Best Family Lawyer in Milwaukee
David Iancu
Family Lawyer
David Iancu is the managing partner of the firm, chief client consultant, and often-sought mediator. Well-known as an innovator in the Milwaukee legal market, he has built Karp & Iancu into a family law powerhouse.As a trend-setting firm manager, he is always scouting for a competitive advantage and discovering the best ways to optimize our legal services. In addition to his management work, David is often called upon by judges and attorneys to act as a mediator and/or arbitrator to resolve difficult family law matters. Direct and honest, he loves working with clients to strategize creative win-win solutions to complex legal problems.As an adversary in contested or collaborative matters, David is well-respected, prepared, and reasonable. His ability to resolve cases with even the most difficult personality types has made him an extremely efficient and effective negotiator. He particularly enjoys cases with a multitude of moving parts and has an uncanny ability to let no detail escape his attention. He loves novel concepts and testing unique legal strategies while relying on strong communication skills and forceful advocacy to recruit adversaries to his way of thinking.David’s clients describe him as down to earth, accessible, and exceptionally knowledgeable. His strong sense of responsibility and unmatched practical skills make him a rare double-threat as both an executive and attorney.\nDavid’s strong social conscience extends to his volunteer and personal pursuits. He contributes his time and talents to the Friendship Circle of Wisconsin for the benefit of special needs individuals and their families. He also gives financial support to various charitable organizations and philanthropies.The son of immigrants, David is a first-generation American. He attended college at Drake University where he graduated magna cum laude. He is a graduate of Marquette University Law School. Born and raised in Wisconsin, he was a Division I Wisconsin State Tennis
David’s strong social conscience extends to his volunteer and personal pursuits. He contributes his time and talents to the Friendship Circle of Wisconsin for the benefit of special needs individuals and their families. He also gives financial support to various charitable organizations and philanthropies.
Trisha Festerling
Family Lawyer
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.
Trisha graduated with honors Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2001 before earning her law (J.D.) degree from Regent University Law School in 2007. Before law school she had already gained substantial legal experience, including helping manage a family law practice.
It was while earning her law degree that Trisha had her first child, and it changed her life forever. It made her understand even greater the importance of family, with children at the center. In her early years of practice, she experienced many areas of law, but ultimately primarily focused on family, helping families since 2007. Trisha has also worked as a Guardian ad Litem in cases, appointed by the court to represent the best interests of the children, which gives her a powerful perspective to guide families going through this process. In addition, she has certified in Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, helping families take a low-conflict and often more cost-effective route through this process.
When Trisha is away from the office, she enjoys spending time with her three children, traveling and appreciating nature. She particularly loves the mountains, and coincidentally met her husband while preparing to summit the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado.
Knowing that you are backed by a professional legal team in the field of divorce and family law is an incredible asset as you maneuver through the complex legal system. Contact Grieve Law to schedule an appointment now.
Austin Miller
Family Lawyer
Attorney Austin Miller primarily focuses on divorce, child custody, and child support cases and received Guardian ad Litem training through Ozaukee County. He has ample experience handling high-conflict divorces and post-judgment cases ranging from child support to full-scale custody and placement evaluations. Through hard work and dedication, he strives to make a positive impact on his client’s lives, their family, and the community.
Austin received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin. During law school, he worked as a student attorney for the Winnebago County District Attorney’s office, where he learned the intricacies of the courtroom. He went on to work at Kaplan Law Firm, S.C., a family law firm, for nearly two years.
Never one to shy away from difficult cases, Austin worked on cases involving abuse allegations, restraining orders, and termination of parental rights. He has also assisted in arranging step-parent adoptions. No matter how difficult the case, if it means protecting client’s children and families, Austin is prepared to go the extra mile for his clients.
To Austin, nothing replaces hard work and preparation, and every one of his clients deserves the same level of excellence. His overriding goal is to be a source of stability and strength in some of the stormiest moments in his client’s lives. Ultimately, he hopes that you leave a meeting with him feeling more hopeful.
Teri M. Nelson
Family Lawyer
Attorney Teri M. Nelson has a unique philosophy in handling Family Law matters. She believes that every client deserves her time in terms of individual attention and her experience so that they have the best representation possible to guide them through one of the most difficult experiences in their life. She has a commitment to excellent personal service to her clients and believes her clients appreciate her quick and truthful responses to their questions and concerns.
