Elkhorn Family Lawyers

After graduating from Washington & Lee, School of Law, in Lexington, Virginia, I started practicing law in Roanoke, Virginia in 1987, doing a variety of legal work in private practice, mostly in the area of family law. When I came back to Kenosha, Wisconsin, my home town, I resumed private practice in 2009. We opened the law firm of Nickolai & Poletti in 2012 where I continue to specialize in family law which includes divorce, child custody and placement, termination of parental rights and step-parent adoptions, and grandparents rights, to name a few areas. I am proud...

I grew up in and around Fort Atkinson. I went to college and law school in Oklahma and Virginia respectively. I lived in China for a month, and I lived in and around Israel for two weeks. I had the honor and privilege of studying under Former U.S. Attorney-General John Ashcroft; Sitting Virginia Supreme Court Justice D. Arthur Kelsey; Professors Brad Jacob and James Duane, who had U.S. Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Stephen Breyer as law professors; Ben Madison, who writes law school Civil Procedure text books for Carolina Academic Press, a national law school textbook publisher;...

Attorney James R. Mills has assisted clients in all of Southeastern Wisconsin for over twenty-one (21) years. Attorney Mills is an arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau, Town Attorney for the Town of East Troy, and a member of several local community organizations.

JANE E. PROBST presently specializes in the areas of family law, divorce, paternity, grandparent rights, custody, child support, juvenile law, termination of parental rights, adoptions and guardianships in the States of Wisconsin and Illinois. Another specialty area is Equine Law, exclusively dealing with businesses, contracts and litigation related to horses. She not only has extensive experience as a trial lawyer, but is also a member of the Collaborative Divorce Council of Wisconsin with an objective of resolving divorces without the cost and acrimony of the standard litigation process. She was certified by University of Wisconsin as a...

Jeff the principal partner of Sterling Law Offices, S.C. Jeff’s responsibilities include client interaction, attorney recruitment, and networking for the firm. Prior to forming Sterling Law Offices, S.C. Jeff served for nine years as a litigation attorney at a local Wisconsin law firm McLario & Helm. Additionally, Jeff founded BizLab in 2003 a successful business incubator in Menomonee Falls with over 130 employees and $20,000,000 in annual revenue. Jeff earned a B.A. degree in history from Bob Jones University and his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1997. At home, Jeff is...

Attorney Linda Vanden Heuvel has been practicing law in Wisconsin for over 30 years, and has repeatedly received a superb rating from www.Avvo.com and a AV-rating from www.Martindale.com, the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. She has been named to the National Bar Register of Preeminent Women Lawyers. Recently receiving the client distinction award for recognized excellence in quality of service, overall value, responsiveness and communication ability, Attorney Vanden Heuvel provides divorce representation including custody and placement and other areas of family law. Notwithstanding Attorney Vanden Heuvel's extensive and recognized...

Top-ranked divorce and family law attorneys serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Racine counties and all of South-Eastern Wisconsin. David N. Iancu has devoted his practice to finding innovative solutions to complex divorce and family law cases. No case too big or too small.

Featured in Milwaukee’s Lifestyle Magazine, “M Magazine” as a “Leading Lawyer” each year from 2013 to 2018.
Named “10 Best Attorney” for Wisconsin by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys for 2018.
Named ‘SUPER LAWYER – Rising Star’ each year from 2010 to 2018.
Named a “Top 100 Lawyer” by The National Advocates for 2017 and 2018.
Named a ‘Top 40...

Atty Youso has been practicing law since 1992, and concentrating on divorce and family law since 2004. She has special training in low conflict resolution, including Divorce/Marital Mediation, Collaborative and Cooperative divorce, and creative problem solving. In particular, Atty Youso has extensive experience dealing with cases involving domestic abuse, substance abuse, and mental health issues. She recognizes divorce is extremely emotional and difficult on parents and children alike, and seeks to minimize the negative impact on all involved. First Look Family Law practices primarily in the counties of Waukesha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Washington, but occasionally assists...

John T. Fields is an attorney based out of Madison, WI. With proven expertise in family law, divorce, and child custody cases, he provides legal representation to individuals and families in need. With more than three decades in practice, he has been a staunch advocate for his clients in sensitive matters including domestic abuse, contested divorces, paternity suits, gaining sole custody, and many others. Navigating these issues can prove challenging, but Attorney Fields possesses the requisite knowledge and negotiation skills to assist you in achieving your goals. To schedule a consultation with the Madison Family Law attorney, please call 608-729-3590 or...

Nikole K. Messerschmidt exclusively practices Family Law and helps each client move forward. Cases hanlded include divorce, child custody, mediation, spousal maintenance, and other family law related cases.

Michael A. Edwards was born in Milwaukee, WI. Michael attended the Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated in 2014 after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law, Politics & Society and Rhetoric & Communication Studies. Michael graduated from Drake with University Honors.

Michael graduated from Marquette University Law School in 2017 with a Certificate in Sports Law as well as Pro Bono Honors for volunteering nearly 400 hours of his time to pro bono legal services.

Currently, Michael assists clients with family law issues in Fond du Lac and surrounding counties.

