Guardian Ad Litem Attorneys

Aurelija Fitzpatrick believes that a large part of her job is being a problem solver. She also understands that people are often misunderstood. She has a unique ability to collaborate with family law clients by listening to her client’s concerns, evaluating multiple courses of action, and ensuring that they have the tools they need to be successful and comfortable after litigation ends. She is also frequently appointed by the Court to serve as a child representative or Guardian Ad Litem, representing children in high-conflict domestic relations matters. In addition, Aurelija is approved to serve as a Parenting Coordinator in Cook County, Illinois—a role that allows her to assist parents in implementing and complying with parenting plans, resolving disputes, and focusing on the best interests of the children. Aurelija practices in Cook, DuPage, Will, and Lake Counties. She is licensed to practice in the State of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the United States Supreme Court...

Jonathan Merel is an experienced attorney who advocates for his clients in all divorce and family law proceedings, including settlement negotiations and trials. Jonathan founded Merel Family Law in early 2009 after working for many years at another family law firm in Chicago. Through his hard work and unwavering dedication to his clients, Jonathan has quickly grown the firm to become one of the premier divorce and family law firms in the Chicagoland area. Jonathan has a great deal of experience in obtaining favorable outcomes for his clients in multi-million dollar marital estates and contested custody suits (custody is now known as the allocation of parental responsibilities in the State of Illinois). 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...

Laude Harturm IV is a dedicated attorney practicing family law in Chicago, IL. Laude’s approach to family law is both comprehensive and client-centered. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 2017 and DePaul University College of Law in 2020, Laude was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2021. During law school, Laude worked as a law clerk at several family law firms and the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services. Additionally, Laude served as a judicial law clerk at the Circuit Court of Cook County Domestic Violence Division. Before joining Merel Family Law, Laude was an associate attorney at a small family law firm in Chicago, where he worked on numerous family law matters involving complex financial issues and contentious custody disputes. Laude understands the emotional toll that family law cases can take on clients and the importance of the case’s outcome to their family’s future. As such, Laude takes his responsibility seriously to advocate for the best interests of his clients with tact and civility...

My name is Brad Kaye and I am a family law attorney. The most important thing in selecting an attorney is finding someone who is the right fit for you. I am a tireless advocate for my clients. I can always be reached. I'm always early, never late. Plus, while you should never trust anyone who guarantees you an outcome in court, I can promise that I'll always protect your interests. If you are looking for an attorney who will give it to you straight and never forgets the human element of all family law matters, then I am the right fit for you. Please give me a call today to discuss whatever your issue is, and I'll do my absolute best to make any problem, no matter how challenging, as painless and cost-effective as possible.

Russell Knight has been practicing law since 2006. Russell Knight has published 700+ law review-style articles about Illinois family law. Russell Knight has been published numerous times by the Illinois State Bar Association. Russell Knight has been quoted regarding family law in NBC News, Parent’s Magazine, Inc. Magazine, Newsweek and many more. Russell Knight has completed the National Institute of Trial Attorneys' 2-day deposition course, the National Family Law Trial Institute‘s 8-day Kolodny Trial Skills Course and the 3-day advanced cross-examination program. Russell Knight is a faculty member for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s Trial Training for Family Lawyers Russell Knight is the author of the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (IICLE), Family Law: Dissolutions of Marriage Court Proceedings 2024 Edition, Chapter 3 — Obtaining Orders of Protection.

Mr. Field helps navigate the unique complexities involved when medical needs, disability, domestic violence, substance abuse, dependent adult children, or other complicating factors are present in a client’s family. Mr. Field routinely lectures to both lay and legal groups on various family law topics. He was selected in 2010 by Law Bulletin Publishing Company as one of the Top 40 Attorneys Under Forty in Illinois. Additionally, Mr. Field was named a Rising Star in the area of Family Law by Super Lawyers Magazine every year since 2009, which is a designation reserved for the top 2.5% of attorneys in Illinois under the age of 40. Mr. Field consistently earns a 10 star (out of 10 possible) rating from former clients and fellow family law attorneys on the online AVVO attorney rating site and has been named a Leading Lawyer every year since 2011. He is also AV Peer-Rated by Martindale-Hubble, the highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that the lawyer’s reviewed peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence for his legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards...

Colleen M. Breems has focused her legal career in matrimonial and family law since its inception. With a devotion to serving individuals in family transition, it is her calling to provide zealous advocacy for her clients, whether it is through skilled and commanding litigation in the courtroom, or in forming practical and creative solutions tailored to meet a family’s individual needs at the settlement table. Ms. Breems’ practice includes dissolution of marriage and parentage proceedings involving the issues of parental responsibility, support, parenting time, property division, post-decree matters, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and orders of protection related to civil litigation. Ms. Breems also has experience in adoption and minor guardianship matters. Ms. Breems strives to ensure the client feels seen and heard through every step in a case. Ms. Breems understands that there is no “one size fits all” approach to meet a client’s needs, and she therefore provides experienced and creative solutions to meet the unique and individual needs of the client...

Beth F. McCormack focuses on highly complex family law matters with vast experience in complex litigation, as well as mediation and collaborative law. Beth also represents children, when appointed by the court, which makes her unparalleled in her ability to navigate complex parenting issues. Beth appreciates the sensitivity surrounding high net-worth, high-profile, and child-related matters, with each requiring a very different skill set. Ms. McCormack’s practice is founded on compassion and empathy. She sees it as her responsibility to be aware of each person’s needs, seeking the most appropriate solution for each client. Ms. McCormack’s vast family law experience enables her to handle and settle complex and sophisticated issues many families face. She is an unwavering advocate for the best interests of children, and easily navigates families through the highly emotional nature of any divorce. As one of the most influential attorneys in Chicago, Ms. McCormack has naturally become a mentor to many professionals in the legal community...