team-member

David Zwaska

N/A

Licensed for 9 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Child custody

Language

English

About

David is an experienced litigator who offers his clients the legal insight and practical guidance they need to protect their interests as they navigate their family law matter. David has vast knowledge and expertise in all areas of family law, including divorce, the allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, maintenance, parenting time, domestic violence, paternity and all post-decree matters.The specialized counsel that David offers his clients is derived from his extensive experience as a zealous litigator and seasoned negotiator. Over the course of his legal career, David has had the privilege of submitting briefs to the Illinois Supreme Court and the Illinois Appellate Court regarding a myriad of family law issues.While attending law school at DePaul University, David had the honor of clerking for the Honorable Judge Raul Vega in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Domestic Relations Division. David’s invaluable experience as a clerk for Judge Raul Vega provided the foundation for David’s success as a family law attorney. David continues to serve the DePaul University community as a member of the DePaul Family Law Center Advisory Board. In 2019, David was recognized as an Emerging Lawyer after being identified by his peers to be among the top lawyers in Illinois age 40 or younger.

Practices Areas

Child custody

Child support

Divorce and separation

Family

Language

English

Contact

Law Offices of Jonathan Merel, P.C.180 N Stetson Ave Ste 1300Chicago, IL, 60601

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
February 4, 2022

David was amazing and my case was NOT easy by any stretch! He was always prompt with his responses and remained calm, focused and logical regardless of how emotional or stressed out I became. He is able to think “big picture” while also honing small details so the end goal is not lost (not always easy for people to do!) His knowledge of the law and his ability to get the job done is A+. I highly recommend anyone contemplating the difficult process of divorce reach out to David because he will likely give you perspectives you haven’t thought of. Thank you, David for helping me through the most difficult time of my life, I am now flourishing and loving my new life!

Tim
December 29, 2021

David Zwaska is a phenomenal divorce attorney. The past year and a half was a very stressful time for me. Thank you Dave for helping me through it. Your attention to details are absolute. My children and I are in a better situation because of you and your knowledge of the law. I greatly appreciate all that you have done (Mitch too). Thank you so very much!

Charles
November 13, 2021

David was very professional and attentive, he made me feel confident in what we were doing, I definitely recommend his service.

Singh
July 29, 2021

David has excellent communication & drafting skills; He is easily reachable by even text messages which is not very common for lawyers, it is very helpful in today covid-19 world. He is quick thinker and ready to course correct if required based where your case/hearing is heading. Because of these qualities you work with as team. Highly recommended.

HW
June 6, 2021

I highly recommend David Zwaska through my experience with Jonathan Merel's office. Divorce is a stressful and emotional time of life and you need great attorneys to support and to help you navigate through this storm. I have a complicated case that went through GAL and evaluation process, difficult opposing counsel, and a long process over 3 years (partially due to pandemic delay). During this period, I’ve been working closely with Jonathan Merel and David Zwaska. They are fast in response (usually within hours and even over weekends for urgent issues), explain legal matters and procedure in simple terms for me to understand, detail orientated in each circumstance and accurate in financial calculation, bring crystal clarity and bold solutions to complicated matters. While Jonathan takes leadership, oversees and brings goal and visions to the case, David Zwaska works directly with me on routine basis, and both of them are great attorneys that are capable of presenting each issue in logical manner in court and fighting for our best interests and rights. And in my opinion, all these qualities have differentiated Jonathan and David as great attorneys from good attorneys. Now, the divorce is vanishing in my rear view mirror as I am moving into the next chapter of my life, I will definitely go back to David and Jonathan for any future legal assistance.

Karina
August 6, 2016

Dave came into a private adoption case that was already under way. The adoption was to be uncontested, and it turned out to be more complicated that expected. I needed to add an additional attorney to my legal team and so Dave Zwaska was added to my case. Dave was immediately ready to do his part to make sure the adoption proceedings were successful. Dave was my voice at many of the court proceedings, including status hearings, and major dates. He was always very kind and responsive. When I had a question, or a concern, or wanted to change some wording on certain documents, he was always willing to go the extra mile, to make sure I was comfortable with what was being presented in court. After every status hearing I was unable to attend, he would call me immediately, and let me know how everything went and what the next steps were. On one of my most important hearing dates, he was in the law library minutes before our scheduled time to appear before the judge because he wanted to present additional case law, to strengthen my case. Both of my attorneys and the team and Grunyk and Associates in Naperville were prepared for everything that got thrown our way. When Dave and my original attorney received motions, they immediately prepared responses, and sent them my way to review. I was never left in the dark about what the next steps were. Dave communicated everything in a clear and concise manner. He was an excellent addition to my legal team. Dave was easy to communicate with, and I always felt like he had a vested interest in my case. He was always well prepared and I will always be grateful for what he and my other attorney did for me. He will have my thanks and appreciation always. Great attorney! Very Knowledgeable :)

