David S. Kowalski

PRO

David S. Kowalski

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

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

725 Heartland Trail, Suite 100, Madison, WI

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About David

Biography

Family law is all we do. High-quality, prompt, and experienced counsel in all family matters.

Prompt and devoted representation in child custody, both as guardian ad litem and advocacy counsel.

Compassionate, prompt, and experienced counsel to assist you and your family through divorce.

Compassionate and skilled protection for domestic violence victims and their families.

Prompt and devoted representation, both as guardian ad litem and advocacy counsel.

Compassionate, prompt, and experienced counsel to assist you and your family.

Practice Areas

5

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.

25 years

50%
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

25 years

25%
Family 15%

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.

25 years

5%
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.

25 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 20 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2019 2017 2016
...
+ 2
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2019 2018 2014
...
+ 1

Licenses

Licensed in Wisconsin for 19 years

State: Wisconsin

Acquired: 2007

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Kowalski, Wilson & Vang, LLC

725 Heartland Trail, Suite 100, Madison, WI, 53717

kwvfamilylaw.com/our-people/david-kowalski/

Kowalski, Wilson & Vang, LLC

123 2nd Street, Baraboo, WI, 53913

kwvfamilylaw.com/our-people/david-kowalski/

Online Presence

Other places you can find David online.

David S. Kowalski's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

68 Client Reviews

Posted by Adrianna | February 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommend

David Kolwalski helped me through a particularly messy divorce. With special needs children, assets, and a very wealthy / litigious former spouse, David was professional, patient, thorough and understanding. He was a personal recommendation to me and I feel so lucky to have been guided through the pr...ocess and fought for tirelessly throughout the process.

Posted by anonymous | January 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Would recommend

David Kolwalski helped me through the divorce process in a very professional and understanding manner, I was recommended to him by a third party and he lived up to praise others have given him in the past. Would not hesitate to recommend to others in need of help and guidance.

Posted by Robert | February 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Look no further.

David and his amazing team have helped in several occasions. There transparency, setting realistic expectations and top notch legal service is hands down the best I have experienced.

Posted by Jason | December 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Legal Separation

I was very pleased with David Kowalski and his team throughout this process. He always promptly answered any questions I had with crystal clear communication. He was very understanding during periods of high stress and just knowing that I was being given the very best advice and my case was being h...andled in the best possible and most efficient way did help reduce that stress. I would absolutely recommend David Kowalski and the team at Kowalski, Wilson & Vang to anybody going through tough times likes separations and divorces. It is truly my pleasure to give such an outstanding review to this team that successfully helped me through one of the more difficult times in my life.

Posted by anonymous | April 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

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!

See All Client Reviews

David S. Kowalski's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Keith Robert Wessel headshot
Keith Wessel

Child custody lawyer | 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 Sean Krimmer headshot
Christopher Krimmer

Family lawyer | 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 headshot
Brittney Busalacchi

Family lawyer | 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 J. Richter headshot
Ashley Richter

Family lawyer | 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 L. Perreault headshot
Michele Perreault

Family lawyer | 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 Cole Harrell headshot
Katherine Harrell

Family lawyer | 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 D. Kiefer headshot
Timothy Kiefer

Family lawyer | 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 Marie Friedrich headshot
Lisa Friedrich

Family lawyer | 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 Andrew Horn headshot
John Horn

Family lawyer | 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 S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Family lawyer | 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 J. Evans headshot
Daniel Evans

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Experienced and professional. Great in court."

Steven J. Weber headshot
Steven Weber

Family lawyer | 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 Brandon Beckham headshot
Edward Beckham

Child custody lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An attention for detail; a committed advocate."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Jun 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Dera L. Johnsen-Tracy headshot
Dera Johnsen-Tracy

Family lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
Kimberly N. Ripp headshot
Kimberly Ripp

Family lawyer

Keith Robert Wessel headshot
Keith Wessel

Family lawyer

Sarah Dekraay headshot
Sarah Dekraay

Family lawyer

Ashley J. Richter headshot
Ashley Richter

Family lawyer

Anne Catherine Scipior headshot
Anne Scipior

Family lawyer

Jean K. Lynch headshot
Jean Lynch

Family lawyer

J Alberto Quiroga headshot
J Quiroga

Family lawyer

Theresa L. Roetter headshot
Theresa Roetter

Family lawyer

Erica T. Gittings headshot
Erica Gittings

Family lawyer

Timothy D. Kiefer headshot
Timothy Kiefer

Criminal defense lawyer

Megan Phillips headshot
Megan Phillips

Family lawyer

Holly J. Slota headshot
Holly Slota

Divorce and separation lawyer

Rhonda R. Hazen headshot
Rhonda Hazen

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Superlawyer, SuperLawyers

2019

Superlawyer, SuperLawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2016

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2015

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

Work Experience

2013 - Present

Owner/attorney, Kowalski Family Law, LLC

2011 - 2013

Attorney, Krueger & Hernandez, SC

2011 - 2013

Instructor, Globe University

2001 - 2011

Attorney, Balisle & Roberson, SC

Associations

2015 - Present

Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin

Member

2015 - Present

Supreme Court of the State of Wisconsin, Office of Lawyer Regulation

Board member

2011 - Present

State Bar of Wisconsin, Children and the Law Section

Board Member

2015 - 2016

Dane County Bar Association, Technology Committee

Board Member

2011 - 2011

Dane County Bar Association Delivery of Legal Services Committee

Member

2008 - 2010

State Bar of Wisconsin, CLE Committee

Member

2005 - 2012

YMCA

Youth Basketball coach

Sample of 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

Drafted prenuptial agreement regarding stock shares

signed and implement prenuptial agreement

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

Marquette University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1996

Rutgers University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

On Borrowed Time: Emergency Estate Planning

Family issues in estate planning

2018

Keep your peace while it all goes to pieces

Lawyer wellness

2018

Guardian ad litem roundtable

Guardian ad litem training

2016

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

Social Media Evidentiary Issues

2016

Starting a Law Firm

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

2014

State Bar of Wisconsin

Drafting and Challenging Marital Property Agreements

2013

State Bar of Wisconsin

Litigating Your Case: Children's Court Nuts and Bolts for Guardians ad Litem

2012

State Bar of Wisconsin

Addressing Needs of Children with ADHD in a Custody and Placement Study

2010

State Bar of Wisconsin

Determing Business Income and Valuation at Divorce

2010

Annual Community Property State Symposium

Valuation and Disposition Strategies in a Changing Economy

2004

State Bar of Wisconsin

The Ultimate Family Law Dream Team: Teaming Up With Your Legal Staff to Get the Job Done

Publications

2013

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

2012

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

2009

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

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 Woman Cooperative Law: Making Divorce More Civil

Languages

English

French

Activity

Top Contributor

David earned significant contribution points in 2019.

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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