Top best Family Lawyers in Milwaukee | 168 available

I work as an attorney and mediator at Hansen and Hildebrand in the area of family law, specifically divorce, post-judgment, child custody, child support and family-related financial issues. I also worked part-time as a Deputy Family Court Commissioner for 7 years in Racine County, Wisconsin where I heard a wide variety of matters including child support enforcement, temporary hearings, post-judgment motions and stipulated final divorces.. An attorney should be a guide for a person through the legal system. Protecting them from dangers but also pointing things out that might be beneficial.. As a practicing lawyer, I have always tried to serve in this role. The client's goals are primary; my job is to use legal machinery to reach those goals. This is particularly important in family law where it is sometimes too easy to let legal outcomes drive the aciton, instead of what is best for a person and their family.. In my spare time I enjoy running, playing guitar, meditating, reading and attending baseball games.

I represent individuals in all matters affecting the family including collaborative practice, mediation, divorce, prenuptial agreements, child custody and placement matters, as well as paternity, adoption, guardianship and estate planning.. I have extensive experience representing individuals in the Collaborative Divorce Process and am the past Chair (2011) for the Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin (CFLCW) Board of Directors and served as CFLCW's Training Chair for four years from 2007 to 2011.  I frequently train other professionals in Collaborative Practice and have presented at International Academy of Collaborative Professionals Annual Conference, the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Italian Institute for Collaborative Law and numerous seminars for CFLCW.. I also have a Masters in Social Work and am trained and experienced as a mediator assisting parents and couples in resolving child-related and financial issues privately and without court involvement.  In 2015 I co-founded the Family Mediation Center with Susan Hansen and we have  offices in Milwaukee and Mequon.  We will open a third office in 2016 in Waukesha and intend to provide a positive resource for families throughout southeastern Wisconsin.

I have represented clients for over 30 years in family, personal injury, bankruptcy, collections, traffic, real estate, adoptions, estate planning, juvenile and probate matters. I am now focusing my practice on family law matters with an emphasis on collaborative and cooperative divorce in Waukesha, Jefferson, Dane, Milwaukee, Walworth and Washington Counties. I served as a judicial court commissioner for over 15 years.

I have been listed in Best Lawyers in America for employment law since 2001, and in Wisconsin Super Lawyer for employment law since 2007.  I am an Iowa native with degrees from Bryn Mawr College and the Vermont Law School.

I focus my practice in the area of family law, counseling clients in a wide variety of complex matrimonial and family law issues relating to divorce, paternity, custody, placement, child support, enforcement, modification, and pre-marital and post-marital agreements. I passionately advocate for the interests of my clients, whether through mediation, settlement negotiations or litigation.

I can call myself a family litigation specialist because I exclusively handle cases that affect your family. I differentiate myself from other attorneys in my communication and advocacy style.. CommunicationYou would be shocked to learn that most litigators are terrible communicators. Apparently, they do not return their clients’ phone calls, ignore emails, and fail to meet with their clients prior to the next court date. Their clients end up in life-changing litigation completely stressed out because they do not know the status of their case. I know this to be true because I have two types of clients. The first who meet with me prior to filing any lawsuit and want to do it right. The second who hired these other attorneys and are completely frustrated with their case.. I will never understand this trend because attorneys talk for a living so who are these practitioners talking to if not their own clients? I view myself as not just a counselor and advocate but as a stress-reducer. The best way to reduce a client’s stress is with robust and effective communication. You are not in court every week like I am. This may be your first and only appearance before a Judge. The best way to get you through this process as painless as possible is to make sure you know exactly what to expect, say, and do.. AdvocacyAt the end of the day, I’m going to get you court orders that affect your life, not mine. This is your case. I am a tool to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Afterwards, if you never want to see me again professionally – great – that’s the goal.. Because this is your case, children, finances, etc., I am not going to tell you what to do. Lazy and arrogant attorneys tell their clients what to accept as an outcome as if they alone know what is best for all situations. I’m going to tell you what I think is reasonable, what your Judge may do, and what could be your best and worst case scenario, but ultimately you will decide on where to compromise and which issue(s) to litigate.. The Twin PillarsThese twin pillars of my practice are meant to shift the focus away from the attorney and back on the client. Most attorneys (and, therefore, law firms) care far too much about themselves. They spend inordinate amounts of money on the flowers in their foyer (true story), what kind of car they drive, or who has the “better office.”. You know who doesn’t care about that stuff? Your children. Who else? The Judge of your case. In today’s technology-forward society, you may only physically go to your attorney’s office once or twice in the entire case.