Barb
May 2, 2016

I found a review on this website for another attorney in this firm, but when I called found that David covered the downtown Chicago area. I thought I was looking for someone with more experience, but found that he not only had trial experience in my particular area, pension division, but was also excellent in every way. His written court documents are clear and well thought out, presented so well that a friend of mine who is a lawyer commented on them. He is also easy to reach, returns calls, and goes out of his way to make sure to find a time to talk. In spite of this, he is very concise which keeps the time billed more reasonable. He is well-spoken, professional in every way, and I have felt confident not only in his written work, but in having him represent me in court while I am living in another state.

David
July 4, 2015

My situation is a bit different than most, in that I live 1,000 miles from the courts. Furthermore, my lawyer and I have never actually met face2face. I was divorced about 8-years ago, but as everyone knows, there will be future matters that will involve lawyers and the courts. Well, one of those issues developed involving my income withholding order. As all things change, my original lawyer hired an assistant lawyer to handle his lesser important clients, which is how I met David Zwaska. Unlike my original lawyer, David was very responsive in answering my telephone calls and emails promptly. Being so far away and after trying to resolve issues with the Department of Social Services myself to no avail felt rather helpless in dealing with this issue involving an arbitrary Income Withholding Order change, needed representation since I was 1,000 miles from Cook County. David immediately responded to my call, addressed the problem, discussed a course of action, and detailed next steps required to solve my problem. David did an excellent job resolving this frustrating and stressful IWO problem. Upon resolution of the matter, David immediately contacted me to explain the outcome and resolution. Just recently, my eldest daughter graduated high school and such a milestone is followed by a trip to the courts prompted by my ex. So, when I got the email, I put out a call to David, not my original attorney. After a couple of weeks my firm informed me that David Zwaska was no longer working at their offices. After tracking David to his new firm, he immediately informed me of the steps needed to retain his services since he switched firms, sent me all necessary documents to sign, expedited the transfer, researched my case, and presented options, all in a very timely fashion. Since I live so far away, I already feel out of control, and it is David's responsiveness that I most appreciate. When he responds to my emails and text messages within hours if not minutes. Although, we have never met face2face, I believe that David Zwaska genuinely sees me as a person rather than just another client.

anonymous
February 4, 2022

David was amazing and my case was NOT easy by any stretch! He was always prompt with his responses and remained calm, focused and logical regardless of how emotional or stressed out I became. He is able to think “big picture” while also honing small details so the end goal is not lost (not always easy for people to do!) His knowledge of the law and his ability to get the job done is A+. I highly recommend anyone contemplating the difficult process of divorce reach out to David because he will likely give you perspectives you haven’t thought of. Thank you, David for helping me through the most difficult time of my life, I am now flourishing and loving my new life!

Tim
December 29, 2021

David Zwaska is a phenomenal divorce attorney. The past year and a half was a very stressful time for me. Thank you Dave for helping me through it. Your attention to details are absolute. My children and I are in a better situation because of you and your knowledge of the law. I greatly appreciate all that you have done (Mitch too). Thank you so very much!

Charles
November 13, 2021

David was very professional and attentive, he made me feel confident in what we were doing, I definitely recommend his service.

Singh
July 29, 2021

David has excellent communication & drafting skills; He is easily reachable by even text messages which is not very common for lawyers, it is very helpful in today covid-19 world. He is quick thinker and ready to course correct if required based where your case/hearing is heading. Because of these qualities you work with as team. Highly recommended.

HW
June 6, 2021

I highly recommend David Zwaska through my experience with Jonathan Merel's office. Divorce is a stressful and emotional time of life and you need great attorneys to support and to help you navigate through this storm. I have a complicated case that went through GAL and evaluation process, difficult opposing counsel, and a long process over 3 years (partially due to pandemic delay). During this period, I’ve been working closely with Jonathan Merel and David Zwaska. They are fast in response (usually within hours and even over weekends for urgent issues), explain legal matters and procedure in simple terms for me to understand, detail orientated in each circumstance and accurate in financial calculation, bring crystal clarity and bold solutions to complicated matters. While Jonathan takes leadership, oversees and brings goal and visions to the case, David Zwaska works directly with me on routine basis, and both of them are great attorneys that are capable of presenting each issue in logical manner in court and fighting for our best interests and rights. And in my opinion, all these qualities have differentiated Jonathan and David as great attorneys from good attorneys. Now, the divorce is vanishing in my rear view mirror as I am moving into the next chapter of my life, I will definitely go back to David and Jonathan for any future legal assistance.

