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Merel Family Law

Recent Blog Posts

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Child Custody Laws In Chicago, IL

May 19, 2025 | Jonathan Merel

Child custody decisions are often one of the most important parts of a divorce or separation. If you are looking for a Chica…

Mistakes To Avoid During Divorce

May 19, 2025 | Jonathan Merel

Divorce is never easy, and the legal process can add even more stress to an already difficult time. We’ve seen how common mi…

TikTok Advice That Will Screw You Over

May 16, 2025 | Jonathan Merel

Welcome to the wild world of TikTok divorce advice: where strangers with ring lights and zero legal training confidently han…

When Breakups Go Viral

May 16, 2025 | Jonathan Merel

It’s the ultimate modern problem. You didn’t just build a relationship. You built a brand. Maybe you were the “Couple Goals”…

Divorce When You’re A Digital Nomad

May 16, 2025 | Jonathan Merel

We all know divorce is tough, but what happens when you and your spouse aren’t even tied down to one place? Nowadays, where…

5 Mistakes High-Net-Worth Individuals Make

May 16, 2025 | Jonathan Merel

When you’re busy building wealth, the last thing you expect is to be caught off guard in your personal life. In family law…

Can AI Be Your Divorce Lawyer?

May 16, 2025 | Jonathan Merel

Look, we get it. AI is amazing. You’re probably already using it to write emails faster, brainstorm vacation plans, or even…

How to Avoid Divorce Before You Even Get Married

March 3, 2025 | Jonathan Merel

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…

Navigating Pet Custody in Illinois

January 27, 2025 | Marleena Broekema

In recent years, the concept of pet custody has become an increasingly important issue as more and more people consider thei…

Social Media and Relationships

January 22, 2025 | Jonathan Merel

The internet has undoubtedly transformed the way we connect and share our lives. Social media and relationships are increasi…

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 physical…

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 is…

Child Representation In Family Law

November 1, 2024 | Aurelija Fitzpatrick

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

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, rig…

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…

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