While in school, Michael held various internship positions including...

Attorney Maureen Black is an experienced family law lawyer based in Waukesha and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Maureen has worked at two reputable divorce and family law firms prior to joining Karp & Iancu and she brings with her vast experience and strategies to help her clients in their times of need. Maureen is responsive, creative and highly skilled in the courtroom and at the negotiation table.

I formed CCMA SOLUTIONS, LLC (Consultation, Collaboration, Mediation & Arbitration) and mainly focus on Alternative Dispute Resolutions as a Certified Mediator. My 27 years of practice as a lawyer and 12 years as a Waukesha County Circuit Court Judge, along with my Mediation Certification from Northwestern University, give me a unique ability to resolve a multitude of cases fairly and efficiently without having to waste time and money litigating them in court. Although many of my cases are Divorce and Paternity, I have also Mediated a multitude of topics including: Contract disputes, Landlord/Tenant leases, Probate disputes, Real...

Admitted to practice law in Wisconsin since 1995, I have had my own law practice since 1997. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my practice concentrates on litigation in the areas of criminal defense (all levels, state & federal), family law (divorce, child custody/support, paternity), personal bankruptcy (and alternatives), state & municipal licensing and other areas. I am admitted to practice in Wisconsin and in both the U.S. District Courts of the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. I earned my B.A. at the University of New Orleans in 1991 and my J.D. from Marquette University Law School in 1995. I am...

Max T. Stephenson is an attorney in the family law department at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP. Max helps clients work through the complicated and often emotional times of a divorce. His practice also includes representing clients in paternity actions, post-judgment actions, guardianships, and injunctions. A graduate of Marquette University School of Business Administration ('10) and Marquette University Law School ('13), Max joined the firm as a law clerk in 2012. Max was a Global Village Participant for Habitat for Humanity while in college and continued his course of giving back in law school when he was inducted into the...

Sara has long been a strong advocate for children. Before attending law school, she was a social worker for the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare. Now as an experienced attorney, recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2017 and 2019, Sara helps families involved in divorce and paternity proceedings, grandparent and foster parent rights cases, and in complicated CHIPS and termination of parental rights matters. She also serves as a mediator, as well as a guardian ad litem, representing the best interest of children. In all cases, Sara seeks creative solutions that work for families and protect children’s...

Emily is a persistent and compassionate advocate for our clients. She strives to be creative and pragmatic in her work on behalf of children and families. She has a special interest in helping immigrant children and LGBTQ families. She was the lead attorney in a 2014 appeal in Wisconsin about applying the marital presumption of parentage to married same-sex couples post-marriage equality. She represents children and families all over the world in immigration, adoption, and assisted reproduction matters.

Brad is a founding partner at Richter & Schweiger, LLP, focusing on family law litigation, has training as a mediator, and cts as Guardian ad Litem. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly The John Marshall Law School) where he was also Managing Editor of the Journal of Computer and Information Law (JCIL). Brad also was a contributor to JCIL, with a published comment, and has been featured in an article...

Susan Hansen focuses her practice on collaborative divorce and mediation with self-represented parties. She has extensive experience in both complex financial and child-related family issues. Her approach emphasizes working closely with clients for creative problem-solving and uses an interdisciplinary process to provide the greatest value and long-term benefits to clients. Susan has held leadership positions, including 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,...

Cedric brings a background in education to his legal practice. His teaching experience allows him to understand the unique needs of diverse families and individuals. His previous role at a nationwide family law firm provided him with the skills to guide families towards collaborative solutions, and when necessary, to litigate aggressively. In every case, Cedric advocates for putting the child’s rights and well-being as the paramount consideration.

The practice of family law has been the perfect opportunity to use the skills I have nurtured throughout my life. Divorce cases are complex. The issues range from creating a placement schedule that permits your children to thrive, to assessing the values of businesses or pensions. My mathematical and analytical background, along with over 15 years of experience, allow me to fully and effectively counsel our divorce clients about family and financial issues in an effort to obtain a resolution that is fair and well-reasoned. I believe that children's needs and interests are paramount. I have three young children...

Megan L. Drury is an attorney in the family law department at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP. Megan joined the firm in 2021 after graduating from Marquette University Law School (’21). Prior to attending law school, Megan received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (’17) and completed her Bachelor’s Degree at Marquette University in Psychology (’14). Megan greatly enjoys working with clients through the challenging and often emotional process of a divorce. Throughout law school, Megan was dedicated to volunteering at various pro bono clinics throughout the Milwaukee community. After volunteering nearly 250 hours, she...

Eric Schanowski is an Associate with Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Prior to joining the firm, Eric worked as a prosecutor at the Cook County State's Attorney's Office and as an employment litigator. Eric is admitted to practice in Wisconsin. Eric graduated from the University of Michigan in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in Spanish. He received his JD from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in 2018. While in law school, Eric was the Online Managing Editor for the Northwestern University Law Review and a member of the Moot Court Society....