Karina
August 6, 2016

Dave came into a private adoption case that was already under way. The adoption was to be uncontested, and it turned out to be more complicated that expected. I needed to add an additional attorney to my legal team and so Dave Zwaska was added to my case. Dave was immediately ready to do his part to make sure the adoption proceedings were successful. Dave was my voice at many of the court proceedings, including status hearings, and major dates. He was always very kind and responsive. When I had a question, or a concern, or wanted to change some wording on certain documents, he was always willing to go the extra mile, to make sure I was comfortable with what was being presented in court. After every status hearing I was unable to attend, he would call me immediately, and let me know how everything went and what the next steps were. On one of my most important hearing dates, he was in the law library minutes before our scheduled time to appear before the judge because he wanted to present additional case law, to strengthen my case. Both of my attorneys and the team and Grunyk and Associates in Naperville were prepared for everything that got thrown our way. When Dave and my original attorney received motions, they immediately prepared responses, and sent them my way to review. I was never left in the dark about what the next steps were. Dave communicated everything in a clear and concise manner. He was an excellent addition to my legal team. Dave was easy to communicate with, and I always felt like he had a vested interest in my case. He was always well prepared and I will always be grateful for what he and my other attorney did for me. He will have my thanks and appreciation always. Great attorney! Very Knowledgeable :)

Barb
May 2, 2016

I found a review on this website for another attorney in this firm, but when I called found that David covered the downtown Chicago area. I thought I was looking for someone with more experience, but found that he not only had trial experience in my particular area, pension division, but was also excellent in every way. His written court documents are clear and well thought out, presented so well that a friend of mine who is a lawyer commented on them. He is also easy to reach, returns calls, and goes out of his way to make sure to find a time to talk. In spite of this, he is very concise which keeps the time billed more reasonable. He is well-spoken, professional in every way, and I have felt confident not only in his written work, but in having him represent me in court while I am living in another state.

David
July 4, 2015

My situation is a bit different than most, in that I live 1,000 miles from the courts. Furthermore, my lawyer and I have never actually met face2face. I was divorced about 8-years ago, but as everyone knows, there will be future matters that will involve lawyers and the courts. Well, one of those issues developed involving my income withholding order. As all things change, my original lawyer hired an assistant lawyer to handle his lesser important clients, which is how I met David Zwaska. Unlike my original lawyer, David was very responsive in answering my telephone calls and emails promptly. Being so far away and after trying to resolve issues with the Department of Social Services myself to no avail felt rather helpless in dealing with this issue involving an arbitrary Income Withholding Order change, needed representation since I was 1,000 miles from Cook County. David immediately responded to my call, addressed the problem, discussed a course of action, and detailed next steps required to solve my problem. David did an excellent job resolving this frustrating and stressful IWO problem. Upon resolution of the matter, David immediately contacted me to explain the outcome and resolution. Just recently, my eldest daughter graduated high school and such a milestone is followed by a trip to the courts prompted by my ex. So, when I got the email, I put out a call to David, not my original attorney. After a couple of weeks my firm informed me that David Zwaska was no longer working at their offices. After tracking David to his new firm, he immediately informed me of the steps needed to retain his services since he switched firms, sent me all necessary documents to sign, expedited the transfer, researched my case, and presented options, all in a very timely fashion. Since I live so far away, I already feel out of control, and it is David's responsiveness that I most appreciate. When he responds to my emails and text messages within hours if not minutes. Although, we have never met face2face, I believe that David Zwaska genuinely sees me as a person rather than just another client.

anonymous
February 4, 2022

David was amazing and my case was NOT easy by any stretch! He was always prompt with his responses and remained calm, focused and logical regardless of how emotional or stressed out I became. He is able to think “big picture” while also honing small details so the end goal is not lost (not always easy for people to do!) His knowledge of the law and his ability to get the job done is A+. I highly recommend anyone contemplating the difficult process of divorce reach out to David because he will likely give you perspectives you haven’t thought of. Thank you, David for helping me through the most difficult time of my life, I am now flourishing and loving my new life!

Tim
December 29, 2021

David Zwaska is a phenomenal divorce attorney. The past year and a half was a very stressful time for me. Thank you Dave for helping me through it. Your attention to details are absolute. My children and I are in a better situation because of you and your knowledge of the law. I greatly appreciate all that you have done (Mitch too). Thank you so very much!

Charles
November 13, 2021

David was very professional and attentive, he made me feel confident in what we were doing, I definitely recommend his service.

Singh
July 29, 2021

David has excellent communication & drafting skills; He is easily reachable by even text messages which is not very common for lawyers, it is very helpful in today covid-19 world. He is quick thinker and ready to course correct if required based where your case/hearing is heading. Because of these qualities you work with as team. Highly recommended.

