Licensed for 16 years

State WI

Acquired 2007

Status
Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

David S. Kowalski

Divorce and separation Attorney at Madison, WI

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Resume

Successful outcome

David helped me achieve the desired outcome in a very serious custody case related to relocation. We had to work in a tight timeframe and he worked aggressively to communicate the tight timeline and secure timely cooperation from the court, GAL and other parties involved. Sometimes emotions got the best of me but David remained my rock in the process. Always calm, professional, never overreacting. He is very flexible yet efficient in his work enabling us to get to the bottom of each issue quickly and achieve the best outcome. He was extremely responsive and got back to me quickly when time was of the essence. I would hire him again in a heartbeat.

Military divorce settlement

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Divorce and separation

50%

The end of a marriage can be an extremely emotional and stressful time for spouses and their children. As you look toward your post-divorce future, you can rely on Attorney Kowalski to resolve your concerns. Call today.
... Read more
22 years
Child custody

25%

Parents understandably worry about how a split will affect their relationship with the children. Usually, a reasonable agreement can be found. Since the issues are so important, it is best to consult with an experienced family lawyer
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22 years
Family

15%
Domestic violence

5%

If you are the victim of domestic violence, you may be hurt and confused right now. If someone that shares a residence with you assaulted you, it is paramount you talk to an attorney to advocate for you while you handle your emotional trauma.
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22 years
Guardianship

5%

If both parents agree, the guardianship can proceed very smoothly. If at least one parent disputes the guardianship, the court commissioner will hold an initial hearing to determine the issues.
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22 years

FAMILY LAW IS ALL WE DO. HIGH-QUALITY, PROMPT, AND EXPERIENCED COUNSEL IN ALL FAMILY MATTERS.

I have worked exclusively in family law for the last 18 years. I help families resolve issues of divorce, paternity, child custody and placement, child and spousal support, guardianship, interstate custody/abduction, parental rights termination and defense, abuse and harassment restraining orders, estate and trust litigation, and appeals related to these issues. I also routinely serve as a Guardian ad Litem for minors. I work with clients individually to help them through these difficult times with dignity and respect.

Awards

Client's Choice

2019 2017 2016 + 2 ...

Top Contributor

2019 2018 2014 + 1 ...

Photos and videos

Contact David

Kowalski, Wilson & Vang, LLC

(608) 709-2989 Office

(877) 892-6183 Fax

725 Heartland Trail

Suite 100

Madison, WI, 53717

kowalskifamilylaw.com

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Kowalski, Wilson & Vang, LLC

(608) 709-2989 Office

(877) 892-6183 Fax

123 2nd Street

Baraboo, WI, 53913

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Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0

63 customer reviews

5 Star

95%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | April 19, 2019

Successful outcome

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Posted by Marianne | June 20, 2018

Military divorce settlement

I struggled for 4 years to get my military divorce settlement from my ex husband. After finding David and his team to help--it has finally been settled to my benefit. This was a divorce from 27 years ago! I appreciated the easy to use online portal that kept me informed of every detail. If you are an ex spouse of a military member and were awarded pension benefits you need to call David. He was the only lawyer I talked to that understood the case. I highly recommend.

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Posted by BH | November 1, 2017

He needs to have more starts available for him and his firm for rating

I’m a father in the Madison area, that’s fought for my children for years. I was divorced, and fought for placement of my children once, and was unsuccessful and this was due to me not being properly represented. I hired David, it was an uphill struggle, as the family court counselor and the guardian at Leitem were not recommending that I obtain placement of my children. This was established after a court order case study was ordered for the second time. After a two day trial I was finally awarded placement of my children, and my children are finally able to move back home where they are safe. If this website offered 10 stars to show the excellency of this law firm, I would ask that 10 more stars to be offered. I was represented very well and my children’s wellbeing as safety was placed at the front of the line, and for me, that’s something that can not be expressed in words. Regardless if you’re a father or not , if you’re looking for an attorney and a law firm to represent you in a positive, respectful and professional way, I would definitely recommend this attorney and his law firm to anybody that as a parent. BH

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Posted by anonymous | April 22, 2023

Excellent Outcome

I began with working Attorney Kowalski when filing for a divorce. With the progression of the case, he assisted me with a restraining order, custody and placement disputes, child support, and ultimately a stepparent adoption. Attorney Kowalski advocated for my children and myself in the process. He provided guidance and knowledge so I felt prepared and well informed. I am very happy with the outcome and contribute this to Attorney Kowalski's knowledge and expertise with these matters. Thank you!

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Posted by anonymous | October 6, 2022

Excellent attorney

Attorney Kowalski was very helpful in navigating a difficult contested divorce after a long term marriage. He worked hard to get me to the best possible outcome, and on the very last day got us to a settlement. He is very timely and quick with a response. The entire team is very thoughtful, thorough and overall great to work with! I was very satisfied with David and his team and would highly recommend him.

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Posted by anonymous | August 13, 2022

Very timely responses

I found Attny Kowalski easy to work with and he was fabulous about responding to my questions about my divorce case in a very timely manner. Sometimes, I'd email in early evening and he'd have a response to me later that night yet. I also found him to be very thorough in researching areas in which he was not as familiar. This gave me assurance and confidence! Thanks, David.

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Posted by anonymous | July 5, 2022

Excellent lawyer! Highly recommend!

David helped me achieve the desired outcome that I was looking for. I would definitely recommend him. The whole law firm was excellent!

Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2022

Amazing Lawyer

David helped our family out with out case of TPR and adoption and we couldn’t have been happier with our outcome. He helped make it possible to make our family stronger and more permanent. He helped my husband and I through court and answered any questions we had and if ever we need a lawyer again, David will be the one we request. I honestly couldn’t be more grateful and appreciative towards anyone.

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Posted by Melissa | December 29, 2021

Excellent for Divorce, child custody and restraining order.

Dave Kowalski is everything I could have wanted or needed in an attorney. Respectful, timely, attentive and professional. He and the other amazing team members helped me through both a Restraining Order and Divorce. His work allowed me to feel safe to make the right decisions for my family. He knows the law and lets you know what your options are without wasting your time or money. He is to the point and absolutely fantastic in court. I always felt safe and completely confident in his abilities. I will always be grateful he took my case.

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Posted by Elisabeth | November 24, 2021

Honest Attorney

I have never met a lawyer I trusted or even liked, but David Kowalski is to be trusted and is very well respected by me. My case has been a difficult one, but David has been fair, honest, and a problem solved when I thought there was no solution possible. The most surprising is that his fees are the most reasonable and I don't feel nickel and dimed by him. He works really hard to fight for the children, not for what his client thinks is right. In my case, I knew that there was a possibility that it wouldn't go exactly how I wanted, but even then, David has done his best to get me something to look forward to, and that's all I can ask for. If you are looking for an attorney, choose one that is honest a really cares about the right thing, even if it's difficult. David is that attorney.

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Posted by WJ | January 31, 2021

Highly recommended lawyer

I went through a long and terrible divorce, but Attorney Kowalski was there to advocate for my side every step of the way. He brought clarity to the numerous situations that happened, and he did a great job of navigating through all of it. If you are in need of a divorce lawyer for any reason, I highly recommend you contact Dave!

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Posted by Leah | November 11, 2019

Great legal advice

Attorney Kowalski was able to accurately predict what my opposing attorney would argue. He helped me strategize accordingly and explained the legal rationale for the decision making process he went through. I felt involved but not overwhelmed, which is a necessity when going through a stressful time like a divorce. I highly recommend Attorney Kowalski, both for his expertise and his unwavering professionalism.

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Posted by Kendra | November 11, 2019

Family Law

This was my second time around for child placement issues and I hired David at the end of my initial consult. Not only is he professional and knows his stuff, but he was super patient with me and explained everything that was happening so I did not have any unexpected surprises. His advocacy for my child was exceptional and I wish I would've used him the first time around. Would hire again in an instant.

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Posted by Mark | June 17, 2019

Family Law

I was involved in a drawn-out (years) and complicated situation regarding a divorce and my children. Everyone worked together under David's direction to develop creative solutions to provide the best outcome for my children. This was achieved and the final order matched exactly what we hope for at the start of the process.

