Chicago Complex Divorce Lawyer
Divorce can be a challenging and emotional process. Besides being emotionally taxing, divorces can also be expensive, and it can be hard to receive fair representation. When elements like high-value assets, business ownership, trusts, or significant child custody disputes are involved, you’ll want to work with our Chicago, IL complex divorce lawyer. Our team is here to help you through this situation when you call us at Merel Family Law!
Chicago, IL Complex Divorce Lawyer
What qualifies as a complex divorce can vary, but it typically includes significant assets like multiple properties, businesses, retirement accounts, stocks, and investments. These all require careful protection and/or division. If you have international assets, this can add another layer of complexity to the division process. Our legal team can help identify what qualifies as marital versus non-marital property, protecting your assets.
Besides financial worth, significant child custody disputes can make a divorce complex. Complex custody arrangements, like having multiple children or needing to relocate a child to another country, often call for our experienced attorneys. Our Chicago complex divorce lawyer can provide mediation and draft a plan that works best for both parties. Should going to court be required, we can represent you and the needs of your children.
In most cases, it’s often better to settle outside the courtroom; our attorneys will work hard to build a strong case. We’ll analyze all of your financial records alongside any relevant documents like prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. When relevant, evidence can also include marital misconduct, which can affect the division process. Often, even in a complex divorce, the ex-spouse will agree to mediation. However, should we be unable to reach an agreement, our experienced lawyers can apply legal pressure and take the case to court.
Why Experience Matters For Complex Divorces
For any divorce, it’s good practice to consult with our attorneys, but this is especially the case with the divorce is dealing with complex matters.
- Our lead attorney, Jonathan Merel, founded our law firm in 2009 after being dissatisfied with how other law firms handle family law, especially divorces. He works hard to represent every client with a specialized plan to help them get through new stages in life.
- Our law firm has grown within the last 15 years to have 20+ attorneys helping clients and families adjust to new life events. Besides attorneys, we have plenty of other employees who help both our attorneys and clients.
- Jonathan Merel and our law firm as a whole have been recognized several times, with awards including being voted by U.S. News as part of the best law firms and being recognized by Super Lawyers.
- We have a nearly perfect five-star rating from Google with over 300 positive five-star reviews from satisfied clients.
Dealing with divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging, especially when high stakes are involved. Help is available today when you work with our Chicago complex divorce lawyer. Call Merel Family Law today to see how our law firm can help!

Types Of Complex Divorce Services We Offer
If you have significant business or financial matters that are at risk in your divorce, your Chicago, IL complex divorce lawyer can help you protect your assets. At Merel Family Law, you can count on our team’s 220+ years of combined experience. Read on to see our services, and get in touch with us today.
High Net Worth Divorce
When one or both spouses have significant assets, property division can become more involved. Your high net worth divorce attorney can help you identify, value, and divide marital property such as real estate, investments, and retirement accounts fairly and efficiently.
Business Ownership And Professional Practices
Divorce involving a family business or professional practice requires special attention. As your business owner divorce attorney, we can assist you in evaluating ownership interests, determining business value, and developing fair arrangements that allow both parties to maintain financial stability.
Hidden Assets And Financial Investigations
In some cases, one spouse may attempt to conceal income or property. We work with financial professionals to identify all relevant assets and bring full transparency to the process so that every decision is based on accurate information.
Divorce With Multiple Properties
Couples who own several homes or investment properties often face challenges in dividing real estate equitably. Your Chicago complex divorce lawyer can assess property values, rental income, and tax implications to reach fair agreements that reflect your contributions and goals.
Complex Child Custody Arrangements
High-conflict or unusual custody situations require careful planning. We assist parents in developing parenting plans that address children’s needs, schedules, and education, while also resolving disputes over relocation or shared decision-making.
Divorce Involving Prenuptial Or Postnuptial Agreements
When a couple has a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, it can influence how assets are divided and how support is determined. We review the terms of these agreements and help clients understand how they apply to their current circumstances.
Spousal Support And Long-Term Financial Planning
In long marriages or those involving large income differences, spousal support can be a major factor. We work with clients to negotiate or litigate fair support terms that account for earning capacity, lifestyle, and future financial security.
Divorce With Debt And Financial Obligations
Dividing debt is often just as important as dividing assets. We help clients manage responsibilities such as mortgages, credit cards, or business loans and determine how these obligations will be shared.
Divorce With Inheritance Or Separate Property Issues
Disputes often arise over what qualifies as marital property versus what was inherited or owned before marriage. Your complicated divorce attorney can trace ownership records and maintain the proper classification of these assets.
Multi-Jurisdiction Or International Divorce
When spouses live in different states or countries, questions of jurisdiction and applicable law can complicate the process. We assist clients in determining where to file and how to protect their interests when property or family matters cross borders.
Contact Us Today
Divorce involving complex circumstances can be stressful, but having the right support makes a difference. At Merel Family Law, our family law experience includes high net worth divorces, child custody, and more. Get in touch with us today to get started with a Chicago complex divorce lawyer you can count on.
Family Law Practices
Our Office Locations
Downtown Chicago
440 W Randolph Ave, 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60606
New Clients: 312-288-3057
Highland Park
595 Elm Place Suite 225
Highland Park, IL 60035
New Clients: 312-288-3057
Hinsdale
40 E. Hinsdale Rd. Suite 202
Hinsdale, IL 60521
New Clients: 312-288-3057
Metro Detroit
101 West Big Beaver Rd. Suite 1400 Troy, MI 48084
New Clients: 312-288-3057