No one wants an expensive, difficult or time-consuming divorce experience. Therefore, Attorney Nelson is committed to giving her clients a quick, civilized and fair resolution to their family law matter. To do that, she provides to her clients an accurate picture of what to expect, what the personal and financial costs are likely to be, and what their legal options are. She strongly believes that providing clients with realistic information in this way empowers them to make good legal decisions for themselves. However, if a resolution cannot be accomplished, Attorney Nelson has over 25 years of family law experience and is known as a tough and competent litigator with excellent results in the courtroom.
Susan A. Hansen
Family Lawyer
Susan Hansen focuses her practice on collaborative divorce and mediation. She has extensive experience in both complex financial and child-related family issues. Her approach emphasizes working closely with clients for creative problem-solving. Susan uses her expertise to educate clients and help them create positive and private solutions outside of the courtroom. Susan supports an interdisciplinary process of working with child/family specialist and financial experts to provide the greatest value and long-term benefits to clients.
Susan is also co-founder of the Family Mediation Center and has held leadership positions in many legal associations and community organizations. She is past president of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. She has frequently presented on family law topics to lawyers, judges, and mental health and financial professionals. She has provided mediation and collaborative practice training nationally and internationally, most recently in Florence, Italy. Susan has also been featured on television and in numerous publications.
Susan has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Milwaukee Bar Association and is consistently recognized as one of the best divorce lawyers in Milwaukee by Super Lawyers, Milwaukee Magazine, US News and World Reports, and M Magazine. She is also a multi-time recipient of Best Lawyers’ award for Best Family Lawyer of the Year in Family Mediation and has an AV Preeminent Peer and Judicial Rating by Martindale Hubbell for attorneys ranked nationally at the highest level of legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards.
Odalo J. Ohiku
Family Lawyer
Specializing in divorce law, family law, and custody and placement for high-net worth individuals throughout the greater Milwaukee area, Attorney Ohiku puts your needs front and center. A trained mediator and arbitrator, Ohiku possesses the skills, experience and approach to help clients protect the things that matter most to them, all while helping to reduce the stress, anxiety and acrimony that can be a part of divorce.
Attorney Ohiku’s experiences at Marquette University solidified his mission to deliver compassionate, high quality legal service to clients throughout the region. It all starts with understanding you as a whole person — your desires, concerns and goals. Attorney Ohiku and his team then work with relentless passion to protect your rights, your interests, your family, and your future!
Attorney Ohiku’s extensive experience in all facets of divorce law, family law, custody and placement, and the criminal courts system has made him one of the most highly respected attorneys in the area. He provides high quality legal representation on all divorce and family law matters for high-net worth clients, including mediation and dispute resolution, child custody and placement, child support, spousal maintenance, asset protection and property division, trusts and estate plans, and much more.
When you hire Attorney Odalo Ohiku to represent your interests during divorce, you are bringing on an accomplished advocate who has been widely recognized for his skill, knowledge, and service. Attorney Ohiku has been named a “Top 40 under 40” by both The American Society of Legal Advocates and The National Trial Lawyers. He has served as Chair of the State Bar of Wisconsin Board of Governors and he has received the State Bar of Wisconsin’s President Award. He is a family man who understands the importance of safeguarding and protecting your family and the life that you have built.
Stephanie Benske
Family Lawyer
Stephanie Benske is an attorney at the firm Benske, Gatzke, McFadden and Rose, LLC., located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She focuses her practice on family law matters.
Ms. Benske attended Omaha Marian High School, a private institution in her hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. She was accepted to and enrolled at Creighton University, also located in Omaha, after she graduated from Omaha Marian. During her time in Nebraska, she acquired significant professional experience through her involvement in the State Legislature and active participation in political campaigns. She actively participated in the sorority Chi Omega, fostering enduring interpersonal relationships and assuming the role of secretary for a duration of two years.
