Best Divorce Lawyers in Wisconsin
Holly Mullin
Divorce Lawyers
Just because divorce happens in a courtroom doesn’t mean that it can be treated like a typical civil case. Civil cases are about money and damages, but divorces are about families. Future relationships between family members can change forever based on how the case is handled.
Attorney Holly Mullin understands that her divorce cases set the stage for her client’s future; a role she takes very seriously.
Holly prefers taking a low-conflict approach when she can, which is why she’s certified to practice Collaborative Divorce and Mediation.
Preventing unnecessary battles is a priority because she understands firsthand what a child experiences in a divorce. Holly’s parents separated when she was in middle school. For her, a divorce case isn’t just about fighting for a financial future, but a healthy and productive family life as well.
In college, Holly found herself drawn to a constitutional law course. Case law and legal processes fascinated her, but she knew that without a personal connection with her clients, it wouldn’t be for her. Holly’s passion for law stems from her love for helping people.
She pursued family law, knowing that she could use her knowledge of the legal process to have a positive impact on people in need.
Nikole Messerschmidt
Divorce Lawyers
Attorney Nikole Messerschmidt has always been a person willing to lend a hand. When reflecting on her childhood, she often thinks about how she found herself lost in a bowling alley. Instead of being left all alone and panicking, there were some friendly employees who helped reassure her that everything was going to be fine. In the end, they helped her find her family.
Although it was a simple action of a bowling alley employee, it made a big difference in her life. It made her realize that a simple action can make a huge difference in someone’s life. It also feels a lot better to have support and someone who is able to help, than no support whatsoever.
Nikole takes pride in being able to help her clients. To her, being an attorney allows her to fight for their side and help them when they are down. When going through a tough time, she is always willing to lend a hand and help others.
Family law is known for being complicated, but luckily for her clients, the challenge is something that Nikole loves. For her, being able to stay ahead of new laws is both exciting and rewarding. As an attorney, her objective is to ensure that her clients and their families are happy and a left heading towards a brighter future.
Ever since fifth grade Nikole knew that she wanted to work with the law. It was a dream that turned into a passion where she worked tirelessly towards. This is because she knew that this would allow her to work in a position where she could use problem-solving and people skills to make a change in someone’s life. To her, one of her proudest memories was being sworn in as an attorney.
Nikole earned her law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law. She was born and raised in Wisconsin and her favorite part of Wisconsin is the people. In her free time, she enjoys watching the Packers, experiencing good food, and craft beer, and she usually explores the Madison Farmer’s Market or a local brewery with her husband Travis.
TRISHA FESTERLING
Divorce Lawyers
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.
Teri M. Nelson
Divorce Lawyers
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.
Matthew P. Johnson
Divorce Lawyers
Matthew Johnson was born and raised in Racine County. He attended William Horlick High School and did his undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has been a practicing attorney graduating with honors from the University of Miami School of Law in Coral Gables, Florida in 2007.
Attorney Johnson is licensed to practice law in the State of Wisconsin, and he is also a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin, the Racine County Bar Association, and the United States Supreme Court.
His practice is concentrated in the area of family law, including adoption, initial filings for divorce, and modifying cases involving child custody, physical placement, spousal support (alimony), grandparent visitation rights, and paternity adjudications. Mr. Johnson handles a substantial number of family law cases per year including many with complicated custody, placement, and financial issues.
Matthew Johnson also has past jury trial experience with misdemeanor and felony crimes. He was named a Super Lawyer Rising Star by his legal peers from 2012-2021, which is a prestigious award given to only a select amount of attorneys from Wisconsin each year.
David Kowalski
Divorce Lawyers
I am originally from New Jersey, and graduated from Rutgers University, with honors, with a B.A. in politics. Upon graduation, I worked at a Wall Street firm, then at a much larger international firm in midtown Manhattan. Family reasons brought me to Wisconsin, where I obtained my law degree, cum laude, from Marquette Law School. I have focused on family law ever since. I started Kowalski, Wilson & Vang, LLC specifically to combine my experience in the quality and resources of large firms with the personal attention and manageable legal fees of smaller firms.
Throughout my career, I have represented clients of diverse financial, ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds. Experience gained through participation in hundreds of court hearings, lengthy trials, and all manner of substantive and procedural disputes allows me to serve my clients across the entire spectrum of family issues.
I routinely lecture on family and child-related topics at seminars sponsored by the State Bar of Wisconsin and other legal organizations. For example, in 2010, I was Wisconsin’s representative to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Community Property Symposium in Seattle. From 2015 to 2017, I was named by my peers as a Rising Star and in 2019, a “Superlawyer” by a legal publication. I have served as an adjunct professor on family law at the University of Wisconsin Law School. You may review my various publications and speaking engagements on my LinkedIn Profile.
Activity and service in the legal community is also important to me. I have been a board member of various Dane County Bar Association committees, and on the State Bar of Wisconsin Children and the Law and Family Law Sections.
Outside of work, I coached youth basketball at the YMCA for many years. I spend the majority of my time with my wife and son. My interests include biking, running, virtually all sports, but primarily basketball, and a potentially unhealthy devotion to the Milwaukee Bucks. I also enjoy learning languages, reading history, and most of all, travel.
