Family Law in Illinois
The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. – Serving All of Chicagoland
Your family is the most important thing in your life. Facing family court can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first experience with the system. When you and your loved ones are facing a contentious dispute or a difficult situation, our lawyers are here to help.
At the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C., we want to make the process simple and stress-free. With our team on your side, you will be positioned for success every step of the way.
Examples of Family Law in Illinois
What does “family law” mean? What is considered a family law issue? Family Law attorneys handle more than just divorce. Essentially, family law is the area of law covering any and all legal processes and disputes related to family relations. Elements of family law include marriage, domestic partnerships, parentage, and children.
Common examples of family law in Illinois:
The right firm can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Be sure to choose a lawyer you can trust. At the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C., we have decades of combined experience and always put our clients first. Your case is important to us and we treat every client with the respect and personal attention they deserve.
Chicago Family Lawyer
Our Team
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Jonathan
MerelFounder and Managing PrincipalJonathan 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 DunnManaging PartnerTo 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
DelgadoPartnerKatherine “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
DeSanaPartnerJackie 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
FitzpatrickPartnerAurelija 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.
KayePartnerBrad 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
MargasonPartnerCharacterized 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
McSurleyPartnerWilliam’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
NortonPartnerJosie 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
TararaPartnerAnnemarie 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
ZwaskaPartnerDavid 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
BerndtAssociateKelsey 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
BroekemaAssociateMarleena 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
CashAssociateJeffrey 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.
DeanAssociateMitchell 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 IVAssociateLaude’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
LeeuwenburgAssociateCora 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
RyterskiAssociateBorn 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
TrabarisAssociateWill 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 – ...
Get to Know Our Team
Read the profiles of our partners to learn why you can trust our family lawyers to handle your case:
- Jonathan Merel - Founding Attorney
- Melissa Caballero Dunn - Managing Partner
- Annemarie Tarara - Partner
- Aurelija Fitzpatrick - Partner
- Bradley R. Kaye - Partner
- David Zwaska - Partner
- William McSurley - Partner
- Ashley Margason - Partner
When Do You Need a Family Lawyer?
Illinois family law encompasses all legal matters relating to family, matrimony, and children. Anyone who is facing a problem or a legal dispute relating to their marriage, children, or domestic relations will need a family lawyer.
Legal issues are particularly sensitive and personal when they involve your family. That is why you should not attempt to represent yourself in a family law matter. Having an attorney on your side who is knowledgeable and experienced in Illinois family law issues can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Are you looking to dissolve your marriage? Do you need to fight for custody? Are you seeking protection from domestic abuse? All of these matters require the help of a family lawyer in Illinois.
Contact the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel
Based in Downtown Chicago – and with suburban offices in Skokie & Highland Park – the Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. serves clients throughout the Chicagoland area. If your family is based in any of the surrounding cities and towns, there’s a good chance that we will be able to assist you.
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