Jonathan Merel, Family Law Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago, IL
Trusted family law attorney serving Chicago.
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Are you Jonathan Merel?
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Quick answer
Jonathan Merel is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Merel Family Law.
- Based in
- Chicago, ILLINOIS
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from Chicago, ILLINOIS.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
About Jonathan Merel: Jonathan Merel is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Merel Family Law.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Jonathan takes on
Jonathan concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jonathan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Chicago, Illinois
Jonathan takes family law matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jonathan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Jonathan Merel — family law lawyer in Chicago
Jonathan Merel is an attorney based in Chicago, ILLINOIS. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Merel Family Law.
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.
How Jonathan handles family law matters
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,…
The kind of cases Jonathan takes
Jonathan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT
J.D. · 2002
Jurisdictions
Jonathan's state bar admissions
Illinois, United Sta
ACTIVE
Jonathan studied at J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT.
Law school and academic background
Jonathan completed J.D. in Chicago-Kent College of Law at IIT. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jonathan runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Jonathan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
Locations
Jonathan Merel's office in Chicago
Jonathan's primary office is at 440 W Randolph Ave., Chicago, Illinois, 60606. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jonathan Merel
Jonathan has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Jonathan Merel — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jonathan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jonathan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jonathan's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jonathan will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jonathan
Jonathan discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jonathan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jonathan's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jonathan Merel
How much does it cost to hire Jonathan for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jonathan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jonathan offer a free consultation?
Jonathan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jonathan's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Jonathan's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jonathan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jonathan take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Jonathan is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jonathan will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Jonathan?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jonathan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jonathan accepting new family law clients right now?
Jonathan's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Jonathan handles family law matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in Illinois
If Jonathan's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Chicago handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
