Atty. Jonathan Brian Merel
Mr. Jonathan Brian Merel is a lawyer practicing divorce, child custody / visitation (now known as allocation of parental responsibilities), child support and 6 other areas of law.
Child custody / visitation (now known as allocation of parental responsibilities) & More Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL · 24+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Jonathan Brian Merel at a Glance
Jonathan Brian Merel is a Founder and Managing Principal based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Merel Family Law. They have 24+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2002. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, child support, and alimony. Admitted to practice in Illinois (2002) and Michigan Wisconsin (2025). Educated at Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology (J.D., 2002) and University of Wisconsin-Madison (B.A. Political, 1999). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Jonathan Brian Merel
- Mr. Jonathan Brian Merel is a lawyer practicing divorce, child custody / visitation (now known as allocation of parental responsibilities), child support and 6 other areas of law
- Jonathan received a B.A. degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1999, and has been licensed for 24 years
- Jonathan practices at Merel Family Law in Chicago, IL and 2 others locations
Practice Areas Explained
Jonathan Brian Merel's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Jonathan Brian Merel handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
Divorce in Chicago
A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.
Jonathan Brian Merel is one of 50,071 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Illinois →
Child Custody & Visitation in Chicago
Jonathan Brian Merel is one of 30,982 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Illinois →
Family Law in Chicago
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Jonathan Brian Merel is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Illinois →
Child Support in Chicago
Jonathan Brian Merel is one of 24,443 child support attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child support attorneys in Illinois →
Alimony / Spousal Support in Chicago
Jonathan Brian Merel is one of 10,588 alimony attorneys indexed nationally. Browse alimony attorneys in Illinois →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Chicago
Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Chicago Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Chicago-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Jonathan Brian Merel
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Jonathan Brian Merel's practice in the field of divorce, child custody, family law, child support, and alimony.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Jonathan Brian Merel brings 24+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Illinois and Michigan Wisconsin, Jonathan Brian Merel can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering divorce, child custody, and family law, Jonathan Brian Merel can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Jonathan Brian Merel attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Jonathan Brian Merel Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Jonathan Brian Merel has experience with under Illinois law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Jonathan Brian Merel directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Jonathan Brian Merel Online
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Jonathan Brian Merel's Practice Areas & Specializations
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