Chicago Legal Separation Lawyer
Helping Clients in Cook County Find a Less Permanent Alternative to Divorce
A married couple intent on living separate and apart may enter into a separation agreement to define their legal obligations and responsibilities to each other and their children. The grounds and procedures for obtaining a legal separation in Illinois are codified in Section 402 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act.
The Chicago legal separation attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. are experienced in representing parties in legal separation proceedings and have the skills and knowledge necessary to negotiate and draft separation agreements focused on protecting your interests.
Discuss your case with us today by calling (312) 487-2795 or contacting us online. We serve clients throughout Chicagoland.
I cannot stress enough how happy I was with their performance and I highly recommend that anyone with a Family Law matter have the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel represent them.Richard

The Advantages of Legal Separation
Divorce is an entirely final termination of a marriage. Legal separation, on the other hand, is less permanent. A couple that is legally separated can more easily reestablish the marriage than a couple that is divorced.
Many couples choose legal separation because:
- They need time apart but do not want to end the relationship yet
- Divorce conflicts with their personal or religious beliefs
- They are testing the waters to see if divorce is right for them
Legal separation allows you to live a life separate from your spouse, giving you the space and time to think about your relationship and whether or not it is in your best interests to end your marriage.
How to File a Legal Separation in Illinois?
Although the legal separation process is less complex than a divorce, filing for separation still requires couples to work out a few key details. These include:
The court can decide when it comes to parenting time, child support, and spousal maintenance in legal separation cases. Regarding property and debt division, the spouses must agree upon legal separations.
This is why it is essential to have a Chicago legal separation attorney on your side. Founding Attorney Jonathan Merel can help you work out the terms of your separation agreement so that they are fair and reasonable.
To get a separation, you must first meet the requirements, which are:
- You have lived in Illinois for more than 90 days
- You are currently living apart from your spouse (in a different residence)
If you meet these requirements, you get a legal separation in Illinois by filing a Petition for Legal Separation with the clerk at your local court.

Chicago Divorce Attorney
Contact Our Legal Separation Attorney Today
It is in your best interest to consult with a legal separation attorney in Chicago who can help you draft and implement a fair and favorable separation agreement. At the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C., we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate their legal separation. We apply the same aggressive vigor to separation cases as we do to divorce cases.
Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with our Chicago legal separation attorney!
As a family law firm, we handle emotional and uncomfortable decisions with the utmost professionalism and care. We're accessible 24/7 and have engaged partners and associates who are eager to counsel and support you throughout your case.

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
Request Your Phone Consultation Today