Jody L. Usow

PRO

Jody L. Usow

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 39 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Milwaukee, WI
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Child Support ... +2 more

105 E. Silver Spring Drive, Milwaukee, WI

Virtual Consultation Available

About Jody

Biography

Seeking an experienced litigator to negotiate or try your case? Help is a phone call away.

Experienced Custody attorney who's not afraid to fight for you. Help is only a phone call away!

Experienced Child Support attorney who's not afraid to fight for you. Help is only a phone call away!

Experienced Divorce attorney who's not afraid to fight for you. Help is only a phone call away!

Experienced attorney who's not afraid to fight for you. Help is only a phone call away!

Experienced Family attorney who's not afraid to fight for you. Help is only a phone call away!

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 30%

Attorney Jody L. Usow is an experienced divorce attorney, providing expert guidance for individuals regarding divorce or legal separation, including property rights, child-support, placement and child custody.

40 years

30%
Child Custody 20%

Attorney Jody L. Usow is an experienced child custody attorney, providing expert guidance for individuals regarding child custody, whether after a marriage or after a non-marital relationship (paternity) matter.

40 years

20%
Child Support 20%

Attorney Jody L. Usow is an experienced child support attorney, providing expert guidance for individuals regarding child support, whether after a marriage or after a non-marital relationship (paternity) matter.

40 years

20%
Family 20%

Attorney Jody L. Usow is an experienced family law attorney, providing expert guidance for individuals regarding divorce, paternity and issues of child-support, child placement and child custody.

40 years

20%
Domestic Violence 10%

Attorney Jody L. Usow is an experienced criminal law attorney, allowing her to represent parties charged with criminal issues in or out of the family setting. Specialties include domestic abuse, child abuse, domestic violence and restraining orders.

40 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2023 2022
...
+ 5

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 39 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 1986

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Jody L. Usow, Attorney at Law, S.C.

105 E. Silver Spring Drive, Milwaukee, WI, 53217

www.usowlaw.com

Jody L. Usow's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

71 Client Reviews

Showing 21 - 25 of 71 reviews

Posted by Nathan | July 11, 2022 | Child Custody

If I would have hired Atty.Jody Usow to start with my son would be sitting in my lap now.

If I would have hired Atty. Jody Usow to start with, my son would be sitting in my lap now. I've spoken with multiple other attorneys with little to no positive effect on my case. Atty. Jody Usow cuts straight to the point with simple plain facts pertaining to the issues at hand. She was quick to k...eep me focused, informed, and on track as in these times can often be confusing and emotional which can lead to some very costly, negative mistakes left to the less experienced attorney. I feel if I would have found her guidance through counsel earlier, it would have saved me a lot of time, energy, stress, and unnecessary financial strain getting the job done properly the first time. Proper legal counsel is imperative to a successful and fair outcome. Atty. Usow and I spoke for a consultation. Her direct, assertive, and straight to the point demeanor would have been instrumental to a fair and positive outcome in my case. Simply put, you get what you pay for. If you want a just and fair outcome, Hire Atty. Jody L. Usow. I truly wish that I had. I would have my son in my arms right now.

Posted by anonymous | April 20, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Helped me win my big Domestic Abuse Restraining Order!

She was super helpful throughout this whole process as this whole experience as it was new to me. She always had my back on what I wanted and supported me throughout this whole process. This led to a huge win in a long fought Domestic Abuse Restraining Order case. It's such a relief to know that I ha...ve this protection now and can't thank her enough!

Jody Usow

Replied last April 21, 2022

Restraining Orders and the situations that lead up to them, are such critical events it many of my client's lives. I am thrilled that you prevailed in this challenging process and that I could play a part in that.

Posted by Alicia | April 05, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Results driven professional

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 Usow

Replied last April 21, 2022

Thank you Alicia, what a great encapsulation of the dynamics you faced. So many struggle with this, you rock!

Posted by anonymous | March 30, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Truly appreciative

Jody took all aspects of our case into consideration. Not only did she explain outcomes but took to heart the true outcome of the recommendations for my children. He willingness to listen and understand all points of view made a huge difference in doing what was best for my children. Thank you

Jody Usow

Replied last March 30, 2022

Thank you so much. Children are front and center in my approach to family law. It is extraordinarily gratifying to receive credit for this as the little ones are all too often just along for the ride.

Posted by Rhonda | February 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Child custody

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!

Jody Usow

Replied last February 24, 2022

Rhonda, thank you so much. Happy to fight for you. Listen I do, push back I also do, sometimes with clients :)

See All Client Reviews

Jody L. Usow's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jody
Kathryn Weaver headshot
Kathryn Weaver

Family lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with Jody on several cases and she is a wonderful advocate for her client. Jody is also well versed in the law which makes discussing possible resolutions easier and faster. Jody knows the value to a client of settling a case on reasonable terms. Jody is always willing to take the matter to Court but tries hard to find a resolution that works first. We have always been able to resolve even the most complicated cases on terms that were acceptable to both our clients. I highly endorse Jody as an attorney in family law. Kathryn Weaver."

Paulette A. Brazil headshot
Paulette Brazil

Family lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly recommend Attorney Jody Usow. I have had many cases with Attorney Usow over the years. Whether we are able to reach agreements or litigate the issues, Attorney Usow is always professional, prepared and strongly advocates for her clients. When attorneys are knowledgeable, prepared and professional we can often work through the issues parties are facing with a proper and appropriate settlement. This saves unnecessary costs and fees associated with litigation when an agreement would have been possible. If the case needs to be tried then you can be assured Attorney Usow will be ready to go and will advocate strongly on your behalf. Strongly recommend."

Steven R. Kohn headshot
Steven Kohn

Family lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked with Jody on numerous cases. She is bright, energetic, personable and aggressive when required. I highly recommend her to any person seeking superb representation."

Patrick R. Oszewski headshot
Patrick Oszewski

Unknown lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jody for over 20 years having had the pleasure of working under her direction at the start of my career. Jody is both knowledgable and a fearless advocate for her clients. I routinely refer my own clients to her in litigation matters, confident their interests will be well protected."

View All Endorsements
Kathryn Weaver headshot
Kathryn Weaver

Family lawyer

Paulette A. Brazil headshot
Paulette Brazil

Divorce and separation lawyer

Linda M. Van De Water headshot
Linda Van De Water

Mediation lawyer

Steven R. Kohn headshot
Steven Kohn

Criminal defense lawyer

Patrick R. Oszewski headshot
Patrick Oszewski

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Superlawyer, SuperLawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2019

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

10 Best Female Attorneys, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Board of Directors, Non-Profit Legal Services of South East Wisconsin Inc.

2010 - Present

President, Jody L. Usow, Attorney at Law, S.C.

1996 - 2010

Principal, Hickey, Turim and Usow, S.C.

1986 - 1996

Associate, Herbert L. Usow SC.

1986 - 1996

Shareholder, Herbert L. Usow SC

Associations

2017 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2013 - Present

Non-Profit Legal Services of South East Wisconsin Inc.

Board of Directors

2005 - Present

Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin

Member

1994 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin, Family Law Section

Member

1986 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin

Member

Education

1986

Marquette University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1983

University of Wisconsin, Madison

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1983

University of Wisconsin, Madison

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Domestic Abuse Injunctions Training Event Presenter - Domestic Violence Mock Hearing

2009

MBA Eight Annual Guardian ad Litem Update

Guardians ad Litem

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution