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Since being admitted to the New York Bar, Erica has practiced exclsuively in the areas of Matrimonial & Family Law, conentrating on all issues from divorces to separations, custody and visitation, support, pre-nuptial agreements, adoptions and more.

I was inspired to pursue a specialization in mediation after spending an extended period of time in Europe where mediation is a commonly practiced alternative to litigation.  I observed it to be a kinder and gentler method for resolving conflict, and the participants highly motivated to cooperate and collaborate respectfully as they focused on the mutual goal, a fair and equitable agreement.

Compassion guides my approach to family law. Helping people navigate the layered financial and emotional challenges that come with family matters of every kind is exactly why I started this career in the first place—and what’s kept me going for more than 20 years. Open, honest, and clear communication lays the groundwork for every client relationship, because it’s extremely important to me that my clients know what to expect every step of the way. Traditional litigation isn’t right for everyone though, which is why we offer our clients mediation and collaborative family law as options as well.

In my practice doing divorce, family, and immigration law, my greatest asset is always my creative problem-solving skills. No two families, businesses, or individuals are exactly alike, so a boilerplate roadmap to achieving your goal simply isn’t going to cut it. Your solutions should be designed with you and your life in mind, so I dedicate the time to learning those details that will guide me in crafting and arriving at the best possible outcome for you. I pride myself on navigating my clients through the complex labyrinth that is the court and agency system with the support they need to successfully move forward in this next chapter of their lives. Idiomas: inglés y español.

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.

Divorce and child custody are huge life events that impact people in deeply emotional and long-lasting ways. The practice of family law is where Trisha feels she was drawn to help people through this difficult period in their lives.. Trisha works to empower her clients. She helps her clients maintain a strong family while moving constantly forward, even at the worst of times. A divorce case lasts only a short while, and it's important that you are prepared to face your new life at the end of it.

I have practiced family law for 18 years. I love the client contact, the problem solving, and the creative solutions that go into resolving complex family litigation. My practice is focused primarily in Waukesha and Milwaukee, but I do travel to the surrounding counties as clients need.. When I first began my legal career, I assisted clients in other matters besides family law. However, I now practice exclusively family law because of both the empathy I feel toward my clients and the unique set of interdisciplinary skills that family law practice requires. Each day is different. On Monday, I might negotiate a child custody agreement, relying on input from a court-appointed social worker and other child specialists to develop the best schedule that meets the developmental needs of a child, while also maximizing placement for both parents. On Tuesday, I could be discussing with an accountant how to appropriately value a closely-held family company. On Wednesday, I may be advocating for my client at a court hearing, presenting arguments to the judge on jurisdiction issues of an international child abduction case. On Thursday, I might spend time discussing retirement account planning for my client with his/her financial planner. And, on Friday, I may be sitting down with my client to develop a comprehensive agreement to resolve their case. Each day is different, and each client is different. I enjoy the ability to creatively problem-solve with my clients to develop a complex strategy to meet their goals and needs.. Outside of the office, I enjoy being active. From soccer (coaching and playing), to cycling, to kayaking, to skiing, to epic family vacations, I love spending time with my family experiencing all that the outdoors has to offer. When I can afford some quiet time at home, my time is often devoted to cooking, socializing with friends and family, searching for new and tasty whiskeys and wines, or pursuing my delusional childhood dream of becoming a world-class drummer for a famous rock band.... GJS

Attorney Montiho provides zealous representation in criminal and family law matters. He clarifies each client’s objectives and gives expert recommendations to achieve those goals.. Attorney Montiho is a native of Waukesha, a 2000 graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and 2003 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School.. At the Citadel Montiho was awarded the Dean’s List Medal, elected to the Honor Court, was an elected class representative, was an active member of Pi Sigma Alpha-The National Political Science Honor Society, and held numerous positions of cadet leadership. He also served as an intern at The White House in the Office of the Vice President.. While at The University of Wisconsin Law School he was a Judicial Intern for Chief Justice Shirley Abrahamson, served as a law clerk for Madison’s City Attorney, and served as law clerk in private practice in Madison, Wisconsin.. Attorney Montiho is an elected member of the Board of Education for the School District of Waukesha and was elected to the Waukesha County Bar Association Board of Directors and the Board of Directors for the Housing Action Coalition of Waukesha County.. Attorney Montiho also serves on the City of Waukesha’s Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, both by appointment of Mayor Shawn Reilly, and was Co-President of Summit View Elementary’s Parent Teacher Organization. He is also a member of the Wisconsin Chapter of the Association of Family and Conciliation Corps and the Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin.. Attorney Montiho enjoys spending time with his wife, a public school teacher, and two daughters who attend Waukesha public schools and are active in gymnastics and dance.

Jeff is the principal partner at Sterling Law Offices; responsibilities include client interaction, attorney recruitment, and networking for the firm.. Prior to forming Sterling Law Offices Jeff served for nine years as a litigation attorney at a local Wisconsin law firm McLario & Helm. Additionally, Jeff founded BizLab in 2003 a successful business incubator in Menomonee Falls with over 130 employees and $20,000,000 in annual revenue.. Jeff earned a B.A. degree in history from Bob Jones University and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1997.. At home, Jeff is the husband to Winona and dad to Liam and Jack. Other outside interests include traveling, being a voracious reader, fishing, disc golf, and leadership training and development.. Jeff became a lawyer to help people get what they want and need. Jeff says, “Life is full of ups and downs, and being a lawyer often affords the opportunity to help people navigate those turbulent waters.”

I love what I do and love fighting for what's right. When I'm not in the courtroom I enjoy spending time with my family, girl scouts, stamping, scrap-booking, food and wine.