The Gold Standard in Divorce & Family Law.

Modern Chicago Family Law Firm

We are Your Family in Family Law®

Family law matters are undeniably stressful, emotional, and overwhelming. There are a lot of decisions to make along the way – decisions that could impact you, your partner, and your children for years to come. If your family is facing a contentious dispute, being a complex Chicago divorce, or any other type of family law matter, come to the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C., a premier family law firm in Chicago, to get the professional, reputable, and approachable legal counsel that you deserve. 

Our knowledgeable family law attorneys will take the time to fully understand your divorce or sensitive family law dispute before devising a legal strategy centered on achieving your goals. Every step of the way, our legal team will be there to help you make informed decisions with your family’s needs in mind—and we do mean it when we say ‘team.’ You don’t get paired with just one attorney or legal clerk. Our entire law firm bands together and lends a hand for every single case that needs it. After all, what good is a family law firm if it doesn’t feel like a family?

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  • Our Story
  • Meet Our Founder, Jonathan Merel
  • Why Our Clients Choose Us
  • Our Core Values
  • Chicago Bean Our Story
  • Building with yellow windows and JM branding Meet Our Founder, Jonathan Merel
  • Brick walkway that is half painted yellow with JM branding Why Our Clients Choose Us
  • Merel Our Core Values

  • Expertise | Best Divorce Lawyers
    Expertise | Best Divorce Lawyers
  • Best Law Firms
    Best Law Firms
  • National Association of Distinguished Counsel
    National Association of Distinguished Counsel
  • Lawyers of Distinction
    Lawyers of Distinction
  • Leading Lawyers
    Leading Lawyers
  • Expertise | Best Divorce Lawyers
  • Expertise | Best Family Lawyers
  • Best Law Firms
    Best Law Firms
They fought for my rights and kept me well informed

