Jody L. Usow

After 20 years of committed support and having finally paid off all lingering debts (guess who's), my wife said she needed her independence. She asked for a divorce, moved out, and hired a "Best of Milwaukee” lawyer. I soon learned her definition of independence included my pre-marital inheritance ...assets (breaking our prenuptial), long-term spousal maintenance, and minimal involvement raising our teenagers. As an idle professional with college degrees, she insisted her new low-paying job was good enough for the court to use (in setting my spousal payments). I obviously had a serious problem and was facing a messy divorce. I needed good legal representation. I am so thankful I chose Jody Usow as my counsel. Having her in my court made all the difference. Afterwards I had the stability I needed to raise my kids and the financial means to do so. Thank you, Jody. You were awesome! Notables when observing Jody in action: 1. Incredible courtroom presence and tact. Jody purposefully addressed the Judge at the exact moment a “highlight item” needed to be considered (almost always with a good outcome) 2. Responsive – Anything I asked by email received a response within 24 hours and she was available by phone for quick questions and pressing needs. 3. Well-Prepared and On-Time Always: In court, in opposing council meetings, and in 1-on-1 phone/video calls 4. Thinks “Outside the Box” – She helped assemble an unorthodox divorce resolution that was acceptable to all 5. Strategic and Forward-Thinking – Jody always had my back and kept me “in the know”, rational, and proactive throughout the process. 6. Cost – Jody is certainly not inexpensive, but she was careful to avoid unnecessary costs and used practicality to reduce billable tasks throughout my case 7. Simplified/Common-Sense Approach – She helped me understand and face the reality of my situation and the likely outcomes for different scenarios 8. Mediation-Leaning – Jody helped avoid forcing court decisions when she felt something could be resolved in dealing 1-on-1 with my spouse 9. Collaboration – Jody worked with my wife's lawyer to open/bypass several “locked door” issues 10. Great Listener – Jody took time to gather all case details and know me as a person. She understood my greatest concerns, all situational issues, and my goals for a final outcome.

Jody was my representation during a very difficult post custody situation. I was emotionally drained, frustrated to be in court again and at times unable to see the situation clearly through my anger. Jody ensured that never lost focus on the most important issues at hand. She didn't let me make re...peat mistakes driven by fear/negative past experience. Jody redirected every situation towards what was most important, and in doing so we achieved a better outcome than I could have hoped for. Be warned, she is a straight shooter, and won't sugar-coat her words or the situation for you. However, clarity is kindness and she is effective. The best advice I could offer anyone in a challenging custody or divorce situation is that you're not hiring a friend-you're hiring a lawyer, so get the best one you can. Jody Usow is formidable, yet balances her presence with grace and respect for her peers. She knows the playing field. Highly recommend.

Jody is very knowledgeable in her field of practice with child custody. She goes into court with a bold appearance, vocally. She looks and sounds very professional and doesn't back down easily. She is very costly but would recommend her hands down Her only weakness is she needs to listen to her cl...ients more, I felt at times she was fighting at me rather then for me, she is bold to her clients as she is in court and that took me by surprise at times. If you need a lawyer for custody, she's the one!

I have recently used Mrs. Usow for the second time (my divorce and most recently a modification to a placement arrangement for my children) and I would not consider using anyone else when it comes to family court matters. Mrs. Usow is not only incredibly knowledgeable when it comes to family court l...aw she handles your affairs with professionalism and with your best interest in mind. She is a great person to consider having on your team when you have something worth fighting for! The first time I used her was for my divorce. There were a lot of things that I did not know about family law and she took the time that I needed to explain the good the bad and the ugly in order for me to understand. I feel she is very upfront with all of the information you need to know and tries to minimizes any surprises to the best of her abilities. The second, and most recent time, I used her was for making a modification to my children's placement arrangement. Mrs. Usow was able to help me with this as well. I appreciated that she remembered the personal details of my situation and that I was not just another random person. Mrs Usow's demeanor is assertive and professional, one in which makes you feel confident in what you have hired her to do. I was not disappointed with my choice to use Mrs. Usow for the second time as she was able to expeditiously handle this court matter with a positive outcome as well.