Leaving a review for a law firm that helped secure and solidify the future for me and my children is a passionate process for me. When you are going through the most difficult time in your life, it’s overwhelming to have to make decisions relating to your separation or divorce. It’s intimidating to... have child custody paperwork and meetings that impact your children in the present and future world in which they must adjust. It goes without saying that it is vital to attain counsel you can trust. Jody Usow is a dynamic lawyer with a wealth of knowledge vital for operating in the world of divorce and child custody in Wisconsin. I learned fast that Jody has an organic process that alleviates the intimidating process of divorce. My initial consultation with Jody took place at a time where I was emotionally unstable and intimated by fast approaching court appearances and deadlines. Jody does not spend time with the minutia that exists between parties, but on a staunch conviction that the facts and realities of your current situation will be the foundation of your approach for the entirety of the process. I found this approach to be effective in the divorce process itself, and for me personally. One of the most exceptional traits that Jody has in her arsenal is the ability to find the things in your life that you thought futile or irrelevant, and maximizing their significance as they apply to the terms of the divorce. This unique skill set is a testament to years of experience litigating in the state of Wisconsin and working closely with families to meet their needs. Jody communicates effectively with you - explaining your options. Jody communicates promptly and respectably with your spouses attorney, something I appreciate to this day as it has a lasting effect on the relationship between parties. I found Jody to pe particularly pleasant to deal with in the areas of property division, maintenance and child placement. Jody uses an eclectic blend of skills that made for a particularly effective representation of a father that spent most of his time caring for kids. The relationships that Jody has developed in her years of practicing family law proved critical in the process involving our children. A guardian ad litem was made part of the process and we were able to effectively communicate with her and make known the challenges surrounding our situation. It was evident to that Jody was exceptionally respectful and sensitive when it came to this, and once she felt like the GAL would help to investigate and represent the best interest of the children, that is what we did. The world is evolving at an incredible rate and views on divorce are always changing. The word ‘divorce’ has such an unpleasant vibration, and the stigma around it is real. But for me, I will always remember that in the most trying time of my life, I had a lawyer that genuinely focused on my divorce and made me and my family a priority. I was more than thrilled with the placement of the children. In the end I found the alimony agreement reached to be reasonable and effective for all parties, and the property division was fair and efficient. One year after my divorce is when I am really able to see the range of effectiveness Jody Usow has had on the lives of both me and my children. Every single aspect of the divorce has proven to have been navigated in a responsible way that put everyone in a position to be as happy and successful as possible. There are indisputable challenges for both spouses when the process of divorce takes place, and I could not be more passionate about recommending Jody Usow to anyone in the Greater Milwaukee Area that is proceeding with the process. Jody operates with a particular level of civility and advocacy that allows for a safe and responsible process.

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.