“I firmly believe that married couples who are unable to work out their differences should use every effort to be civil and fair with each other in divorcing, dividing their assets, dividing their debts, and if they have a minor child or minor children, in sharing placement of their minor child or children in a fashion that will best serve the children’s best interests and provide for fair support under the parties’ individual circumstances. Divorcing parents should always remember that their children are the unintended beneficiaries of a divorce that they did not want, nor have any control over. Divorce is an unfortunate reality of today’s life. About half of marriages end in divorce today. Many times, children will do better when unhappy parents that could not effectively refrain from disagreements and conflict when living together, divorce and learn to more effectively communicate and cooperate concerning matters that affect their children. Parties with minor children should as much as possible treat each other with the respect, fairness and consideration that will allow them to remain as friendly as possible following the divorce, to make sure that their children are harmed as little as possible by the divorce of their parents. In truth and reality, many married couples who have been unhappy with their marriages and who are unable to live with each other without conflict and arguments/disagreements are harming their minor children more than their divorce and separation would, if that divorce can be done with the fairness and dignity that will enable the parties to communicate and cooperate effectively on matters concerning their children following the divorce.
I am a member of The Collaborative Family Law Council Of Wisconsin and have been trained in practicing Collaborative Law in Divorces. I have successfully completed many Collaborative Divorce cases that never required the parties to go to court on any issues and only required one court appearance for the final divorce to be granted and the parties’ agreement to be adopted by the court. For couples who are divorcing that want to do so with dignity, respect, fairness and no litigation, this is the best option. The parties must be willing to pledge that they will treat each other with fairness and mutual respect, fully disclose information, work together with their attorneys and other needed professionals to resolve issues, and be willing to participate in four way conferences with me, their spouse and their spouse’s attorney present.
In cases that cannot be done as Collaborative cases, I have successfully resolved the majority of divorce cases in which I have represented one of the parties. Having practiced Family Law since 1984, I have become intimately familiar with Wisconsin’s statutory law, Wisconsin’s case law and the likely Judge’s or Family Court Commissioner’s rulings on issues, if they are called upon to decide those disputed issues. I share this knowledge with my clients to help them make informed decisions. This helps my clients to obtain the relief to which they are entitled without the need for contested hearings and litigation, provided the other spouse and their attorney are similarly reasonable. When a client knows the options that will likely result from contested hearings, they are in a much better position to accept resolution of the issues rather than litigation. In divorce cases where the other spouse and/or their attorney will not accept the reasonable resolutions suggested, and litigation is necessary, I am well versed in litigation of Family Law cases and will work my hardest to ensure that all of the issues are presented to the Judge or Court Commissioner as favorably for my client as possible. I don’t like to lose. Nobody does. I work hard to not lose. In every one of my cases that has had to go to trial on any issues, I have reviewed my file, reviewed the applicable statutory law and case law and know my case inside out before I ever set foot in the courtroom.
Don’t hire a Family Law attorney based on their internet site, their yellow page ads or their self- promoting statements. Meet that attorney in person and see how they talk, act and look you in the eyes. Ask them questions and see what their answers are. If you don’t feel comfortable with that attorney after a personal meeting, don’t hire that attorney. There are plenty of attorneys out there. Family Law is a highly personal and emotionally difficult situation for most people. Find an attorney who you like and with whom you feel comfortable.
I offer a free initial ½ hour consultation for potential clients who are able to afford to retain me if they choose to do so. You can size me up and I can size you up. No obligation. Not many attorneys offer this free initial consultation, but I feel this is the only way that potential clients can have the opportunity to meet with me, get some questions answered, and see if they are comfortable with me to be able to make an informed decision on whether they want to retain me as their attorney.”