Jody Meyer Yazici, Author of Definitive Illinois Family Law Treatise, Joins Merel Family Law as Partner

Merel Family Law has announced the addition of Jody Meyer Yazici as a partner, a move that brings one of Illinois' most authoritative voices in family law to the firm. Meyer Yazici is the author of 'The Illinois Practice of Family Law,' commonly known as the 'Red Book,' which has been the definitive reference for Illinois judges and practitioners since its first edition in 1995. She has written all 25 editions, the most recent published in March 2026, as part of Thomson Reuters' Illinois Practice Series.

With over 30 years of practice, Meyer Yazici built her career handling the most financially complex family law matters, working closely with accountants, business valuators, and other financial experts. She applies the same exacting standards to every case, regardless of size, and views her treatise as a tool to elevate the profession. 'Once you get beyond the very superficial level of almost any case, even simple cases have complex issues that need to be addressed,' she said. 'It's important that lawyers see this field as something deserving of that attention and level of professionalism.'

This philosophy aligns closely with the mission of Merel Family Law, which was founded in 2009 by Jonathan Merel. The firm serves clients across the Chicago area and metropolitan Detroit, with more than 20 attorneys across four offices. Merel Family Law handles a wide range of family law matters, including divorce, high net worth divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, LGBTQ family law, domestic violence, and mediation. The firm is guided by its commitment to 'Your Family In Family Law®,' combining experienced advocacy with a compassionate approach.

'Jody has shaped how family law is practiced and understood in Illinois,' said Jonathan Merel. 'For more than 30 years she has written the reference that judges and attorneys across the state rely on, and she has done it while holding every case to an exacting standard. Raising the level of this field is exactly what we set out to do when we built this firm, and we are proud to welcome her as a partner.'

Beyond the treatise, Meyer Yazici has contributed to publications such as the Illinois Bar Journal and the ISBA Family Law Section Newsletter, and assisted in the prepublication review of 'The Lawyer's Guide to the Cost of Capital.' She has been named repeatedly to the Leading Lawyers Network and served on the Chicago Council of Lawyers' judicial evaluation committee. She earned her law degree from Cornell Law School and her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University.

The addition of Meyer Yazici underscores Merel Family Law's commitment to raising the standard of family law practice in Illinois. For clients and the legal community, this partnership promises enhanced expertise and a continued focus on professionalism and excellence in family law.