In 1998, Ms. Benske successfully completed her Juris Doctor degree at Creighton Law School. She was granted the opportunity to serve as a visiting scholar at Marquette Law School during her third year of legal education. In addition, she acquired significant professional experience through her internship under the guidance of the Honorable Daniel Noonan at the Children’s Court Center located in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
Ms. Benske has curated educational resources and delivered instructional sessions on adoption and family law matters to legal professionals, facilitated by the National Business Institute. She has made an appearance on the television program Dateline alongside her colleague Paulette Brazil to discuss a case pertaining to familial matters. She has held memberships in several esteemed organizations, including the Inns of Court, Society of Family Law, Justinian Society, and the Wisconsin Club. Furthermore, she has leveraged her expertise in political campaigning to provide support for judicial campaigns. She has volunteered her time at the Volunteer Self Help Legal Clinic, a program provided at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
Earlean A. Laster
Family Lawyer
Earlean Laster opened the doors of Laster & Associates over 25 years ago. Since then, Ms. Laster has been providing aggressive 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.
n 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. Today, Ms. Laster is pleased to offer representation in the following Wisconsin family matters:
- Divorce
- Legal separation
- Stepparent adoptions
- Pre and post-nuptial agreements
- Civil injunctions (harassment and domestic abuse)
- Paternity actions
- Child support, placement, and custody
- Spousal maintenance
- Guardianships
What to Look for in a Reliable Divorce Attorney
Choosing the right divorce attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the divorce process. A reliable attorney can help you navigate the complexities of divorce law, protect your rights, and ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a divorce attorney.
1. Experience and Specialization
- Divorce Law Expertise: Look for an attorney who specializes in family law and has extensive experience handling divorce cases. A specialized attorney will be more familiar with the nuances of divorce law, including property division, child custody, alimony, and other related issues.
- Track Record: Review the attorney’s track record, including the types of cases they’ve handled and their success rate. An attorney with a strong track record in cases similar to yours is more likely to provide effective representation.
2. Reputation and References
- Client Testimonials: Research online reviews and testimonials from former clients. Positive feedback regarding the attorney’s communication, professionalism, and case outcomes can be a good indicator of reliability.
- Professional Reputation: Consider the attorney’s reputation within the legal community. An attorney who is well-regarded by peers and judges may have an advantage in negotiations and court proceedings.
3. Communication Skills
- Clear and Responsive: A reliable divorce attorney should communicate clearly and be responsive to your needs. This includes promptly returning calls and emails, explaining legal concepts in understandable terms, and keeping you informed about the progress of your case.
- Active Listening: The attorney should take the time to listen to your concerns and priorities, ensuring that your needs are accurately represented in the divorce proceedings.
4. Availability and Workload
- Manageable Caseload: Ensure that the attorney has the time and resources to devote to your case. An attorney who is overextended with too many clients may not be able to provide the attention your case requires.
- Personal Attention: Ask whether your case will be handled primarily by the attorney or delegated to junior associates or paralegals. While delegation is common, you should feel confident that your attorney is actively involved and overseeing your case.
5. Strategic Approach
- Tailored Strategy: Every divorce is unique, and a reliable attorney should develop a strategy that aligns with your specific goals and circumstances. Whether your case requires aggressive litigation or a more collaborative approach, the attorney should be adaptable and strategic.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Divorce cases often involve complex issues that require creative solutions. Look for an attorney who demonstrates strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically about your case.
6. Transparency and Fees
- Clear Fee Structure: A reliable attorney should provide a clear and detailed explanation of their fee structure, including hourly rates, retainer fees, and any additional costs that may arise. Transparency about fees helps prevent surprises and ensures that you can budget appropriately.
- Value for Money: Consider whether the attorney’s fees are reasonable based on their experience, expertise, and the complexity of your case. The cheapest option is not always the best, but you should feel that you are receiving good value for the investment.
7. Comfort and Trust
- Personal Connection: Divorce is a deeply personal and often emotional process. It’s important to choose an attorney with whom you feel comfortable sharing sensitive information. Trust and rapport between you and your attorney are crucial for effective communication and collaboration.
- Empathy and Understanding: A reliable divorce attorney should demonstrate empathy and understanding, recognizing the emotional toll that divorce can take on you and your family.
Conclusion
Selecting a reliable divorce attorney requires careful consideration of their experience, reputation, communication skills, and approach to handling cases. By prioritizing these factors, you can find an attorney who not only meets your legal needs but also supports you through the emotional challenges of divorce. A well-chosen attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, providing you with the guidance and advocacy necessary to protect your interests and achieve a fair resolution.