Areas of Practice

Family law disputes can be the most stressful, emotional, and financially draining experience of a person’s life. Choosing the right lawyer to handle your case should not be stressful. If you retain Jean to handle your case, you have chosen a lawyer who will promptly return your phone calls and that is very accessible to answer any of your concerns or questions. Jean will keep you informed on where your case stands and will promptly send you copies of any documents that are part of your case file. Jean is efficient and works hard to keep your fees down. Above all, you will always be treated with respect and made to feel as if you have a partner. After all, you should not feel alone during this time. Outcomes are very important as they will have long lasting implications on the personal and financial aspects of your life. The first step is choosing the right attorney. Call today to set up a free initial consultation. Jean can represent you in the following matters:

Divorce – Like marriage, no two divorces are the same. Jean will work with you on how to best protect your assets during a divorce. If you have a business interest that is subject to division, she has a network of professionals who can provide an accurate business valuation. She is effective in negotiating property, maintenance and support settlements and is prepared to litigate on your behalf, too even if your case is complex.

Legal Separation – Often parties choose to pursue a legal separation instead of divorce. Jean can counsel you on the differences between legal separation and divorce leaving you with the ability to make an informed decision as to which option is best for you.

Child support – Parents have a legal duty in Wisconsin to provide for their children even if the parents are not married. Child support formulas vary depending on certain factors including whether the case is a paternity action or divorce.

Maintenance – Depending on the circumstances, maintenance may be awarded from one spouse to another. As part of developing your case strategy, Jean can counsel you on whether maintenance is likely to be awarded in your particular case.

Child custody and physical placement – Child custody and physical placement often are confused. Jean will advocate on your behalf to maximize your time with your children and for you to share in major life decision making on their behalf.

Domestic Partnership Disputes – When partners who cohabitate split, there can be legal consequences depending on what property and assets they acquired when they were together. Wisconsin law does not recognize these relationships as marriages. Jean represents people who have cohabitation disputes in her practice and will work to amicably resolve your dispute and avoid costly litigation.

Paternity – Often people cohabitate and have a child together, and then split up without paternity ever having been determined or there are instances where a father disputes fatherhood. In cases where paternity has not been adjudicated, Jean can represent you.

Grandparent Visitation – Grandparents sometimes are estranged from their grandchildren for various different reasons. If you would like the opportunity to exercise your rights as a grandparent, contact Jean today.

Guardian ad Litems – GAL’s are licensed to practice law in the state of Wisconsin. GAL’s are ordered by the court when parents cannot agree on custody and placement either during divorce, paternity or through custody and placement modifications. The role of the GAL is to represent the best interest of the minor child or children.

If your legal needs are outside of Jean’s specialty she will refer you to an expert in that particular area of the law for your consideration.