Our Team

  • Jonathan  Merel Photo
    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 the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009 after working for many ...
  • Melissa  Caballero Dunn Photo
    Melissa
    Caballero Dunn
    Managing Partner
    To clients, Melissa Caballero Dunn is “the best” and a “rare” family attorney. To our firm, she is the engine that keeps us running a smooth operation. As Managing Partner, The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel relies on Melissa to know what's around every ...
  • Katherine  Delgado Photo
    Katherine
    Delgado
    Partner
    Katherine “Kat” Delgado counsels her family law clients with knowledge and compassion throughout their cases, including during settlement negotiations, in court, and in other adversarial settings throughout litigation. Her goal with every client is to ...
  • Jaclyn  DeSana Photo
    Jaclyn
    DeSana
    Partner
    Jackie is a skilled and compassionate attorney who is dedicated to helping her clients navigate difficult situations. Jackie graduated from Wayne State University in 2012 where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Jackie continued her ...
  • Aurelija  Fitzpatrick Photo
    Aurelija
    Fitzpatrick
    Partner
    Aurelija Fitzpatrick believes that a large part of her job is being a problem solver. She also understands that people are often misunderstood. Aurelija has a unique ability to collaborate with family law clients by listening to her client's concerns, ...
  • Bradley R. Kaye Photo
    Bradley R.
    Kaye
    Partner
    Brad Kaye is a divorce and family law attorney who knows how to win. His clients rave about his preparation and support as their divorce attorney . Brad gives his clients confidence in court, whether it's with a professional athlete, music industry ...
  • Ashley  Margason Photo
    Ashley
    Margason
    Partner
    Characterized by her ability to navigate the always diverse circumstances of family law cases, Ashley Margason is a trusted family law attorney with a reputation for extensive knowledge and efficiency. A client’s family law needs are unique. Every case is ...
  • William  McSurley Photo
    William
    McSurley
    Partner
    William’s demonstrated ability to exploit all aspects of the legal process to his client’s advantage has helped divorce clients avoid costly litigation altogether, or prevail when such conflicts cannot be avoided. William places an emphasis on using his ...
  • Josephine  Norton Photo
    Josephine
    Norton
    Partner
    Josie graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Psychology (2013). Josie continued on to receive her Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law (2017), where she was named to the Dean’s List and earned a Certificate in ...
  • Annemarie  Tarara Photo
    Annemarie
    Tarara
    Partner
    Annemarie Tarara is on the cutting edge of LGBTQ+ family law issues such as second-parent adoptions and the dissolution of same-sex marriages, civil unions, & domestic partnerships. She also represents clients in obtaining orders of protection and in ...
  • David  Zwaska Photo
    David
    Zwaska
    Partner
    David Zwaska is an experienced litigator who makes the law digestible for family law clients every step of the way. Sure, Dave has the awards and resume that make him look like a great attorney to hire, including clerking for the Honorable Judge Raul Vega ...
  • Kelsey  Berndt Photo
    Kelsey
    Berndt
    Associate
    Kelsey graduated from Michigan State University in 2018 with her Bachelor's in Social Relations & Policy and Women's & Gender Studies, where she found a passion for advocating on the behalf of those in need. Kelsey then attended Penn State Law, receiving ...
  • Marleena  Broekema Photo
    Marleena
    Broekema
    Associate
    Marleena graduated from Michigan State University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Theory and Women’s Studies. Marleena continued on to receive her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2018, where she earned a certificate in ...
  • Jeffrey  Cash Photo
    Jeffrey
    Cash
    Associate
    Jeffrey Cash has focused his practice exclusively in the area of family law since 2014 and has represented individuals in all aspects of family law matters, including divorce , paternity, the allocation of parental responsibilities , parenting time, child ...
  • Mitchell J. Dean Photo
    Mitchell J.
    Dean
    Associate
    Mitchell graduated from the University of Iowa in 2017 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Minor in Political Science. Thereafter, Mitchell attended DePaul University College of Law, graduating in May 2021 with a Certificate in Business Law. While ...
  • Laude  Hartrum IV Photo
    Laude
    Hartrum IV
    Associate
    Laude’s approach to family law is both comprehensive and client-centered. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2017 and DePaul University College of Law in 2020, Laude was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2021. During law school, Laude ...
  • Cora  Leeuwenburg Photo
    Cora
    Leeuwenburg
    Associate
    Cora attended Loyola University School of Law and practiced as a 711 student-attorney with the school’s Community Law Clinic where she gained experience as a Guardian ad Litem representing children in court. Cora has always been interested in family law ...
  • Paige  Ryterski Photo
    Paige
    Ryterski
    Associate
    Born in Rochester, Michigan, Paige obtained her Paralegal Certificate and Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in her hometown. By the time she was 21, Paige was finished with college and working as a Paralegal for a Criminal Defense firm in ...
  • Will  Trabaris Photo
    Will
    Trabaris
    Associate
    Will is devoted to guiding his clients through the difficult waters of divorce and other family law proceedings. Will knows that this process can be emotionally taxing and complex, so he prides himself on being a steady hand – as well as a clear head – ...

    Media & Interviews

    We are consistently ranked as one of the leading family law firms in the Chicagoland area by respected and recognized legal authorities. Our clients come to us at a crossroads in their life—we provide the support, counsel, and advocacy they need to feel safely guided through it. The media knows it can count on our firm for legal insight and industry updates as well.

    When to Hire a Family Lawyer in Chicago

    Family law matters involve any legal dispute related to marriage and family. Since they involve people you love, it is important to get the advocacy of a family lawyer right away – one who understands the personal nature of your situation and treats your case with the care and urgency it deserves. With a little bit of warmth, rather than a cold shoulder, you’d be surprised how many disputes can be solved amicably and peacefully. Our attorneys are dedicated to locking in the outcomes you need without any added stress. 

    Are you looking to get a divorce? Do you need to fight for custody of your children? Will legal representation in a child or spousal support case make your future feel more financially sound? Call the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. today to speak with a family law attorney about how we can help you through all of these tough situations and more—and always with a smile.

    Contact a Chicago family law attorney today! We have offices conveniently located in Chicago, Highland Park, and Skokie.

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    Why We're the Right Choice

    • Attorneys Who Provide One-on-One Personal Attention
    • Night & Weekend Appointments Available
    • Constant Communication & Excellent Response Times
    • Consultations to Evaluate Your Case

    COMMITTED TO OBTAINING RESULTS

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