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Chicago & Detroit Family Law
High Net Worth Divorce
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Merel Family Law: Respected High Net Worth Divorce Attorneys Committed to Protecting Your Assets

You earned it. Our experienced high net worth divorce lawyers will help you keep it. Keep your hard-earned assets safe with Merel Family Law: Your peace of mind begins with a simple, confidential and straightforward conversation.

Divorce isn’t easy and becomes more complicated when it involves substantial marital assets, high incomes, family businesses, property disbursements, retirement benefits, investments and more. Without specialized, knowledgeable and rigorous representation you risk losing everything you’ve worked so hard to earn. So whether you seek your fair share of your spouse’s assets or you want to protect your assets, you’ve come to the right place.

But fear not, because for over two decades our divorce attorneys – all of whom specialize in high net worth divorce cases – have helped thousands of our clients – people just like you – successfully navigate through the complicated process so today, they’ve moved on happier and financially healthier.

That’s right, we’ve helped our clients retain millions in assets… and we’d like to do the same for you.

Why Trust Merel Family Law to Handle My Divorce?

We Don’t Believe in Ordinary

Our clients are the type of people who demand and deserve world-class legal representation, and they won’t settle for anything less. So, we do our homework, stay on top of changes and emergent issues, prepare for every scenario, collaborate when it makes sense and fight like hell when it doesn’t.

We’ve Worked Hard To Earn Our Reputation

We work just as hard to keep it. Our team of seasoned attorneys has worked diligently to help earn the respect of our Chicago-area colleagues, clients, judges, court systems and community, and we intend to keep it that way. In other words, our reputation speaks for itself.

We Believe in “Winning” as Painlessly as Possible

All divorces are unique, and while we prefer to approach our clients’ cases in a spirit of collaboration and negotiation, we are also not afraid to “take the gloves off” when needed. In other words, our clients’ answer to the question, “What does winning look like to you?” informs our strategies, tactics and tone.

We’ll Help You Avoid Unnecessary Litigation

You’ll have peace of mind knowing we will never push you into a lengthy, costly and unnecessary court trial. However, we will use all legal remedies to protect your rights.

You’ll Receive Seasoned Support

Our seasoned attorneys have specific experience in cases involving women, LGBTQ+ couples, fathers, high-net-worth individuals, dissolution of long-term marriages, spouses who own businesses, appeals and more. We’ll ensure you’re represented by an experienced attorney who understands and respects your situation, the law and how best to work through your unique challenges.

You Can Reach Us Easily

Unlike other law firms, we know how important it is to manage our client’s expectations and be available to answer their questions and concerns outside of regular business hours. You can contact us by phone, text, or email around the clock.

Meetings With Your Attorney Are Easy and Convenient

Schedule an appointment at any one of our three in-person offices in Chicago, Hinsdale and Highland Park, or conduct some or all of your divorce proceedings online via Zoom. In some instances, an in-court appearance may be required by the judge. If so, you’ll typically be given at least 30 days advance notice.

Fair and Favorable Alimony Resolutions

The game changes when handling alimony in high asset divorce cases. When the combined gross income of the household exceeds $500,000, the court decides on the amount of spousal maintenance instead of using simple calculations. The court will consider these factors when awarding alimony:

  • Income, assets, and debts of each party
  • Current and future income-earning capacity
  • Constraints on earning capacity like lack of education
  • Duration of marriage
  • Standard of living during the marriage
  • Child custody and parenting time arrangements
  • Age and health of each party
  • Tax consequences of each party

Additional Services Provided by Our Divorce Lawyers

Begin Your Dissolution of Long-term Marriage

Deciding to divorce your spouse is always difficult. It can be even more complicated the longer you are married. If you have been married for 20 years or more, permanent spousal maintenance comes into play. While alimony is always considered when one spouse has a significantly higher income than the other, it is paid out longer for couples in long-term marriages. You can trust our divorce attorneys will fight for a fair and favorable resolution.

