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Jonathan Merel
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Recent Posts
How The Level Of Agreement Plays A Role In Divorce
February 2, 2026 | Merel Family Law
The Level Of Agreement The level of agreement present can play a significant role in the divorce process. Whether you and yo…
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How To Handle Holidays And Special Occasions After Divorce
January 30, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Holidays and special occasions become complicated after divorce when children need to divide time between two parents who ea…
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Temporary Orders During An Illinois Divorce
January 28, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Divorce cases don’t resolve overnight. Most take months, sometimes over a year. But families can’t just put life on hold whi…
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Debunking 4 Common Divorce Myths
January 26, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Learn The Truth There are many myths about divorce, and these myths have become common thinking among those who are consider…
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Legal Vs. DIY Divorce: Which One Is Right For You?
January 23, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Divorce is never an easy process. It’s an emotionally charged and complex journey that often involves a myriad of decisions…
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Contested Divorce Vs. Uncontested Divorce In Illinois
January 22, 2026 | Merel Family Law
in Illinois Illinois recognizes “no-fault” divorce, which means a couple can file for divorce based on irreconcilable differ…
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Illinois Divorce Process Step-by-Step: Filing To Finalization
January 21, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Going through a divorce is often a challenging and emotionally taxing experience. It involves legal, financial, and emotiona…
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Filing For Divorce In Illinois Guide
January 20, 2026 | Merel Family Law
You’re thinking about filing for divorce. Maybe you’ve been thinking about it for months, or maybe the decision came suddenl…
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Child Custody & Same-Sex Divorce In Illinois
January 15, 2026 | Merel Family Law
On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned all state bans on same-sex marriage, legalized it in all 50 states, and…
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What Dissipation Of Assets In Divorce Is
January 13, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Dissipation of assets happens when one spouse wastes, hides, or inappropriately spends marital property while the marriage i…
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Understanding How Does Divorce Affect Women
January 12, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Divorce is a life-changing event that affects both men and women, but studies have shown that women often experience more ne…
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How Does Divorce Affect Men?
January 9, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Divorce is a difficult and life-changing event that can impact both men and women in a variety of ways. While much has been…
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Family Business Division In Divorce
January 8, 2026 | Merel Family Law
When you’ve built a business with your spouse, divorce doesn’t just end a marriage. It threatens everything you’ve created…
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How Does A Second Marriage Can Impact Children
January 7, 2026 | 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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Modifying Parenting Plans After Divorce
January 5, 2026 | Merel Family Law
Life doesn’t pause when your divorce decree gets signed. Kids grow older and their needs shift. Maybe you landed a new job w…
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Divorce Statistics Across America
January 5, 2026 | Merel Family Law
For as strong as most marriages begin, many will ultimately end in divorce. Our Troy, MI divorce lawyer knows it’s rarely an…
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Discovery In Illinois Divorce Cases
January 1, 2026 | Merel Family Law
The discovery process feels overwhelming to many people going through divorce. There’s no way around it. You get requests fo…
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What Happens To Inheritances & Family Money In A Divorce In IL & MI
December 31, 2025 | Merel Family Law
You got the call. Your beloved Aunt Mildred has passed, and she left you $150,000. It’s a bittersweet moment. You file it aw…
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A Guide To Dividing Executive Comp (RSUs, Stocks, & Bonuses) In IL & MI
December 29, 2025 | Merel Family Law
In a high-net-worth divorce, the real money often is not in the checking account. It’s on a vesting schedule. If you or your…
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How To Tell Your Kids You’re Getting A Divorce
December 26, 2025 | Merel Family Law
This is the talk every parent dreads. Your stomach is in knots. You’re terrified of saying the wrong thing and breaking your…
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My Ex’s Lawyer Is A Nightmare. Is This Normal?
December 24, 2025 | Merel Family Law
So, it’s happened. Your ex hired that lawyer. As your attorneys, we just got the first email from them. It’s a 10-page singl…
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Why Rushing Your High-Asset Divorce is a Multi-Million Dollar Mistake
December 22, 2025 | Merel Family Law
“I just want out.” “I’m so tired of fighting. Just let them have it.” “Can’t we just sign the papers and be done by Friday?”…
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Joint Business Ownership And Divorce
December 19, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Owning a business with your spouse adds layers of difficulty to an already complicated divorce process. You’re not just divi…
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When Mediation Fails In Your Divorce
December 17, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Mediation doesn’t always work. You sit down with your spouse and a mediator, both sides try to negotiate in good faith, and…
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