Best Family Lawyer in Wisconsin
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.
Austin Miller
Family Lawyer
William S. Adams is a Morgantown, WV personal injury lawyer and the founder of Adams Legal Group, PLLC – WV Accident & Wrongful Death Lawyers, located in Morgantown, and founded in 2011.
Mr. Adams graduated from the WVU College of Law in 1999, and has worked at the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia and in private practice as a WV licensed attorney since that time.
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.
Teri M. Nelson
Family Lawyer
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.
Nikole Messerschmidt
Family Lawyer
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.
This is why 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.
Bailey Holt
Family Lawyer
ttorney Bailey Holt is passionate about her community. For a long time, her goal was to become an attorney practicing family law. On her path to achieving that, she collected a variety of experiences to prepare her to be the best attorney possible.
Now Bailey’s goal is to give people the legal representation they deserve. An attorney can get by just giving their clients legal advice and taking their money. But Bailey knows there is a better option. Bailey seeks to meet people where they are and explain the complicated system they have to go through. To do this, she actively communicates with clients throughout the case and helps them in any way she can from the first time they call until the final settlement.
Bailey has gotten to where she is today by being intentional about her choices. In the beginning, she got into an accelerated pre-law program with Marquette. With her sights set, she was able to tailor her educational experiences and maximize her growth towards her chosen path.
She spent three years doing pro bono work at the Milwaukee Justice Center helping people navigate the family court system. She spent a year working with Kids Matter hosting clinics helping people going through guardianship cases. And she even worked within the system as an intern with the Guardian ad Litem Division of the Legal Aid Society where she ensured that decisions were made in the child’s best interests.
Through all of these experiences, she gained firsthand experience with family law before ever becoming an attorney. She gained an understanding of where people are in these cases, what they are going through, and what she can do to help them.
GINGER L. MURRAY
Family Lawyer
Former Family Court Commissioner Ginger Murray offers over 25 years of family law experience to clients. As a Commissioner, Ginger presided over divorce and paternity cases in which she decided custody, placement, child support as well as abuse and harassment restraining order/injunction hearings. As legal advocate, Ginger provides competent and compassionate representation for clients with family law matters, including: adoptions for stepparents, child support, custody, divorce, grandparent’s rights/guardianship, marital property/prenuptial agreements, mediation, paternity, and placement. Ginger helps many clients with diverse needs, including cordial couples seeking amicable divorces, abused clients needing their rights protected, parents wanting more time with or needing to protect children, parents being falsely accused of abuse and spouses needing to protect business interests, real estate, pension/retirement plans and other assets.
Matthew P. Johnson
Family Lawyer
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.
Stephanie Benske
Family Lawyer
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.
Wisconsin’s Family Law Landscape: Navigate with Confidence with a Top Lawyer
Facing a family law hurdle in Wisconsin? Don’t go it alone! Here’s how a Wisconsin family law champion empowers you:
Wisconsin Family Law Expertise at Your Fingertips: Top Wisconsin family lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of the state’s family law intricacies: statutes, regulations, legal procedures. They leverage this expertise to provide accurate legal advice and craft effective strategies specifically for Wisconsin’s legal landscape.
Skilled Representation: Your Fierce Advocate: Experienced Wisconsin family lawyers are your voice. Their strong negotiation, communication, and litigation skills ensure your position is persuasively articulated in negotiations, mediations, settlements, or court. Their advocacy can significantly impact your case’s outcome.
Comprehensive Case Assessment: Leaving No Stone Unturned: Top Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin family lawyers are invaluable. They understand Wisconsin’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 Wisconsin family lawyers assist you in navigating Wisconsin’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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin family lawyers understand the benefits of alternative dispute resolution, 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 Wisconsin family law needs.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge: Explore Wisconsin family law resources at the State Bar of Wisconsin website (State Bar of Wisconsin).