Best Family Lawyer in South Dakota
Kelsey Ver Beek
Family Lawyer
Kelsey Ver Beek is the founding attorney of Ver Beek Law, a South Dakota law practice.
Kelsey grew up in a small Iowa town with her three siblings. Before pursuing law, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, graduating in three years, with honors.
She enrolled in The University of South Dakota School of Law and graduated with the class of 2015. Due to her personal experience with, and passion for, family law litigation, Kelsey decided to focus her career on family law. She is licensed in the state of South Dakota as a practicing family law attorney, and strives to provide a professional, yet empathetic approach to each of her clients. She attentively focuses on the needs of every client, with experience in cases involving divorce, adoption, alimony, child custody, and other family law matters.
When Kelsey is not working she enjoys spending time with her family. Her four children and life on the farm keep her busy.
Eric Schlimgen
Family Lawyer
Eric Schlimgen, a Black Hills native has been practicing since 2016 with measurable success. He prides himself on a deep tradition of excellence, ensuring only the highest quality service. Eric understands the challenges and pressure that comes with every case and is here for you, every step of the way.
Dependable, calm, and well spoken, Eric approaches each new case with the attention it needs. Get in touch with him today.
University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion, South Dakota
Juris Doctor – 2016
Honors: Moot Court
Lewis and Clark Law School, Portland, Oregon
Juris Doctor – 2014
Major: Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resource Law
University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
Masters of Public Administration magna cum laude – 2016
University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota
Bachelors of Criminal Justice & Political Science – 2013
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
B.A. – 2012
Honors: Spanish language immersion program in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Terri Lee Williams
Family Lawyer
Terri has been practicing law in South Dakota more than 25 years. Terri focuses her practice to address all matters in criminal law and family law, such as divorce, child custody, assaults, protection orders, premarital agreements, adoptions, and simple wills.
Before forming Williams Law, Terri spent 18 years at Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP where she was a partner. Terri has dedicated much of her time to her profession. She has been the Chair of the Family Law Committee for the South Dakota State Bar for several years. She served on the Governor’s Task Force on Child Custody and has served as a Commissioner for the South Dakota State Bar. She was the President of the Pennington Bar Association in 2007.
Terri has personally invested her time to help children and has served as a Board Member for SD Voices for Children and Dakota Horizon Girl Scouts. She has been recognized as a Great Plains Super Lawyer for 2011. Terri began her legal career as a Lawrence County Public Defender and later became elected as the Butte County State’s Attorney in Belle Fourche South Dakota, where she served the public for seven (7) years. She still has a passion for criminal law.
Terri earned her B.A. from Chadron State College and received her J.D. from the University of South Dakota.
Sarah E. Baron Houy
Family Lawyer
Sarah joined Bangs McCullen in 2007. She practices in a wide variety of settings, including employment disputes, civil litigation, federal criminal defense, and family law. Sarah holds an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She has been the recipient of multiple awards, including Pro Bono Attorney of the Year (PCBA, 2010-2011), Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year (PCBA, 2016), and the State Bar President’s Pro Bono Award (South Dakota State Bar, 2020).
Sarah has guest lectured for numerous law-related undergraduate courses and has served as a faculty member for various employment and labor-related legal seminars. She previously served on the Board of Directors for the Humane Society of the Black Hills. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Children’s House Montessori, where she is also an active member of the PTO.
While in law school at Mizzou, Sarah served as a Research Assistant for an endowed, tenured law professor, and she spent most of her free time conducting research on matters related to judicial review, FOIA, National Security Information Classification, Executive Privilege, and the First
Amendment. She received numerous awards for her academic accomplishments, including high-grade achievements in Estates and Trusts, Business Organizations, Insurance, and Trial Practice. After law
school, Sarah spent a year clerking for the Fifth Judicial Circuit in northeast South Dakota before joining Bangs McCullen.
Outside of the office, Sarah enjoys cooking, music, and spending time with family in the beautiful Black Hills.
Hope Okerlund Matchan
Family Lawyer
Education
- University of South Dakota School of Law, Vermillion, South Dakota
- Juris Doctor – 1992
- University of South Dakota School of Business
- Bachelor of Science – 1988
Classes & Seminars
- Trainer, Midwest Children’s Resource Center, St. Paul, Minnesota, Medical Evidence
- Panel Participant, Fifth Annual Community Response, Child Abuse, April 2004
- Training Team Member, S.D. Network against Family Violence and Sexual Assault
- Panel Participant, University of South Dakota Case Conference on Child Injuries
- Panel Participant, A Community Response to Child Abuse
- Instructor, Domestic Violence Law, Sioux Falls Police Department
- Instructor, Criminal Law, Sioux Falls Police Department Recruits
- Instructor, Criminal Law, Minnehaha County Reserve Law Enforcement Program
Melissa Fiksdal
Family Lawyer
I was born and raised in Renner, South Dakota, a small town just north of Sioux Falls. Today, I can proudly say that I learned many of the true lessons in life by taking ownership of not only my successes, but also my failures as well.
I attended high school at Washington Senior High (when it was still downtown) and graduated in 1990. I spent most of my 20s working in various areas, raising my two daughters, and learning many of the lessons in life that cannot be taught in a book.