Posted by anonymous | May 13, 2019

Great lawyer

After reading a few reviews about David Kowalsky I decided to hire him for my initial divorce case which then became legal separation. I needed to have a lawyer with great experience and he definitely proved he had it. Not only he is knowledgeable and very professional, but he also is very understanding, patience, and flexible. This in my opinion is a plus, since like in my case there were variables that delayed the process but he dealt with them wonderfully and assuring me we would be fine. I felt in good hand with him, he was always clear in stating what was in my best interested but he never pressured me to do what he would have wanted for me according to the law. A thank also to his staff.

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Posted by Tiffany | April 2, 2019

Trusted Lawyer

I hired Mr. Kowalski to help with post-divorce child placement and school issues. Mr. Kowalski was a great asset to have on my side. He stopped the issues at hand and had my child's best interest. I felt confident going into Court having him by my side. He kept me informed, but also kept communication to what was needed to keep the costs down. I would recommend Mr. Kowalski to anyone going through a divorce or having post-divorce issues.

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Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2019

Thank you

When my laywer moved out of town, David Kowalski and his team were instrumental in helping me to navigate some child support issues. I appreciate the throughness, follow-up and professionalism. His questioning and advocacy for my children was exceptional. I wish he had been my initial laywer.

Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2019

Fast, Professional, Helpful

I hired Kowalski Family Law to help with my divorce after my first lawyer was not moving quickly enough on the process. David was extremely helpful and professional, as was the rest of the staff at the firm. They made sure I understood the process, answered all my questions, and moved quickly to get my divorce completed. Working with them made the process smooth and much less stressful.

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Posted by anonymous | June 19, 2018

An Excellent Lawyer

Based upon a friend's strong recommendation, I contacted Mr. Kowalski a while ago to request his assistance in the preparation of a prenuptial agreement. During the time we worked together, I had ample opportunity to observe that Mr. Kowalski is very knowledgeable, highly professional, efficient, responsive, and courteous. No less important, he is a caring individual in his own right. I have nothing but praise for Mr. Kowalski and his legal team, and recommend him to any potential client with enthusiasm and sincerity.

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Posted by Laura | June 15, 2018

Highly recommended

I have worked with David twice now and find him to be very straightforward with me. “This is what you can expect to get, that you cannot.” That saves me time and money. He is not a lawyer who will string things along just to increase fees.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Owner/attorney
Kowalski Family Law, LLC
2013 - Present

Attorney
Krueger & Hernandez, SC
2011 - 2013

Instructor
Globe University
2011 - 2013

Attorney
Balisle & Roberson, SC
2001 - 2011

View all work experience

Education

Marquette University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2006

Rutgers University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1996

Legal Cases

Arranged for successful return of abducted child.
Client permitted to relocate with children

Successful appeal defense of divorce property ruling.
Trial ruling upheld by Court of Appeals

Drafted prenuptial agreement regarding stock shares
signed and implement prenuptial agreement

View all legal cases

Associations

Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin
Member
2015 - Present

Supreme Court of the State of Wisconsin, Office of Lawyer Regulation
Board member
2015 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin, Children and the Law Section
Board Member
2011 - Present

Dane County Bar Association, Technology Committee
Board Member
2015 - 2016

Dane County Bar Association Delivery of Legal Services Committee
Member
2011 - 2011

State Bar of Wisconsin, CLE Committee
Member
2008 - 2010

YMCA
Youth Basketball coach
2005 - 2012

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Languages Spoken

English

French

Honors and Awards

Superlawyer
SuperLawyers
2019

Superlawyer
SuperLawyers
2019

Rising Star
SuperLawyers
2017

Rising Star
SuperLawyers
2016

Rising Star
SuperLawyers
2015

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Publications

State Bar of Wisconsin, Children and the Law News
Deja-Vu All Over Again: Equal Placement Bill Before the Assembly
2013

State Bar of Wisconsin, Children and the Law News
What is Legal Custody
2012

Wisconsin Journal of Family Law
Certification of Batterer's Treatment Programs and Providers Pursuant to Wis. Stat. 767.41
2009

Wisconsin Woman
Cooperative Law: Making Divorce More Civil
2008

American Journal of Family Law
Rush to Relocate: Are Presumptions in Favor of a Relocating Parent Really in the Child's Best Interests?
2008

Wisconsin Law Journal
Cooperative divorce seeks to avoid damaging tactics
2008

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Speaking Engagements

On Borrowed Time: Emergency Estate Planning
Family issues in estate planning
2018