Bryant J. Mcfadden is a partner attorney at Gatzke and McFadden Law Offices in New Berlin, Wisconsin. Serving a diverse range of clients throughout the Milwaukee/Waukesha metro region, Attorney McFadden focuses his practice primarily on family law and divorce. In addition, he also represents the rights and interests of those with legal needs involving criminal and traffic defense and business law.

A Wisconsin native, Attorney McFadden earned his undergraduate degree in business in 2012 from the Lubar School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he also received his certification in international business. Following that, he attended Marquette University Law...

I concentrate my practice in the area of family law. I have been practicing for over 30 years, 27 of them in Wisconsin. In addition to advocating for parties, I an appointed Guardian ad Litem for children in custody cases. I am also a trained mediator and am trained as a collaborative attorney. Each case is unique, requiring problem solving skills. I understand that a family law matter is the most personal and emotionally difficult situation for a client and strive always to be aware of this in my representation while at the same time acting as a true legal...

I have a unique philosophy in handling Family Law matters. I believe that every client deserves my time in terms of individual attention and my experience so that they have the best representation possible to guide them through one of the most difficult experiences in their life. I have a commitment to excellent personal service to my clients and believes my clients appreciate my quick and truthful responses to their questions and concerns.

No one wants an expensive, difficult or time-consuming divorce experience. Therefore, I am committed to giving my clients a quick, civilized and fair resolution to their family law...

Magner & Hueneke, LLP, a reputable law firm based in Milwaukee, is committed to offering comprehensive legal services tailored to the diverse needs of individuals and families. Specializing in divorce and family law, estate planning, and probate, our firm strives to provide exceptional representation. We understand the importance of having an experienced attorney who comprehends your objectives and works tirelessly to achieve your desired outcomes while securing your future. Chris Hueneke serves as a Partner at Magner & Hueneke, LLP. He completed his legal education at Marquette University Law School and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the...

Breanne Bucher joined the firm in April, 2014. She previously was an associate attorney at a general practice law firm in Waukesha County. Breanne graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2010 and passed the Wisconsin Bar Examination on her first attempt.

In law school, she was a member of the Valparaiso Law Criminal Law Clinic, in which she represented indigent clients charged with both low-level misdemeanors and violent felony offenses. She also interned with the Lake County Public Defender’s Office in Lake County, Indiana and continued to gain experience in criminal defense. Although passionate about criminal law, she discovered...

Scott McCarthy has been in practice since 1991 and is one of the most experienced trial lawyers in southern Wisconsin. Scott has taken countless cases to trial in Rock County, Dane County, Waukesha County, Jefferson County and more surrounding counties and counties around the State. He has won at every level including the Supreme Court Scott's success was noticed in 2007 when one of the larger firms in Madison asked Scott to join their litigation team. Scott founded the Janesviille branch of Murphy Desmond and was quickly named to the firm's Litigation Executive Committee where he helped guide the...

PATRICIA L. GROVE was admitted to the State Bar of Wisconsin in 1981 after graduating from Tulsa University Law School where she was an editor of the Tulsa Law Journal, a member of the International Moot Court Team, and the recipient of the 1981 Rogers Inn Graduate of the Year Award. Pat has a B.A. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and an M.S.W. from Washington University.

Pat served from 1981 to 1982 as law clerk to Justice William Callow of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. She is the author of numerous articles and is the co-author of Appellate Practice and Procedure...

I am Xavier E. Prather, a skilled and versatile lawyer with a current focus on entertainment, sports, and family law through my practice, LawyerLike, LLC. Before establishing my own law practice, I spent several years working as an attorney at a top 200 law firm. I am currently barred in Wisconsin and Michigan.

I am one of the founders of The Law Center for Children & Families. I pride myself on being a creative litigator and strategist who devotes my skills to protecting the rights of children. I believe the law should provide solutions, not roadblocks. My 33 years of experience include many jury and court trials, as well as helping to develop state and national laws and ethical rules for surrogacy and adoption. I acted as expert witness in Mercycare Insurance Company v. Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance, a Wisconsin Supreme Court case addressing maternity coverage for surrogates.

My practice...

Helping families move forward since 2015.

Attorney John K. Smerlinski has over 20 years of experience practicing criminal, divorce, and personal injury law in the state of Wisconsin. Attorney Smerlinski specializes in criminal law and can help you with DUI charges, drug charges, misdemeanor charges, and felony charges just to name a few. Smerlinski Law Office S. C. has extensive experience in divorce/family law and personal injury law. The firm has secured over 50 acquittals for clients over the years, and will work hard to get you the best results possible with your case. Contact Smerlinski Law Office today, for a free consultation, to discuss...

Long before law school, I advocated for children and families both in the court system and in the community. I have advocated for abused and neglected children as a volunteer and as a foster parent. My work as a volunteer coordinator for homeless families with children gave me insight into the challenges faced by families in Dane County in finding basic resources and gave me a profound respect for parents working to meet their children’s needs in the midst of chaos. I seek to be a fair, considerate, and zealous voice for my clients.

Jason D. Baltz is primarily a criminal defense attorney in Mikwaukee, but he also takes on cases for family law, personal injury, and business law. To contact Attorney Baltz about your legal matter, visit his website, or call his office today!