I am the Managing Partner and Head of the Family/Deportation Practice Group at Sesini Law Group . My practice is entirely devoted to representing individuals with issues in family immigration, naturalization and citizenship, deportation defense, asylum, federal appeals and litigation, investment visas, and the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Prior to focusing exclusively in immigration law, I practiced criminal law for many years, which experience makes me uniquely qualified to represent non-citizens with criminal convictions. I work frequently with criminal defense attorneys in criminal cases throughout Wisconsin and I have successfully vacated dozens and dozens of criminal convictions for my clients.. In 2011, I was selected as a Super Lawyer in immigration. I speak frequently on immigration issues in the community, and I am invited to speak at several immigration-related seminars, including the 2014 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the 2012 Wisconsin State Public Defenders annual seminar. I am a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Wisconsin State Bar, and the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, circuits in which we have successfully litigated complex immigration issues.. I am a first-generation born U.S. citizen. I received my law degree from IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1991.  I speak Italian and my office is fluent in Spanish.

I am an attorney and partner at Walny Legal Group LLC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  My practice has a special emphasis in elder law.  I enjoy representing my clients through adult guardianships, special needs and long-term care planning, and other aging and special needs matters.As part of my practice, I assist families and individuals with Medicaid (Title XIX) asset protection planning.  I assist clients seeking to selter assets and obtain eligibility for long-term care benefits in the pre-planning and crisis planning stages. When working with families I utilize special needs trusts, ABLE accounts, strategic planned gifting plans, Medicaid Compliant Annuties, promissory notes, life estates, LLCs and other unique planning tools available.  Lastly, I am experienced with conducting Medicaid appeals for wrongful denials of benefits.. I have also represented clients with elderly and disabled family members in adult guardianship and protective placement proceedings. I am experienced with petitioning, defending, and serving in the fiduciary guardian role in high conflict matters.. I am a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and State Bar of Illinois.  I am an active member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and local Wisconsin NAELA chapter, a board member for the State Bar of Wisconsin's Elder and Special Needs Law Section, and board member of the Milwaukee Bar Association.  I volunteer on the board of directors for ACAP Waukesha, the trust committee for Life Navigators Inc. and LPGA Amateurs Women's Golf Association serving as the Golf Leagues and Education Director for the Milwaukee Chapter.. I enjoy coming to work everyday and helping my clients and their families navigate the complex issues associated with aging, having a disability and planning for long-term care. I would be honored to serve your family.

For information about divorce and other family related issues you may be facing please visit out website at .  We have prepared a list of familiy related issues and provided some information regarding those issues.. We are here to help you through the usually difficult time.  It really helps to have an understanding of what the issues are and to hear about options on how to best work through those issues.  Please contact us and set up some time to meet so we can start to help you out.. My entire practice has been focused on family related issues.  My experience is broad and extensive.  I have had the opportunity to help others through the divorce process, paternity cases, adoptions and juvenile cases at the Children's Court Center in Wauwatosa.. I sincerely looking forward to working with you.

Earlean Laster opened the doors of Laster & Associates, LLC over 15 years ago. Since then, Ms. Laster has been providing aggressive, affordable representation in matters of family law and criminal defense.. While attending law school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison Law School, Ms. Laster interned at the City Attorney’s Office in Milwaukee, where she was responsible for drafting pleadings, affidavits, and briefs for the Circuit Court and Court of Appeals.. In August of 1997, Ms. Laster became a licensed attorney in the state of Wisconsin and quickly realized her skill and passion for helping clients achieve justice in the criminal and family courts. In September 2000, after gaining several years of invaluable experience at two local Milwaukee law firms, Ms. Laster formed Laster & Associates.. Over the past decade, Laster & Associates has established itself as one of the premier family law firms through its staff of dedicated attorneys.

Doug is a founding partner of Rose & deJong and is a trial attorney who has tried over a hundred cases, mostly jury trials.  His principal areas of practice are business and commercial litigation, insurance and insurance bad faith claims, construction litigation, and real estate litigation.  Doug also handles the trial aspects of the firm’s family law and personal injury practice.. A former member of the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s corps, Doug’s military career included, among other things, service as a prosecutor and senior defense counsel based out of Seattle, Washington.  He tried criminal cases from the Aleutian islands in Alaska to San Diego, California, and even at sea on board the USS Nimitz.  This included the successful defense of a sailor charged with negligent homicide following a flight deck fire.. As a civilian trial attorney Doug has handled a number of significant cases, including a seminal case in Wisconsin law, Digicorp v. Ameritech, which was a six figure jury verdict with punitive damages.  On appeal through the Wisconsin Supreme Court the case established primary precedent for the economic loss doctrine.

