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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.
5
Practice Areas
25 years
25 years
25 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 20 minutes
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Fax
725 Heartland Trail, Suite 100, Madison, WI, 53717
kwvfamilylaw.com/our-people/david-kowalski/Fax
123 2nd Street, Baraboo, WI, 53913
kwvfamilylaw.com/our-people/david-kowalski/
Other places you can find David online.
68 Client Reviews
Showing 11 - 15 of 68 reviews
Posted by Elisabeth | November 24, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
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...
Posted by WJ | January 31, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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 hi...
Posted by Leah | November 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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 ...
Posted by Kendra | November 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
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 c...
Posted by Mark | June 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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 ...
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. David is an excellent advocate who is equally comfortable negotiating settlements and litigating those case which require it."
"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."
"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."
"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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2025
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2019
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2017
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Rising Star, SuperLawyers
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
2015 - Present
Collaborative Family Law Council of WisconsinMember
2015 - Present
Supreme Court of the State of Wisconsin, Office of Lawyer RegulationBoard member
2011 - Present
State Bar of Wisconsin, Children and the Law SectionBoard Member
2015 - 2016
Dane County Bar Association, Technology CommitteeBoard Member
2011 - 2011
Dane County Bar Association Delivery of Legal Services CommitteeMember
2008 - 2010
State Bar of Wisconsin, CLE CommitteeMember
2005 - 2012
YMCAYouth Basketball coach
Client permitted to relocate with children
Trial ruling upheld by Court of Appeals
signed and implement prenuptial agreement
signed and implement prenuptial agreement
2006
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2018
Family issues in estate planning
2018
Lawyer wellness
2018
Guardian ad litem training
2016
Social Media Evidentiary Issues
2016
Money Matters-How Much Does It Take to Start a Law Firm
2014
Drafting and Challenging Marital Property Agreements
2013
Litigating Your Case: Children's Court Nuts and Bolts for Guardians ad Litem
2012
Addressing Needs of Children with ADHD in a Custody and Placement Study
2010
Determing Business Income and Valuation at Divorce
2010
Valuation and Disposition Strategies in a Changing Economy
2004
The Ultimate Family Law Dream Team: Teaming Up With Your Legal Staff to Get the Job Done
2013
2012
2009
2008
2008
2008
English
French
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
David earned significant contribution points in 2019.
Do I have to notify my ex husband if I move out of state even if he was stripped of visitation due to abuse of the child?
16 Apr 2025
How do I put in writing to communicate with the respondent regarding a restraining order?
06 Mar 2025
How to change a court order that is not benefiting my daughter?
03 Oct 2024