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Merel Family Law Pro

4.8
8 reviews

440 W Randolph Avenue, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606, U.S.A.

Family Law, Alimony & Maintenance, Annulment and 13 more

MEET OUR TEAM

Partner Jaclyn Rose
Desana
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About Merel Family Law

The Legal Guidance You Need & The Personal Attention You Deserve.

Merel Family Law, nestled in the heart of Chicago, stands out as a beacon for those navigating the complex waters of divorce and family law. Founded in 2009 by Attorney Jonathan Merel, our firm represents a departure from conventional legal practices. Having previously worked in another family law firm, Jonathan Merel chose a different path—one that prioritizes authenticity, professionalism, and deliberate strategy over mere convention. At Merel Family Law, we understand that our clients are often at pivotal moments in their lives and require both guidance and reassurance. Our approach combines confidence with compassion, ensuring that each client receives not only the attention worthy of a large firm but also the personal touch that eases anxieties. Our commitment is to provide top-tier legal services while maintaining a genuine connection with our clients, guiding them toward favorable outcomes with integrity and care.

 

Merel Family Law (Chicago, Illinois)
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Awards

Client Reviewed
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Champion Badge Reviewed
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV
Avvo Client's Choice
This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.
Avvo Client Choice

Client Champion Awards

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Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Merel Family Law got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Merel Family Law got this award in 2021

Reviews for Merel Family Law

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Overall Rating
4.8
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8
1.8
Lawyers.com
5
4.7
Martindale
3
Avvo
Not yet reviewed
Showing 1-5 of 5 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
20%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
80%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
1.8
Quality of Service
1.8
Responsiveness
1.8
Value for Money
1.8
Child Custody
Posted by Bianca
June 19, 2024
Hired Attorney Jaclyn Desana

Represented By Attorney Jaclyn DeSana for a family law case. She was always very informative and attentive to my needs and concerns. Communication was phenomenal the entire duration of my case. She made me feel 100% confident in this situation, always thorough and friendly. Her knowledge and dedication resulted in not only a positive experience but also a successful outcome for me. Jaclyn DeSana will always be recommend by me for anyone looking for great legal representation!!

 
Family Law
Posted by Christopher
February 09, 2026
Hired Law Firm

Anything you expect to pay double or triple that figure. I was billed 4000 dollars for one motion that a few days before the hearing Josephine said would be a slam dunk for opposing counsel. You won't find protection at this firm, you will find greed and zero accountability. I had a panic attack and contacted Jonathan who later used that same moment against me to say he's a good lawyer. I've had a lot of attorneys in my time and this firm is by far the biggest scam. They fired someone the first week I retained them. Look at the other reviews all saying the same thing. Greed.

 
Family Law
Posted by anonymous
February 18, 2025
Hired Attorney Marleena Broekema

I had a very disappointing experience with this law firm. Communication was poor, and I often felt left in the dark about my case. On top of that, I was overcharged for services that did not seem effective. I would not recommend them to others looking for reliable legal representation.

Family Law
Posted by anonymous
January 15, 2024
Hired Attorney Josephine Norton

Worst experience of my life. Did a great disservice. Essentially acted negligent and very prejudicial. If I could give a zero I would. Destroyed my life with her incompetence. Do not recommend at all.

Family Law
Posted by Yehia
November 20, 2023
Hired Law Firm

RUN!! RUN!! RUN Let me start by saying the biggest scam law office. They will sell you a dream. Starting with Johnathan the biggest lair just to get you to retain his office. 2 1/2 years of hell they put me through. They do everything backwards and they forget and will talk to you about the same issue 2 or 3 times and guess what you’re paying for every time. William is so unprofessional and foul mouthed. They let my ex walk all over me because everything was in her name. 68k later with just selling one property and a parenting agreement. She walked away with a million dollar business because he was only focused on helping his buddy the GAL attorney on this case to make sure the first thing they get rid off is the parenting agreement. Ex accused me of hitting my daughter and contacting DCFS and Merrel’s office did not defend me at all on top of everything again Willam helped the GAL point that I was the crazy one and needed anger management and therapy. After 68k in legal fees.

 
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 5
    • Child Support
    • Divorce Mediation
    • Grandparent Visitation
    • Paternity
    • Property Division
  • Annulment
  • Civil Unions
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution 1
    • Collaborative Law Mediation
  • Fathers Rights 1
    • Fathers' Rights
  • Legal Separation
  • Restraining Orders 1
    • Orders Of Protection
  • Other 4
    • Alimony & Maintenance
    • Child Custody & Visitation
    • Dissipation Asset Tracing
    • Pre & Postnuptial Agreements

Office Details

  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features

    Free initial consultation

  • Video Calls

    Offers Video Calls

  • Additional Links

    https://merelfamilylaw.com/

Contact Merel Family Law

4.8
8 reviews

440 W Randolph Avenue, 5th FloorChicago, IL 60606U.S.A.

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