Guardian ad litem roundtable
Guardian ad litem training
2018

Keep your peace while it all goes to pieces
Lawyer wellness
2018

Starting a Law Firm
Money Matters-How Much Does It Take to Start a Law Firm
2016

The Rules of Evidence Apply in Family Law-Use of Social Media
Social Media Evidentiary Issues
2016

State Bar of Wisconsin
Drafting and Challenging Marital Property Agreements
2014

State Bar of Wisconsin
Litigating Your Case: Children's Court Nuts and Bolts for Guardians ad Litem
2013

State Bar of Wisconsin
Addressing Needs of Children with ADHD in a Custody and Placement Study
2012

Annual Community Property State Symposium
Valuation and Disposition Strategies in a Changing Economy
2010

State Bar of Wisconsin
Determing Business Income and Valuation at Divorce
2010

State Bar of Wisconsin
The Ultimate Family Law Dream Team: Teaming Up With Your Legal Staff to Get the Job Done
2004

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Attorney endorsements

Received (15)

Given (27)

Endorse David

Keith Wessel

Child custody Attorney | Apr 13
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with David Kowalski on several cases. He is a no nonsense attorney and a problem solver. He does not back down from litigation when necessary but will do his best to reach a fair result without making his client incur that cost. I highly recommend him."

Christopher Krimmer

Family Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to work with David both at the same firm and then later as opposing counsel. David is a commensurate professional who strongly advocates for his clients. As a frequent speaker for the state bar and other legal organizations, he is a respected voice among the legal community. A client of David's is in the hands of attorney who has the confidence and desire to get the most favorable outcome for his clients."

Brittney Busalacchi

Family Attorney | Apr 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I recently had the pleasure of working with David on a complicated divorce matter. David was a true professional and was an excellent advocate for his client. I have enjoyed working with David and would welcome the opportunity to do so again the future. I would highly recommend David and his firm."

Ashley Richter

Family Attorney | Apr 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with David in many family law cases over the years, both as opposing counsel or in conjunction with him as guardian ad litem. I have no hesitation in endorsing David as a smart, reasonable, and effective attorney in all family law matters. He advocates for his clients to get resolutions that are fair, without raising tensions or fees. When necessary, he is not hesitant to litigate a case in court and has the trial skills to back that up. I have referred clients to David when my firm could not help them because I know they will be well cared for."

Michele Perreault

Family Attorney | Apr 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had several cases with David representing opposing parties. Much of the timer we agree on the nature of the situation and can quickly resolve all issues. On occasion when we do have to go to court for litigation, David does so in a reasonable, professional manner."

Katherine Harrell

Family Attorney | Jan 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known David since 2006, having worked together with him for many years, and now having worked on many cases with David as opposing counsel. David is an excellent family law attorney. He is efficient, reasonable, and fair. He is a straight shooter and has the knowledge to back up his arguments. I recommend David as a highly skilled family law attorney in and around the Dane County area."

Timothy Kiefer

Family Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Dave Kowalski. He focuses his practice exclusively on family law and he has many years of experience in this area of the law. Very well respected in the legal community."

Lisa Friedrich

Family Attorney | Nov 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David is an excellent advocate who is equally comfortable negotiating settlements and litigating those case which require it."

John Horn

Family Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I heartily endorse this lawyer! I've had the pleasure of working with David recently on two matters. He is very intelligent, very experienced, but also very reasonable and pragmatic in his approach. As a result he is tremendously effective without legal rigmarole and attendant costs. His reputation in the legal community is superb. I would highly recommend him for your family law needs."

Michael Waddington

Family Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Daniel Evans

Divorce and separation Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Experienced and professional. Great in court."

Steven Weber

Family Attorney | Dec 17
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. Like David, I too am a family law attorney who uses AVVO. I have seen his answers to questions and have read his case law updates. From what I have seen, I would not hesitate to recommend someone in the Madison are to Dave."

Edward Beckham

Child custody Attorney | Sep 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An attention for detail; a committed advocate."

Christian Lassen

Unknown Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Dera Johnsen-Tracy

Family Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Dave since 2003, and I would recommend him without hesitation! Dave is knowledgeable and personable, and he will get the job done in the most efficient manner with the ultimate goal of protecting his client's rights and the rights of any children involved."

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