David Zwaska

PRO

David Zwaska

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 13 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Chicago, IL
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Support ... +2 more

440 W Randolph Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL

Virtual Consultation Available

About David

Biography

I am a dedicated family law attorney working in Cook, DuPage, Lake and Will counties.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 50%

15 years | 20 cases

50%
Family 25%

25%
Child Custody 10%

15 years | 20 cases

10%
Child Support 10%

15 years | 20 cases

10%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in Illinois for 13 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 2012

Active and Authorized to Practice Law

No misconduct found

Location

Merel Family Law

440 W Randolph Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL, 60606

merelfamilylaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find David online.

David Zwaska's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (23) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by anonymous | October 07, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Exceptional Legal Team during Divorce

Attorneys David and Colette provided me with exceptional legal representation during a difficult time. Navigating any divorce is never easy, but this legal team made all the difference. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication exceeded my expectations. David provided clear, strategic guida...nce while always keeping my best interests at the forefront. He approached every aspect of the case with a calm, steady hand and a depth of legal knowledge that inspired confidence. Colette was equally instrumental, from her organization and attention to detail to her responsiveness. It made the entire process feel manageable, even during the most stressful moments. What stood out most was their consistent communication. I never felt in the dark about my case. Whether answering questions, providing updates, or simply offering reassurance, they were always available and quick to respond. They took the time to truly understand my concerns, offering thoughtful solutions and ensuring I felt heard and supported throughout the process. Highly recommend David and Colette to anyone looking for professional, responsive, compassionate, and highly effective legal representation. Thank you!

Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family

Family Law and Divorce

Words can’t express how thankful I was to be referred to Merel Family Law. The quality of legal representation I received from the entire firm and in particular David Zwaska and Laude Hartrum far exceeded my expectations. Divorce is mentally draining and can be dragged out for years with the wron...g attorneys. This was not the case with David and Laude. The level of communication, responsiveness and attention to detail throughout the entire process was great. They were quick to address any concerns I had, worked around my schedule to schedule meetings and took the time to explain my options clearly. After every meeting we had a clear plan. David and Laude's level of expertise in navigating the delicate nature of family law and high asset divorce was evident. They understood my social situation, worked with opposing counsel to ensure that my concerns were addressed and negotiated a fair and safe parenting plan while ensuring my financial stability. They had my family's best interests in mind throughout the entire process. David and Laude, thank you for helping me through one of the most difficult periods of my life.

Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Divorce Representation

I retained David Zwaska to represent me twice in recent years, both times with very good and fair results. Between David and Colette, any inquires I had were addressed in a timely and complete fashion. They helped guide me through a complicated divorce (29 years of marriage with a special needs adu...lt child), ensuring that all the important points were properly addressed. I left each discussion with a clear understanding of any question I had, and was able to rationally weigh the pros and cons of each. In the other matter, they were able to help me secure the proper resources to help validate and document my concerns. Through their guidance and help, we successfully gained the results I was seeking. I have in the past recommended them to people I know and will continue to do so in the future.

Posted by Nicolas | December 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

I highly recommend working with David!

I can’t speak highly enough of my experience with Laude & David. As a father seeking a divorce, full custody of my son, and permission to relocate, I was in for an uphill battle—so much so that another local attorney actually laughed at me during our consultation meeting. But not David, from the jump... I felt respected and taken seriously by him and his team. He didn’t baulk or disbelieve me as I told him my story, and right away he provided structure and direction to my case. My divorce went on for over a year, but Laude and David made it as painless as it could possibly be—their communication was consistent and coherent, making it easy for me to understand next steps, timelines, and the whys behind their strategies. They were never once too busy to explain something to me, provide context, or weigh the pros and cons. From day one, I felt like I was in the best possible hands—because I was. Also, they’re both really friendly. Great bedside manner goes a long way! To me, this team achieved the impossible. I was granted full custody of my child, allowed to relocate, and I am finally happily divorced. I truly could not have done any of this without David & Laude and their team at Merel Family Law. 12/10 would RECOMMEND!

Posted by Tina | May 19, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Officially DIVORCED and HAPPY

Thank you to David, Jeff and Camille for all your hard work during my case! It was tough to say the least, however, David never lost hope and helped me stay strong during the whole process. David is very professional, consistent and knows what strategies will get you the winning result! He was always... reachable through text, phone, and email and takes the time to listen to your concerns! Thank you again David and team! You all have been nothing short of amazing!

See All Client Reviews

David Zwaska's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Gabriela O. Asrow headshot
Gabriela Asrow

Family lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"David is courteous and professional, a great advocate for his clients, and well-versed in the law. It is always a pleasure to have David as my opposing counsel on matters. I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Ronald Napoli II headshot
Joseph Napoli

Unknown lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jonathan Brian Merel headshot
Jonathan Merel

Family lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had to opportunity to work with David on several matters. David is a zealous advocate for his clients and has a wonderful skill set and great knowledge of the law. He was a pleasure to work with."

James Thomas Keleher headshot
James Keleher

Family lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've worked with David on a number of cases, and he's an excellent attorney. He's bright, well-prepared, and easy to work with while still strongly advocating for his clients. I highly recommend, David."

Patrick Byron Markey headshot
Patrick Markey

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse David. He practices family the right way."

Robert B Buchanan headshot
Robert Buchanan

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Zwaska is a compassionate and smart advocate who knows how to achieve the best result possible. I endorse him without hesitation."

Jordan M. Sartell headshot
Jordan Sartell

Divorce and separation lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jennifer A. Schuster headshot
Jennifer Schuster

Family lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I had a case against David where there was a lot of hostility between the parties but David brought diplomacy and professionalism to the case. He is a creative problem-solver when it comes to settlement and a worthy opponent in the courtroom."

Kelly Lynne Petersen headshot
Kelly Petersen

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David has extensive knowledge of family law and is a zealous advocate for his clients."

Brian William Reidy headshot
Brian Reidy

Unknown lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Colette Gallo headshot
Colette Gallo

Family lawyer

Robert B Buchanan headshot
Robert Buchanan

Family lawyer

Jennifer A. Schuster headshot
Jennifer Schuster

Divorce and separation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Leading Lawyer, Illinois Leading Lawyer Network

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Chancellor’s Award for Service, DePaul University College of Law

2012

Senior Service Award, DePaul University College of Law

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Attorney, Dussias Skallas Wittenberg LLP

2015 - 2016

Attorney, Grunyk & Associates, P.C.

2013 - 2015

Attorney, LeVine, Wittenberg, Shugan, & Schatz, Ltd.

2012 - 2012

Law Clerk to Honorable Raul Vega, Domestic Relations Division, Cook County

Associations

2012 - Present

Young Professionals Board of Illinois Legal Aid Online

Membership Committee Co-Chair

Sample of Legal Cases

In re Marriage of Turk, 2014 IL 116730

Reversed and remanded

See More Legal Cases

Education

2012

DePaul University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2025

Association for Continuing Legal Education

Live Web: 40 Hour Family And Divorce Mediation Training Fall 2024-September 5 2024

2016

DePaul Family Law Center

Family Law Practice Panel

Publications

2015

Dupage County Bar Association Family Law Case Updates

2015

Dupage County Bar Association Family Law Updates

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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