HW
June 6, 2021

I highly recommend David Zwaska through my experience with Jonathan Merel's office. Divorce is a stressful and emotional time of life and you need great attorneys to support and to help you navigate through this storm. I have a complicated case that went through GAL and evaluation process, difficult opposing counsel, and a long process over 3 years (partially due to pandemic delay). During this period, I’ve been working closely with Jonathan Merel and David Zwaska. They are fast in response (usually within hours and even over weekends for urgent issues), explain legal matters and procedure in simple terms for me to understand, detail orientated in each circumstance and accurate in financial calculation, bring crystal clarity and bold solutions to complicated matters. While Jonathan takes leadership, oversees and brings goal and visions to the case, David Zwaska works directly with me on routine basis, and both of them are great attorneys that are capable of presenting each issue in logical manner in court and fighting for our best interests and rights. And in my opinion, all these qualities have differentiated Jonathan and David as great attorneys from good attorneys. Now, the divorce is vanishing in my rear view mirror as I am moving into the next chapter of my life, I will definitely go back to David and Jonathan for any future legal assistance.

Karina
August 6, 2016

Dave came into a private adoption case that was already under way. The adoption was to be uncontested, and it turned out to be more complicated that expected. I needed to add an additional attorney to my legal team and so Dave Zwaska was added to my case. Dave was immediately ready to do his part to make sure the adoption proceedings were successful. Dave was my voice at many of the court proceedings, including status hearings, and major dates. He was always very kind and responsive. When I had a question, or a concern, or wanted to change some wording on certain documents, he was always willing to go the extra mile, to make sure I was comfortable with what was being presented in court. After every status hearing I was unable to attend, he would call me immediately, and let me know how everything went and what the next steps were. On one of my most important hearing dates, he was in the law library minutes before our scheduled time to appear before the judge because he wanted to present additional case law, to strengthen my case. Both of my attorneys and the team and Grunyk and Associates in Naperville were prepared for everything that got thrown our way. When Dave and my original attorney received motions, they immediately prepared responses, and sent them my way to review. I was never left in the dark about what the next steps were. Dave communicated everything in a clear and concise manner. He was an excellent addition to my legal team. Dave was easy to communicate with, and I always felt like he had a vested interest in my case. He was always well prepared and I will always be grateful for what he and my other attorney did for me. He will have my thanks and appreciation always. Great attorney! Very Knowledgeable :)

Barb
May 2, 2016

I found a review on this website for another attorney in this firm, but when I called found that David covered the downtown Chicago area. I thought I was looking for someone with more experience, but found that he not only had trial experience in my particular area, pension division, but was also excellent in every way. His written court documents are clear and well thought out, presented so well that a friend of mine who is a lawyer commented on them. He is also easy to reach, returns calls, and goes out of his way to make sure to find a time to talk. In spite of this, he is very concise which keeps the time billed more reasonable. He is well-spoken, professional in every way, and I have felt confident not only in his written work, but in having him represent me in court while I am living in another state.

David
July 4, 2015

My situation is a bit different than most, in that I live 1,000 miles from the courts. Furthermore, my lawyer and I have never actually met face2face. I was divorced about 8-years ago, but as everyone knows, there will be future matters that will involve lawyers and the courts. Well, one of those issues developed involving my income withholding order. As all things change, my original lawyer hired an assistant lawyer to handle his lesser important clients, which is how I met David Zwaska. Unlike my original lawyer, David was very responsive in answering my telephone calls and emails promptly. Being so far away and after trying to resolve issues with the Department of Social Services myself to no avail felt rather helpless in dealing with this issue involving an arbitrary Income Withholding Order change, needed representation since I was 1,000 miles from Cook County. David immediately responded to my call, addressed the problem, discussed a course of action, and detailed next steps required to solve my problem. David did an excellent job resolving this frustrating and stressful IWO problem. Upon resolution of the matter, David immediately contacted me to explain the outcome and resolution. Just recently, my eldest daughter graduated high school and such a milestone is followed by a trip to the courts prompted by my ex. So, when I got the email, I put out a call to David, not my original attorney. After a couple of weeks my firm informed me that David Zwaska was no longer working at their offices. After tracking David to his new firm, he immediately informed me of the steps needed to retain his services since he switched firms, sent me all necessary documents to sign, expedited the transfer, researched my case, and presented options, all in a very timely fashion. Since I live so far away, I already feel out of control, and it is David's responsiveness that I most appreciate. When he responds to my emails and text messages within hours if not minutes. Although, we have never met face2face, I believe that David Zwaska genuinely sees me as a person rather than just another client.