Protect Your Business During a Divorce

Unique risk factors come with a high-net-worth divorce involving business ownership. If you own a business with your spouse, it will require professional evaluation. It is vital to consider the far-reaching tax consequences of splitting a business. Luckily, our divorce lawyers have considerable experience with handling these financial complexities.

Appeal Unjust Divorce Court Decisions

Unfortunately, divorce is not guaranteed to end in your favor, but there is hope to make it right. You can appeal court orders due to legal mistakes, courtroom oversights, or miscalculations. First, you can work with our appellate attorneys to explain the situation and see if you qualify for a decision reversal or correction. We will build your appellate case to make sure it lives up to the new required preparations, procedures, and scrutiny bound to happen during the process.

Guiding You Through Each Phase of Divorce

Terminating a marriage or civil union is complex, anxiety-inducing, and undoubtedly distressing. The skilled and assertive divorce attorneys at Merel Family Law are dedicated to providing you with unwavering support throughout the process. As our esteemed client, our commitment to you is to offer superior representation and ensure that someone is always there to address your inquiries and worries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a divorce started?

Divorce begins with the filing of a formal written complaint called the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. If you are the party to file for divorce, you are the Petitioner, and your spouse will be the Respondent. You will file this and other forms with the county clerk. Then, you are required to serve (or otherwise notify) your spouse of the divorce action by providing a copy of the filed petition.

How long does a divorce take?

Unfortunately, there is not a clear and concise answer. Divorce cases can be over and done in a week or go on for several years. Generally speaking, the more conflict, the longer the case will take. It all depends on the situation at hand. Factors such as child custody issues, delays in discovery production, the need for business valuations, unreasonable lawyers/parties or other involved parties, or complex finances can make the process last longer.

I was served with divorce papers. Now what?

Time is of the essence in this situation. As the Respondent in an Illinois divorce, you will have 30 days to file an Answer to the petition and file your Appearance. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced divorce attorney as soon as possible. They will handle all court filings, communicate with the opposing counsel, collect your financial information, and advise you on the appropriate steps to take as your case proceeds.

What documents do I need to start the legal process?

While documents are not necessary to commence the case or file an Answer to the Petition, it is always smart to start gathering recent financial documentation such as the following:

  • Recent paystubs and W-2s
  • Recent utility bills
  • Recent mortgage statements
  • Statement for any ongoing loans
  • Secured debts
  • Medical and health insurance bills
  • Bank, savings, and investment statements
  • Retirement and 401(k) information
  • Life insurance policies
  • Three or more years of tax returns
  • Detailed list of common child-related expenses
  • Approximate monthly family budget
How can I preserve my privacy?
  • Get a P.O. Box
  • Change your passwords
  • Lock down your social media accounts
  • Consider opening a new financial account (but check with your attorney before doing this)
Will I only have one lawyer working on my case?

In every case, it takes a village. We have a full-service staff and a large team of attorneys to help with your situation. We use a variety of attorneys, both partners and associates alike, to resolve your case and keep costs down.

Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Chicago?

While it is technically possible to represent yourself in a divorce case in Chicago, it’s usually not the best course of action. Divorce is a complex legal process, and the stakes can be high. Having a seasoned divorce lawyer on your side can significantly influence the outcome of your case in your favor.

How much will this cost me?

This is the million-dollar question, but honestly it depends on your case. Less contentious cases will incur fewer fees, and more complex cases that need more work or litigation from attorneys and staff will incur more. Retainers vary based on the type and scope of your case.

What is a retainer, and how does it work?

A retainer is an initial deposit required by attorneys and other professionals to commence representation. The retainer covers fees (billed based on hourly rates) and expenses. If the retainer is used up, the client will be responsible for any additional fees incurred beyond the retainer. If the case is finalized and a portion of the retainer is unused, that portion will be refunded back to the client.

Jonathan Merel

Written By Jonathan Merel

Founder and Managing Principal

Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney who advocates for his clients in all divorce and family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded Merel Family Law in early 2009 after working for many years at another family law firm in Chicago.