
Uncategorized
Family Law
Divorce
Child Support
Child Custody
Firm News
Co-Parenting
Domestic Violence
Property Division
LGBTQ+ Family Law
Get Help Now
Get In Touch With Your Fiercest Advocates
Start Today