Buffalo Grove Family Lawyer

Family Lawyer Buffalo Grove, IL

If you are dealing with a divorce, a custody dispute, or any other family law matter in Buffalo Grove, then you may be under more stress than you ever expected. Our Buffalo Grove, IL family lawyer has handled every type of Illinois family law case, with over 221 combined years of experience across our attorneys. At Merel Family Law, we know that these cases can be emotional due to the nature of family law disputes, divorce, and other matters. Contact us today if you need support.

Why Choose Merel Family Law for Family Law in Buffalo Grove, IL?

Depth of Experience in Illinois Family Law

Merel Family Law was founded by Jonathan Merel, who leads the firm as Founder and Managing Principal. He is licensed in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and his background in Chicago-area family law guides how we approach cases throughout the broader region, including Buffalo Grove. The firm’s attorneys collectively bring over 221 years of combined experience handling divorce, child custody, spousal support, orders of protection, and complex asset cases under Illinois law.

Jonathan Merel is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He earned his law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law.

When you work with our family lawyer in Buffalo Grove, IL, you get a team that knows how Illinois courts analyze parenting time allocations, what judges in Cook and Lake County look for in contested matters, and how to anticipate what opposing counsel is likely to argue.

Results That Matter to Real People

Our attorneys have helped clients recover millions of dollars across property division and support matters. We know that every family law case is different, as those involved in them have their own concerns, priorities, and hopeful outcomes. A high-asset divorce involving a business requires a completely different strategy than a custody modification. We’ve handled both of these situations, and everything in between.

A Firm Built Around the Full Picture

Most family law cases don’t resolve cleanly on one issue. A divorce involves property, support, and children. A custody matter can escalate into a protection order situation. We also offer an in-house divorce coach, which is an industry-first model designed to support clients through the emotional and practical dimensions of their case alongside the legal work.

What Our Clients Say

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“Jaclyn has been my attorney for my divorce as well as my year long custody battle. She was great at keeping me well informed of all possible scenarios as well as explaining all the forms and steps taking place. Jaclyn knew what was in the best interest for my child and I. She put up a hard fight when needed to. If any other issues come up in the future I will most definitely be giving her a call again!” — Ashley Zachery

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Family Law Cases We Handle in Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove families come to us at all different stages of a legal matter, some before anything has been filed and others may be midway through litigation that isn’t going how they hoped. Here is a breakdown of what our attorneys handle.

• Divorce. Illinois is a no-fault divorce state, but that doesn’t make the process simple. We handle contested and uncontested divorces, including matters involving significant assets, business interests, and complex support calculations.
• Divorce mediation. Not every divorce belongs in front of a judge. Mediation can resolve disputes faster and at lower cost, but it requires proper preparation and someone in your corner who understands how to approach mediation with successful strategy.
• Child custody and parental responsibility. Illinois no longer uses the term “custody”. The law allocates parental responsibilities and parenting time separately. These determinations are based on the best interests of the child, and the factors courts weigh are specific and sometimes surprising.
• Spousal support and alimony. Whether you expect to pay or receive maintenance, Illinois uses a statutory formula as a starting point. The duration and amount can be contested, and modifications are possible when circumstances change.
• Orders of protection and domestic violence. If you need immediate protection, we move quickly to prevent further incidents of abuse or violence. We also represent individuals who have been named in an order and need to respond effectively.
• High-asset and complex divorce. Cases involving business ownership, retirement accounts, real estate portfolios, or executive compensation require a different level of financial analysis. We work with forensic accountants and other specialists when the numbers demand it.
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. A well-drafted agreement protects both parties, while a poorly drafted document may not have strong grounding when it matters the most.
• Support and custody modifications. Life changes, as income fluctuates, jobs relocate, and children’s needs evolve. We handle post-decree modifications when the original order no longer reflects current circumstances.

Illinois Legal Requirements for Family Law

Illinois family law operates under the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, codified at 750 ILCS 5. Here are a few things Buffalo Grove residents should understand about state legal requirements before filing anything.

Illinois is a no-fault state. The only ground for divorce is “irreconcilable differences,” and there is no requirement to prove fault or misconduct to obtain a dissolution. That said, marital misconduct, particularly financial misconduct like dissipation of assets, can still affect how the court divides property.

Residency requirements. At least one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for 90 days before a judgment of dissolution can be entered under 750 ILCS 5/401.

Parenting best interests standard. Decisions are governed by the best interests standard under 750 ILCS 5/602.7, which directs courts to evaluate more than a dozen factors, everything from each parent’s relationship with the child to the willingness of each parent to facilitate a relationship with the other.

Spousal maintenance calculation. Spousal maintenance is calculated under 750 ILCS 5/504, using a formula based on both spouses’ gross incomes, though the court retains discretion to deviate based on the specific facts of a case. Understanding which statutes apply to your situation and how courts have interpreted them, changes your options significantly.

Orders of protection. In family law matters, the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 provides both emergency and plenary protection options. If you are concerned about your safety as a family law case is proceeding, we urge you to contact our team now for the protection you need.

Important Aspects of a Buffalo Grove Family Law Case

Property Division

Illinois divides marital property under an equitable distribution standard, which does not mean equal. Courts weigh each spouse’s contribution to the marital estate, the duration of the marriage, the economic circumstances of each party, and several other factors. What counts as marital property versus non-marital property is frequently disputed, and the difference matters enormously. Inheritances, gifts, and pre-marital assets can retain their non-marital character, but only if they haven’t been commingled. We can discuss marital vs. non-marital property and how Illinois courts categorized your assets and belongings.

Parenting Time and Responsibility Allocation

Courts in Illinois distinguish between decision-making authority over major issues like education, healthcare, and religion, and the physical schedule of where the child lives. A parent can have significant parenting time without having sole decision-making authority, and vice versa. Disputes over parenting plans are often the most emotionally charged part of any case. Our attorneys approach these matters with that reality in mind. If you’re building or modifying a parenting plan, the factors courts consider are detailed and case-specific.

Spousal Maintenance

Maintenance in Illinois is not automatic, as the formula under the statute applies when both spouses’ combined gross income is under $500,000 and no undue hardship would result. But even when the formula applies, the duration of payments depends on how long the marriage lasted. Longer marriages can result in indefinite maintenance, while shorter marriages produce time-limited awards. And when income changes after a divorce, support modifications are possible but require proving a substantial change in circumstances.

High-Conflict Dynamics

Some cases don’t resolve because one party is using the process itself as leverage. Delayed disclosures, dissipation of assets, and refusal to comply with court orders are all patterns we’ve seen and addressed. When the other side isn’t acting in good faith, knowing how to document it and use it effectively in court makes a real difference. Our attorneys don’t flinch when cases get contentious, as we know that’s when preparation and strategy matter most.

Post-Decree Enforcement

A court order is only useful if it’s followed. When an ex-spouse ignores a parenting plan, withholds support, or violates an agreed property division, we pursue enforcement through contempt proceedings. We can let you know what to do when your ex ignores court orders and the options available under Illinois law.

Contact Merel Family Law

If you are facing a family law matter in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, the decisions you make early in the process affect everything that comes after. At Merel Family Law, we can talk further about the family law matter you are dealing with over a consultation. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our attorneys.