Atty. Jonathan Merel
Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney and litigator who advocates for his clients in all family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009.
Family Law Attorney · Serving Chicago, IL
Profile Summary
About Jonathan Merel at a Glance
Jonathan Merel is a family law attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Merel Family Law. Admitted to practice in Illinois, United States. Educated at Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT (J.D., 2002). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Serves clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Jonathan Merel
- Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney and litigator who advocates for his clients in all family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials
- Jonathan founded The Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C. in early 2009
- Prior to starting the firm, Jonathan worked at another Chicago-based family law practice for many years
- Jonathan has grown his firm to include 4 other attorneys, an excellent staff and an additional office location in the suburbs
- Jonathan has a great deal of experience in obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients in multi-million dollar marital estates and contested custody suits
- His ability to settle heated divorces and custody disputes has gained him a great deal of respect from fellow attorneys and judges within the Chicagoland legal community
- When settlement is not a viable or reasonable option, Jonathan’s experience as a zealous litigator in the courtroom has produced outstanding results for his clients
- Always committed to his clients and their causes, Jonathan’s philosophy is to build strong, trusting relationships with his clients, founded on compassion, sound legal strategy, and open and frequent communication
- Known as a skillful and aggressive negotiator with strong tenacity, Jonathan has an impressive track record of protecting his clients’ best interests and helping them meet their legal goals
- After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1999, Jonathan received a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2002
- While at Chicago-Kent, he was on the Dean’s List and served as a law clerk at a family law firm in Chicago
- This valuable, diverse, and hands-on work experience sparked Jonathan’s passion for helping others through the practice of family law
- Jonathan has provided his legal expertise to prominent national media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal and NBC’s Today Show
- Jonathan has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2012, 2013 and 2015 - 2017
- Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement
- The selection process is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations
- Jonathan is a member of the American Bar Association American Bar Association Family Law Committee, Illinois Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, North Suburban Bar Association, and Lake County Bar Association
Practice Areas Explained
Jonathan Merel's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Jonathan Merel handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Chicago.
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 Merel is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law 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.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About Jonathan Merel
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Chicago Choose Jonathan 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 Merel's practice in the field of family law.
Focused Family Law Practice
Concentrating on family law means Jonathan Merel's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Chicago
A Chicago-based practice means Jonathan 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 Merel Handles in Chicago
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Jonathan 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 Merel directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Jonathan Merel Online
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Jonathan Merel's Practice Areas & Specializations
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