Hinsdale Divorce Lawyer
Divorce Lawyer Hinsdale, IL
If you are going through a divorce in Hinsdale, then you may already be anticipating needing help with this legal process. Our Hinsdale, IL divorce lawyer at Merel Family Law has handled these cases across DuPage County and the broader Chicagoland area. Merel Family Law was founded in 2009 and has since grown into one of the most recognized family law firms in Illinois, with attorneys collectively carrying 221 combined years of experience across every area of divorce and family law. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Merel Family Law for Divorce in Hinsdale, IL?
Illinois Divorce Law and Local Court Knowledge
Our attorneys are licensed in Illinois and have practiced family law in DuPage County courts. We have familiarity with local judges, court procedures, and an understanding of filing requirements. We handle divorce cases for both petitioners and respondents, and we adapt our approach based on who our client is and what they need to accomplish. Whether that means negotiating a favorable settlement or preparing for a contested hearing, we’ve done both and are prepared to offer guidance.
Jonathan Merel has been practicing divorce and family law since before founding the firm in 2009. Licensed in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, he is a Super Lawyers honoree, has earned a 10.0 Avvo rating, and has been recognized by U.S. News Best Lawyers and Leading Lawyers. He has appeared on the Today show, been covered by the Wall Street Journal, and was named one of the Top 5 Lawyers to Seek in 2025 by MSN. His focus has always been on contested matters and multi-million dollar marital estates. For clients with complex financial pictures or high-conflict situations, our depth of experience changes outcomes.
As a family lawyer in Hinsdale, IL, we bring the same level of commitment to every client who seeks our support. The Chicago Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and American Bar Association all count our attorneys among their members.
A Full-Service Divorce Firm with an In-House Divorce Coach
Merel Family Law is the first firm in the industry to offer an in-house divorce coach, a resource that helps clients manage the emotional weight of the process while their legal matters are handled. Divorce is not just a legal issue, but a financial and emotional one too. Clients who use our coaching alongside their legal representation are typically better prepared for negotiations and court hearings. That preparation often affects outcomes and the overall mental health of our clients.
What Our Clients Say
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“I cannot begin with this Firm.. Headline- FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE. Divorced and happy. my experience started when I had a phone call with the founder, Jonathan Merel. I cried during that conversation, and despite all the clients he’s had over the years, he received my tears with understanding and empathy. I decided to trust him and become a client.” — keri Lindsay
Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.
Types of Divorce Cases We Handle in Hinsdale
Each divorce case must be handled differently. The type of case you have, including your assets, your children, and your spouse’s willingness to cooperate, determines everything about the divorce should be handled. We represent clients across the full range of divorce matters in Hinsdale and DuPage County.
- Contested divorce. When spouses cannot agree on key issues, the case goes before a judge. We build these cases methodically by gathering financial records, preparing witnesses, and arguing for our client’s position. Illinois courts decide contested matters based on statutory factors, and we know how to present facts in ways that align with those standards.
- Collaborative divorce. Not every divorce needs to be a fight, as the collaborative process brings both spouses and their attorneys together to reach agreements outside of court. It can reduce cost, reduce time, and reduce the damage to co-parenting relationships. We help clients evaluate whether this path makes sense given their specific situation.
- Divorce mediation. A neutral mediator facilitates negotiations, but each spouse still benefits from having their own attorney. Our attorneys advise clients through mediation, helping them understand what they’re agreeing to and pushing back when terms don’t serve their interests.
- High-asset divorce. Hinsdale is home to a significant number of high-net-worth households. When marital estates involve investment portfolios, executive compensation, real estate, or business interests, dissipation of assets and property division become especially consequential. We work with forensic accountants and financial analysts when the situation calls for it.
- Spousal support. Whether you’re seeking maintenance or contesting it, Illinois uses a statutory formula as a starting point. The actual determination depends on factors courts weigh carefully, and our attorneys know how to argue those factors effectively on either side.
- Divorce with children. Parenting time, allocation of parental responsibilities, and child support are sensitive issues that require a different kind of attention. We handle these matters with the understanding that children’s long-term wellbeing matters more than winning arguments.
- Domestic violence. Safety comes first during divorce. So if domestic violence is part of your situation, we work to ensure protective orders are in place and that your divorce proceeds in a way that protects you.
Illinois Legal Requirements for Divorce
Illinois divorce law is governed primarily by the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. We can let you know if there are any state legal requirements that have an impact on your divorce proceeding.
Under 750 ILCS 5/401, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Illinois for 90 days before filing for dissolution of marriage. DuPage County Circuit Court handles filings for Hinsdale residents.
Illinois is a no-fault state, so the only ground for divorce is irreconcilable differences, meaning the marriage has broken down to the point that reconciliation is not possible and not in the family’s best interest. Courts no longer require proof of fault, such as affairs, financial misconduct, and similar issues don’t affect the right to a divorce, though they can affect related issues like property division.
Under 750 ILCS 5/503, Illinois divides marital property equitably, which means fairly, not necessarily equally. Courts weigh factors including each spouse’s contribution to the marital estate, economic circumstances, duration of the marriage, and more. Equitable distribution does not mean a 50/50 split, and the difference matters enormously in high-asset cases.
The Illinois Spousal Maintenance Act provides a formula for calculating maintenance. Courts start with the formula but have discretion to deviate based on specific circumstances. Our spousal support calculator gives clients an early estimate of what to expect.
Important Aspects of a Hinsdale Divorce Case
Property Classification
Before anything can be divided, the court has to determine what is martial, and what is not. Property acquired during the marriage is generally marital, while property owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance, is often non-marital. But it gets complicated, as commingled assets, real estate that’s appreciated over years of marriage, and retirement accounts with pre-marital balances all require careful analysis. We can discuss with you the difference between marital vs. non-marital property and how Illinois courts approach this question.
Financial Disclosure and Discovery
Every Illinois divorce involves mandatory financial disclosure. Both spouses must produce documentation of income, assets, debts, and expenses. When there’s reason to believe a spouse is hiding or undervaluing assets, discovery becomes more aggressive, where depositions, subpoenas, and forensic accounting may happen. We have handled cases where dissipation was a significant issue. We can review with you what the essential financial records would be and how we can gather them.
Parenting Time and Responsibility Allocation
Illinois eliminated the term “custody” in 2016. The law now refers to allocation of parental responsibilities, including decision-making authority over education, healthcare, religion, extracurricular activities, and parenting time. Courts make these determinations based on the best interests of the child under 750 ILCS 5/602.5. Factors include each parent’s relationship with the child, willingness to support the other parent’s relationship with the child, and the child’s preferences depending on age and maturity.
Orders of Protection
If there’s any history of abuse or harassment, an order of protection may be appropriate before or during the divorce. Illinois courts can issue emergency orders, and they affect where each party can be, who can access the marital home, and how parenting time is handled during the proceeding. Our attorneys have handled these matters and understand how protective orders intersect with divorce strategy.
Temporary Orders
Divorce cases can take months, so temporary orders govern who lives in the marital home, who pays the bills, and how children’s schedules are handled while the case is pending. What happens during the temporary order phase often shapes how the final case resolves. Courts tend to maintain stability, so early arrangements can become permanent ones and getting this right early on in the process is essential.
Contact Merel Family Law
If you’re considering a divorce in Hinsdale or DuPage County, the right time to speak with our team is now, before any further decisions get made and are committed to. At Merel Family Law, we can guide you through the specifics of your situation, explain what Illinois law means for you, and outline how we would approach your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
