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Jonathan Merel
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Recent Posts
Mediation Limits In Illinois Divorces
December 1, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Divorce mediation can be a lifeline for couples who want to avoid dragging each other through court. It’s cheaper and faster…
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Can You Modify Property Division After Your Divorce Is Final
November 27, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Property division orders in Illinois are meant to be final. Once a judge signs off on how your assets get split, that’s usua…
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A Financial Advisor, A Divorce Coach, And A Lawyer Walk Into A Bar… Why Your Divorce Needs A Team
November 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
It sounds like the setup to a joke, but it’s actually the answer to the most important question in a divorce: “How do I get…
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My Ex Won’t Follow The Parenting Plan: A Guide To Contempt And Enforcement
November 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
There is almost nothing more frustrating. You have a 40-page detailed court-ordered Parenting Plan. You went through months…
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AI, Deepfakes, And Your Divorce: The New Wave Of Evidence Is Here
November 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
We’ve all gotten used to the idea that a Ring camera or an angry text message can be a star witness in a divorce case. That’…
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Financial Planning Tips For After Divorce: What To Watch Out For
November 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Divorce marks the end of one chapter, but it is also the beginning of another. While the legal process finalizes the dissolu…
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What Happens If One Spouse Files For Bankruptcy During A Divorce?
November 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Divorce is often described as one of the most stressful events a person can experience. When financial challenges intersect…
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Protecting Yourself From Financial Abuse In A Relationship Or Divorce
November 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Financial abuse is one of the most insidious forms of domestic control, yet it often goes overlooked. While physical and emo…
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Same-Sex Divorce: Key Legal & Practical Considerations In Illinois
November 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
While the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges guaranteed marriage equality nationwide, same-sex couples stil…
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What To Expect During The Divorce Filing Process
October 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Filing for divorce is a major legal decision, and understanding what lies ahead can help minimize stress and uncertainty. Wh…
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What NOT To Say To Your Friend Who’s Getting A Divorce
September 19, 2025 | Merel Family Law
You just found out your friend is getting divorced and along with wanting to help them find a good Troy, MI divorce lawyer…
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How Modern Tech Is Changing Divorce Cases
September 19, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Not too long ago, the smoking gun in a divorce case was a receipt for a hotel room found in a coat pocket or a lipstick-stai…
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What Is A Forensic Accountant?
September 19, 2025 | Merel Family Law
In a perfect world, a divorce would be a simple open-book test. Both people would lay all their financial cards on the table…
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Five Divorce Myths That Will Cost You A Fortune
September 19, 2025 | Merel Family Law
When you’re going through a divorce, everyone suddenly becomes your Chicago, IL divorce lawyer, even though they do not have…
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What To Expect During A Divorce
September 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Even when you know it is for the best, divorce is hard. If it is not your choice, it can be even harder. Since opening our d…
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Is Collaborative Divorce Right For You?
September 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
While getting divorced is typically tough even under the best and most amicable circumstances, one way that tends to make it…
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Top Divorce Myths Debunked
September 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
The dedicated team at Merel Family Law has helped thousands of clients get through divorce and we understand how overwhelmin…
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Alimony Rules In Illinois And Michigan
September 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
If you are going through a divorce or are about to go through one, having a skilled and experienced Troy, MI alimony lawyer…
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Spousal Support Vs. Alimony
September 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Spousal support and alimony are two terms that come up often in divorce conversations, and while they are frequently used in…
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Top Questions About Divorce Mediation
September 8, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Divorce is never easy, but for many couples, mediation can be a more efficient and less stressful alternative to going to co…
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Divorce Mediation Vs. Court Battles
August 24, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Merel Family Law focuses exclusively in family law, including divorce, child custody, alimony, high‑net‑worth divorce, LGBTQ…
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Navigating Divorce With Confidence
August 24, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Merel Family Law understands how overwhelming and stressful going through a divorce or knowing you need to start the process…
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Is Collaborative Divorce The Right Approach For Me?
August 7, 2025 | Merel Family Law
When it comes to divorce, you have more than one option for how the process moves forward. While many people picture courtro…
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How Remarrying Affects Alimony
August 7, 2025 | Merel Family Law
Remarriage can significantly impact alimony, both for the person receiving it and the person paying it. Whether you’re alrea…
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