×
Go back to Martindale-Avvo ➔

Merel Family Law Pro

4.9
7 reviews

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

Family Law, Alimony & Maintenance, Annulment and 13 more

MEET OUR TEAM

Associate Melissa
Spero
Meet all 20 Lawyers

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)
View website

Awards

Client Reviewed
This badge is granted to attorneys who have been reviewed by a past client.
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

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

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

Have you consulted or hired this firm?

Leave a review about your experience with this firm.

Write a Review

Overall Rating
4.9
See All Reviews
7
2.0
Lawyers.com
4
4.7
Martindale
3
Avvo
Not yet reviewed
Showing 1-4 of 4 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
25%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
75%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
2.0
Quality of Service
2.0
Responsiveness
2.0
Value for Money
2.0
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 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

4.9
7 reviews

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

Show on map

Email Merel Family Law

Case type is required.
I am is required.
First name is required.
Last name is required.
A valid zip code is required.
Country is required.
State is required.
A valid city is required.
A valid email address is required.
A valid phone number is required.
Message is required.
0/1000 characters

By clicking the Submit button, you agree to the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms and Privacy Policy. You also consent to be contacted at the phone number you provided, including by autodials, text messages and/or pre-recorded calls, from Lawyers.com and its affiliates and from or on behalf of attorneys you request or contact through this site. Consent is not a condition of purchase.

You should not send any sensitive or confidential information through this site. Emails sent through this site do not create an attorney-client relationship and may not be treated as privileged or confidential. The lawyer or law firm you are contacting is not required to, and may choose not to, accept you as a client. The internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent though this site could be intercepted or read by third parties.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. See Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Thank you! Your message has been successfully sent.

For your records, a copy of this email has been sent to test@test.com.

Summary of Your Message
Case Type:
I am a/an:
First Name:
Last Name:
City:
Zip Code or Postal Code:
State:
Country:
Phone Number:
Message:
Return to Profile Reset Form
Lawyers.com Client Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Client Review Ratings™ display reviews submitted by individuals who have either hired or consulted the lawyers or law firms.

The Client Review Rating score is determined through the aggregation of validated responses. People who submit reviews are either individuals who consulted with the lawyer/law firm or who hired the lawyer/law firm and want to share their experience of that lawyer or law firm with other potential clients. Reviewers can be anyone who consults or hires a lawyer including in-house counsel, corporate executives, small business owners, and private individuals.

Martindale-Hubbell validates that a reviewer is a person with a valid email address. As part of the review process, respondents must affirm that they have had an initial consultation, are currently a client or have been a client of the lawyer or law firm identified, although Martindale-Hubbell cannot confirm the lawyer/client relationship as it is often confidential. The content of the responses is entirely from reviewers.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome and Martindale-Hubbell accepts no responsibility for the content or accuracy of any review. For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Client Review Ratings, please visit our Client Review Page

Martindale Peer Reviews

Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ are the gold standard in attorney ratings, and have been for more than a century. These ratings indicate attorneys who are widely respected by their peers for their ethical standards and legal expertise in a specific area of practice.

The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings process is the gold standard due to its objectivity and comprehensiveness. Lawyers solicited for peer reviews include both those selected by the attorney being reviewed and lawyers independently selected by Martindale-Hubbell. All reviewers are verified as attorneys through Martindale-Hubbell’s extensive attorney database. Only attorneys practicing at least three years and receiving a sufficient number of reviews from non-affiliated attorneys are eligible to receive a Rating.

What are the different Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings?*

• AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that 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.

• 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.

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

Lawyers who have received peer reviews after 2009 will display more detailed information, including practice areas, summary ratings, detailed numeric ratings and written feedback (if available). Details for individual reviews received before 2009 are not displayed.

Attorneys that receive reviews from their peers, but not a sufficient number to establish a Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, will have those reviews display on our websites.

For more information on Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings™, please visit our Ratings Page on Martindale.com and our Frequently Asked Questions