John T. Fields
Divorce Lawyers
John T. Fields is a well-versed attorney who concentrates his practice in the areas of Divorce, Family Law, and Child Custody. Having more than 30 years of legal experience, Attorney Fields works diligently to help individuals and families throughout Wisconsin, including but not limited to Dane County, Rock County, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Sauk County, Columbia County, and Green County. When you need legal help, hire a pitbull who will fight for your rights.
Practice Areas:
- Divorce
- Family Law
- Child Custody
Honors and Awards:
- Elite Lawyer, 2021 – Present
- Expertise.com, Best Divorce Lawyers in Madison, 2023
Stephanie Benske
Divorce Lawyers
Stephanie Benske was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska where she graduated from the private high school Omaha Marian High School. After graduate from Omaha Marian, Stephanie was accepted at and attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. While at Nebraska Stephanie gained valuable work experience working at the State Legislature and working on political campaigns. As a member of the sorority Chi Omega Stephanie developed lasting friendships and acted as the Sorority’s Secretary for two years.
Stephanie graduated with her Juris Doctorate degree from Creighton Law School in 1998. During law school, Stephanie was accepted as a visiting scholar at Marquette Law School for her third year of law school. She also gained valuable experience working as an intern for the Honorable Daniel Noonan at the Children’s Court Center in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.
Stephanie relocated to Wisconsin. After successfully completing the Wisconsin Bar Exam Stephanie joined Brazil & Thelen in 1998. Stephanie quickly proved to be a valuable addition to the firm and was named a full partner by 2000. In addition to quickly proving her legal talents at Brazil & Thelen, S.C., Stephanie has been widely recognized as a Super Lawyer in Milwaukee Magazine in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
Stephanie has prepared materials for and taught legal seminars on adoption and family law related issues for other attorneys through the National Business Institute. She has appeared on Dateline with fellow partner Paulette Brazil on a family related case. She has been a member of the Inns of Court, Society of Family Law, Justinian Society and the Wisconsin Club. She has also used her political campaigning skills to assist with judicial campaigns. She has donated her time at the Volunteer Self Help Legal Clinic which was offered at the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
Stephanie graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee’s Mediation program. Stephanie provides mediation services for family related issues. Stephanie is also an experienced adoption attorney. Not only has Stephanie handled numerous adoption cases but Stephanie offers the unique experience of having adopted children of her own both in the international and domestic setting.
Having the best divorce lawyer in Wisconsin can be essential for several reasons, given the complexities of divorce laws and the potential impact of divorce on various aspects of your life. Here’s why you might need a top divorce lawyer in Wisconsin:
Understanding Wisconsin Laws: Divorce laws can vary from state to state. An experienced Wisconsin divorce lawyer will have an in-depth understanding of the state’s specific laws, regulations, and procedures, ensuring that your case is handled in accordance with local legal requirements.
Property Division: Wisconsin follows a community property system, meaning that marital property is generally divided equally between spouses upon divorce. However, equitable distribution based on factors like contribution, length of marriage, and individual circumstances can also play a role. A skilled lawyer can help ensure that property division is fair and favorable for you.
Child Custody and Support: If you have children, issues related to child custody, visitation, and child support can be emotionally charged and legally complex. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you navigate these matters while advocating for the best interests of your children.
Alimony and Spousal Support: Wisconsin allows for spousal support (alimony) based on various factors such as the length of the marriage, financial disparities between spouses, and more. An experienced lawyer can help you negotiate or litigate for a fair alimony arrangement.
Legal Guidance: The divorce process involves various legal documents, deadlines, and procedures. A top divorce lawyer can provide guidance and ensure that all necessary paperwork is properly completed and filed on time.
Negotiation and Mediation: Skilled lawyers are adept at negotiating settlements and can often help you avoid the stress and expense of a lengthy court battle. They can also guide you through divorce mediation, an alternative dispute resolution process that can be less adversarial and more cooperative.
Protecting Your Rights: During a divorce, emotions can run high, and it’s essential to have a lawyer who can protect your legal rights and ensure that you’re not taken advantage of during negotiations or proceedings.
Complex Financial Matters: If you have significant assets, investments, or businesses, a top divorce lawyer can help ensure that these complex financial matters are properly valued and divided.
Now, let’s discuss the difference between divorce and separation:
Divorce:
- A divorce is the legal termination of a marriage. Once a divorce is finalized, the marriage is legally dissolved, and both parties are free to remarry if they choose.
- Divorce involves the division of marital property, determination of child custody and support arrangements, and potentially the awarding of alimony or spousal support.
- It requires a legal process and court approval, and the outcome is a legally binding decree that officially ends the marriage.
Separation:
- Legal separation is an alternative to divorce. In a legal separation, spouses live apart and formalize their separation through a legal agreement or court order.
- While legally separated, spouses remain married and cannot remarry. However, they can live separate lives and may have arrangements for child custody, visitation, and financial support.
- Legal separation can address property division and other matters, but the couple’s marital status remains unchanged.
- Some couples choose legal separation for religious or personal reasons, or as a trial period before deciding whether to pursue a divorce.
It’s important to consult with a legal professional in your area to fully understand the implications of divorce and separation and to make informed decisions based on your unique circumstances.