I eventually returned to more traditional studies in my 30s. In 2007, I graduated summa cum laude from National American University with a Bachelors’ degree in Paralegal Studies. From there, I pursued my dream of attending law school. In 2010, I graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law. I then went on to proudly serve as a staff attorney at the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office until June of 2013. It was at this point that I joined Jeff Larson Law, P.C. (Now, Resolute Law Firm). I also currently serve on the board of directors for East River Legal Services.
I met my wonderful husband, Bruce Fiksdal, in 2003. In 2006 we were married, and I joyfully accepted the additional blessing of my ‘bonus daughter.’ While I cannot say that we have the traditional South Dakota family, I can say that God certainly blessed our broken road and bestowed unto us many gifts. My life experiences have taught me that families come in many sizes and shapes, and every family can be perfect and wonderful in their own way.
Today, I continue to work in criminal defense and have expanded my practice into family law. I feel that my life experience, education and commitment have prepared me to best serve people in these areas of the law. I have always felt that it is a privilege to help others with their legal problems and have a passion to ensure legal representation is accessible to all, regardless of a person’s station in life. I look forward to helping you in any way that I can.
Robert Pasqualucci
Family Lawyer
Criminal and Civil representation. With over 6 years as a Deputy State’s Attorney,13 years as legal counsel to the South Dakota National Guard, and now great success as a private civil and criminal law attorney, I can aggressively and diligently represent you for your legal needs.
I have successfully represented clients throughout South Dakota in both civil and criminal cases in both jury and court trials.
Criminal Defense, Family Law, Divorce, Custody, Probate, Real Estate Law and Transactions, Tort Law, Military Law (Retired JAG Officer) and Business Transactions and Organizations are among a few of the areas in which I practice.
Rick Ribstein
Family Lawyer
Rick Ribstein, a native of Brookings, South Dakota, earned his juris doctorate from the University of South Dakota in 1989. Following a two year judicial clerkship, he returned to Brookings to start his career in 1991. Rick’s general practice includes personal injury, worker’s compensation, social security disability, divorce, criminal law and estate planning. Rick and his wife, Beth, have two grown children.
Professional Experience
Ribstein & Hogan Law Firm
Partner: 2014-present
McCann, Ribstein, Hogan & McCarty
Associate/Partner: 1991-2014
Judicial Law Clerk, Third Judicial Circuit
Law Clerk: 1989-1991
Admitted to Practice (State)
South Dakota, 1990
Admitted to Practice (Federal)
United State District Court
District of South Dakota, 1991
Navigate South Dakota’s Family Law Landscape with Confidence: Partner with a Top Lawyer
Facing a family law hurdle in South Dakota? Don’t navigate the legal terrain alone! Here’s how a South Dakota family law champion empowers you:
South Dakota Family Law Expertise at Your Fingertips: Top South Dakota family lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the state’s intricate family law landscape: statutes, regulations, and legal procedures. They leverage this expertise to provide accurate legal advice and craft effective strategies specifically tailored to South Dakota’s legal landscape.
Skilled Representation: Your Fierce Advocate: Experienced South Dakota family lawyers are your voice in court. Their strong negotiation, communication, and litigation skills ensure your position is persuasively articulated in negotiations, mediations, settlements, or court proceedings. Their advocacy can significantly impact your case’s outcome.
Comprehensive Case Assessment: Leaving No Stone Unturned: Top South Dakota family lawyers conduct in-depth case assessments. They analyze strengths, weaknesses, gather evidence, and identify potential legal issues. This comprehensive approach forms the foundation for a strategic plan aligned with your goals and maximizes the chances of a favorable outcome.
Child Custody & Support: Guiding You Through Complexities: If your case involves child custody or support, the best South Dakota family lawyers are invaluable. They understand South Dakota’s court-considered factors for custody decisions and navigate the process with you. They advocate for your parental rights and work towards fair and appropriate child support arrangements.
Property Division: Ensuring a Fair Split: During a divorce, property division can be complex. Top South Dakota family lawyers assist you in navigating South Dakota’s laws regarding equitable distribution of assets and debts. They ensure your rights are protected and a fair division is achieved, considering factors like marriage length, each party’s contributions, and each spouse’s economic circumstances.
Local Court System: Your Knowledgeable Guide: Top South Dakota family lawyers have extensive experience within the state’s court system. They understand local court rules, procedures, and key decision-makers. This knowledge ensures your case progresses smoothly, paperwork is filed correctly, and deadlines are met.
Beyond Court: Exploring Alternatives: Skilled South Dakota family lawyers understand the benefits of alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation. They explore these options to help you reach amicable resolutions outside of court. Mediation can be cost-effective, less adversarial, and offer more control over the outcome. The best family lawyers guide you through the process and advocate for your best interests during negotiations.
Remember, the “best” lawyer depends on your specific circumstances. Research, read reviews, and consult with multiple attorneys to find the perfect fit for your South Dakota family law needs.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge: Explore South Dakota family law resources at the State Bar of South Dakota website (State Bar of South Dakota).