Features | Dec. 2025
MEREL MINUTE: REDEFINING DIVORCE
By Contributor
WORDS BY JONATHAN MEREL, FOUNDER AND MANAGING PRINCIPAL OF MEREL FAMILY LAW
PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD
Jonathan Merel
How modern families are changing the conversation.
Rethinking Divorce
Divorce has long carried a reputation for conflict, stress, and social stigma. For decades, the process was often adversarial, leaving families feeling drained and uncertain about the future. Today, however, the conversation around divorce is changing. Modern families are approaching separation with a greater emphasis on collaboration, emotional well-being, and practical planning. This shift reflects a broader understanding that divorce is not simply a legal transaction but a major life transition that touches every aspect of family life, from parenting and finances to communication and personal growth.
The Modern Family
Families today are increasingly diverse. Blended households, dual-career parents, co-parenting arrangements, and LGBTQ+ families have all changed the way we think about family structure. These realities influence what matters most during a separation: maintaining healthy relationships, ensuring the stability of children, and finding solutions that make sense for each household. Decisions are no longer driven solely by legal strategy; they are guided by emotional considerations, practical realities, and the long-term well-being of everyone involved. Recognizing these priorities allows families to approach divorce not as a battle to be won, but as a process to be navigated thoughtfully.
How Family Law Has Evolved
Family law has adapted to meet these changing needs. Approaches such as mediation, collaborative law, and structured co-parenting plans offer alternatives to purely adversarial proceedings. Technology has also made the process more accessible, with virtual court appearances and digital documentation helping reduce stress. Our firm offers a supportive in-house divorce coach to assist clients in managing the emotional aspects of separation, providing guidance on co-parenting, decision-making, and self-care. By addressing the emotional side alongside legal considerations, clients can approach each step of divorce with greater clarity and confidence.
Compassion and Communication
Compassion and communication are at the heart of modern divorce. Attorneys and professionals are increasingly focused on guiding clients through difficult decisions rather than merely advocating for one side. Empathy, active listening, and collaboration can reduce conflict and create a more constructive path forward. When families feel understood and supported, the process becomes less about winning and losing and more about creating arrangements that work long-term.
Redefining Success
Success in divorce is being redefined. It is no longer measured solely by legal or financial outcomes. Modern success emphasizes emotional well-being, sustainable parenting arrangements, and the ability to move forward with dignity. Families are learning that separation can be a transition filled with opportunity, growth, and the chance to establish healthier dynamics for the future.
A Hopeful Future
The conversation around divorce is changing because the needs of families are changing. By combining thoughtful legal guidance with compassion, communication, and supportive resources like divorce coaching, modern divorce can be navigated in ways that protect relationships, reduce stress, and foster resilience. For today’s families, the goal is clear: move forward with clarity, confidence, and care for everyone involved, creating a foundation for healthy futures and stronger family connections.
Merel Family Law is located at 440 W Randolph Avenue, 5th Floor, in Chicago; 595 Elm Place, Suite 225, in Highland Park; and 40 E Hinsdale Road, Suite 202, in Hinsdale. For more information, call 312-408-7000, visit merelfamilylaw.com, and follow @merelfamilylaw on social media.
