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

Showing 36 - 40 of 68 reviews

Posted by Eric | September 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Highly recommended

I hired David for a divorce case. He and his team did a great job helping me through the process. They were professional, timely, and responsive. He uses an online service for managing appointments, transferring documents, and billing which made everything very convenient. I highly recommend David a...nd his firm.

Posted by anonymous | August 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

David Kowalski helped me so much

I had what I believe to be a difficult case and Attorney Kowalski's understanding of my history, the case and the state statutes led to a big win in court! I am very grateful to Attorney Kowalski and his legal team for their time, effort and organization.

Posted by Kari & Phil | May 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship

Rate your Lawyer

David helped us with the current Guardianship we have of our disabled grandson since birth and his birth mother now wants to have custodity back and revoke the guardianship in place. We are his grandparents and have had this child all his life. He was able to help us win the case and the revoke was d...ismissed and we are currently working on slowly renighting the mother and child providing she can do what the court has ordered. We do plan on having David help us go for grandparents visitation if the birth mother does recieve this child back due to that is the only way we will be able to continue to be part of his life. He was AMAZING and i have referred him to a family already and his law firm made us feel like family as well. H e is a man that truly cares about his cases and its not just a paycheck and helped us get through some difficult times by the support he offered.

Posted by anonymous | April 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Support

Very pleased.

David assisted me with a child support case and I was very pleased with his work. He has a calm demeanor, is smart, knowledgeable about the law, and was willing to push for the things that I felt were important. He's reasonable and respectful. David and his staff are attentive and I really liked b...eing able to access my information online. I've used three attorneys over the years for an unfortunately conflictual divorce, but he is the only one that I would use again.

Posted by anonymous | March 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

David Did the Impossible for Me

I had everything stacked against me when I tried to move out of state with my son: a past of drug use, an ex who had our son 3 nights every week and was heavily involved, and a recommendation from the court study and GAL that had started out being that I should have supervised visits only with my son... (they changed that part later on but they still fought for my ex, and against me). Not to mention that it is very hard to move a child out of state to begin with, without any of that other stuff. But David did it, beating two lawyers and a recommendation that is weighted heavily by the judge (I read that 90% of the time, judges will favor the recommendation). David was always honest with me, and made no promises. But he prepped me well, and based his strategy on how things were going in court, fully prepared but only using what he needed to, as he needed to. His judgment was right on. He was very calm, and focused, and knowledgeable. Furthermore, even in the toughest moments, his calm kept me calm too. I could not have better things to say of David, nor would I have wanted anyone else to be the one fighting for me. He truly beat the odds, and as I quite cheesily told him yesterday, he is my hero. He is the reason my son and I will have better lives now. I would trust him with any case, in any situation. Basically, I trusted him with my life, and he made it better. I will always be grateful.

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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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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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