Barry J. Book graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1986 and from Marquette University Law School in 1989. He is the Vice-President and a Shareholder at Podell & Book, S.C. Since his admission to the Bar in 1989, Mr. Book has practiced in a number of areas including Criminal, Civil, Real Estate, Probate and Family Law. His practice now focuses exclusively on Family Law.. When handling Family Law matters, he manages all issues relating to the dissolution of a marriage such as division of assets, disputes regarding custody and placement of children, maintenance (formerly known as alimony) and child support.. In paternity cases, the issues to be considered are child support, placement and custody of children and the establishment of paternity. Mr. Book has had extensive experience serving as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) where he represents the best interest of minor children in custody and placement disputes.

Attorney Patrick C. O’Neill is a Board Certified Civil Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.  Patrick has tried 90 jury trials and has settled thousands more out of court. He has tried and settled cases worth tens of millions of dollars for his clients. Patrick has achieved the “AV” peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell which signifies the highest level of professional excellence for lawyers practicing more than ten years.  Patrick is a member of the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.  He also serves as a Milwaukee County Court Commissioner and is a former board member for the Wisconsin Association for Justice.. In addition to being a full-time practicing attorney, Patrick has led seminars for other lawyers on various aspects of personal injury claims, litigation, and trial work and has also been a visiting lecturer at multiple University of Wisconsin System Campuses for undergraduate legal courses.  His expertise includes twenty eight years of working with injured clients who have suffered injuries in automobile, truck, motorcycle, and aviation accidents.. Patrick, a Whitefish Bay Wisconsin native, graduated from Marquette University High School in 1985. He graduated from St. Norbert College Cum Laude in 1989.  Patrick was a member of the Honors Program and was awarded the National Football Hall of Fame Scholarship. He was a two-time all-conference center on the St. Norbert football team. His teams won the Midwest Athletic Conference Championship in 1985, ’87 and ’88, the year he was team captain.  He is a member of the National Football Foundation National Scholar Athlete Alumni Association.. Patrick later attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, where he graduated in 1992. He is licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, New Mexico, Iowa and Illinois. He is a member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice and the American Association for Justice. Patrick, his wife Carol have three children and live in Whitefish Bay.  He is an active cyclist in his leisure time.

Attorney Lindsey M. White is an Associate Attorney with Karp & Iancu S.C. Lindsey is known for her dedication to her clients, her compassion, and her professionalism both in and out of the courtroom. Lindsey understands that her clients are encountering some of life's greatest challenges as they face family law issues. She is a firm believer that no individual should ever have to confront a legal crisis on their own, especially one that impacts their family.. Lindsey develops a trusting relationship with her clients and goes the extra mile in making sure her client not only feels comfortable in speaking with her, but also ensuring that each client is treated as a top priority. Lindsey appreciates that family law matters are very sensitive in nature and her goal is to not only achieve the best result possible, but to also relieve some of the stress her clients may be experiencing. Lindsey takes pride in evaluating each situation on a case by case basis and understands that each family is different. Whether her clients wish to pursue litigation or go the collaborative route, they are always assured the highest level of personal attention and responsiveness.

Attorney Kelly Dodd leads our family law and appellate practice groups, managing and overseeing cases all over the state of Wisconsin. She has handled cases involving divorce, annulment, legal separation, child custody, placement, spousal support, property division and more. Attorney Dodd has drafted and defended prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements. Attorney Dodd has historically specialized in complex and high-asset matters, including a case where the assets exceeded $140 Million. Her extensive experience has led her to appear in Wisconsin trial courts in more than a dozen counties. She has argued and won in front of the Wisconsin Supreme court and has briefed and argued cases in the Court of Appeals.. Kelly is motivated to ensure all of Karp & Iancu’s clients understand every aspect of their case and avoid complications that may arise. One of her passions is educating clients about alternatives to litigation. She has served as a family court mediator and has a certificate in Family Law Mediation from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Attorney Jacob Mailander is currently living in Colorado and practicing nationwide assisting Veteran's with their disability cases against The Department of Veterans Affairs.

Andrew P. Arena, founder of Arena Law Offices LLC, has been committed to helping individuals navigate legal challenges since establishing his practice in 1994. A Milwaukee native, Attorney Arena earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison before graduating from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1992. His early legal experience included working in the Marathon County District Attorney's Office and a litigation firm in Kenosha. These roles shaped his dedication to serving ordinary people in need of legal assistance. Attorney Arena’s practice focuses on consumer law, reflecting his belief in providing accessible and effective representation for individuals facing everyday legal issues.