Micaela A. Wattenbarger

PRO

Micaela A. Wattenbarger

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 11 years

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

13100 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 320, Minnetonka, MN

Virtual Consultation Available

About Micaela

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 35%

10 years

35%
Family 30%

30%
Child Custody 20%

10 years

20%
Alimony 10%

10%
Juvenile Law 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 330-330 per hour

Licenses

Licensed in Minnesota for 11 years

State: Minnesota

Acquired: 2014

Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Maenner Minnich, PLLC

13100 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 320, Minnetonka, MN, 55305

mmwfamilylaw.com/

Micaela A. Wattenbarger's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

5 star (6)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Ken | July 2, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Prepared and Compassionate

Due to family issues I have unfortunately needed to contact and work with different attorneys over the years. I reached out to Micaela for a child custody matter. A minor child, who was a relative, was being abused and I needed legal advice and potentially an attorney. I am very happy I reached out t...o Micaela. In my first face to face meeting with Micaela I could tell something was different. She didn't just listen for key words or phrases. Micaela asked questions that demonstrated she was genuinely concerned. After the initial consultation I knew I wanted to hire her. During the family court process, Micaela was honest about what to expect and what actions were needed. Many times I would express frustrations with government officials, and sometimes the system. Micaela was always able to help me put thing into perspective. Working with Micaela I felt like I had a genuine advocate. She wasn't just an attorney I hired to help get a family member out of danger, she felt like a genuine partner. She always kept me informed about each step along the way. Micaela and her team were also very prepared when anything needed to be filed. Before any court appearances or filings, Micaela explained what motion was going to be filed and why. When I would ask questions about the judge, or the proceedings, or any other legal matter, Micaela was ready with an answer, or she would always get back to me in a timely manner. I appreciated her humility and honesty. The qualities I appreciated most about Micaela were - 1 - her honesty - she was upfront about expectations 2 - her humility - she was not afraid to acknowledge her own limitations 3 - her preparation - she always had a plan B (and sometimes C) and she always explained my options. Knowing she was prepared gave me confidence in court. 4 - communication - her office was quick to respond and open 5 - genuine - I felt like she genuinely cared about my case. 6 - tenacity - I felt good knowing I have a "bulldog" on my side. I felt comfortable hearing Micaela be my (and the minor child's) advocate. I felt as if she was fighting hard for the child's safety. I would hire Micaela again in a heartbeat. Hopefully I won't be in need of her services ever again. If I am ever in need of an attorney for child custody, Micaela will just be the first person I contact, she will be the only person I contact. I'm very thankful that Micaela was available when I needed her services.

Posted by Rebecca | July 1, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Client

Micaela did a great job helping me through my divorce. She made sure to keep communication open was helpful in working with the other attorney. I always felt that she has my and my children's best interests in mind. Micaela was a great asset in getting negotiations done efficiently and in a timely ...manner. I would definitely refer other to Micaela and her firm.

Posted by Kristie | June 23, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Divorce

Micaela was very understanding of what my needs were from the beginning. She took the time to explain in detail step-by-step the process and what the expectations were. She was very professional and courteous during a very difficult time. I would definitely recommend her and her team! Thank you.

Posted by Kendra | August 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Knowledgeable and goes the extra mile

My experience with Mrs. Wattenburger was superb in many ways. She is confident and thoughtful in her communication and it's odvious she has her client at the center of her work. I have a 3 and 1/2 year history of working with her firm and truly can't say enough good things about how well they accommo...dated my needs through my high conflict divorce. Mrs. Wattenburger was exceptionally helpful to me through both financial and custody pieces of my case. I highly recommend her and Mrs. Arnold, who she was an assistant attorney to at the beginning of my process. My time with the firm and the results of my case have resulted in a graditude beyond words. I highly suggest considering Mrs. Wattenbarger as your attorney for your family.

Posted by Louisa | May 6, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very professional divorce lawyer

Micaela represented me in my divorce proceedings. She was very knowledgeable, and handled the case with great professionalism. She was always available for any questions, and responded promptly, even outside of normal business hours in urgent matters. I'd highly recommend her.

See All Client Reviews

Micaela A. Wattenbarger's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Micaela
Jean Paul Agustin headshot
Jean Agustin

Family lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse Micaela for various reasons, most importantly because of her professional demeanor and ability to empathize with clients in challenging family law cases."

Kendal K O'Keefe headshot
Kendal O'Keefe

Family lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Co-worker

"I am Micaela's co-worker and fellow associate attorney at Arnold, Rodman & Kretchmer PLLC. Micaela joined our firm in early 2015, and over the course of the past year, I have observed her to be a compassionate and detail-oriented attorney and a zealous advocate for her clients. I have also found Micaela to be approachable and professional, both in her interactions with clients and with other family law professionals. Call Arnold, Rodman & Kretchmer PLLC today at 952.955.8008."

Valerie Ann Downing Arnold headshot
Valerie Arnold

Family lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Ms. Wattenbarger is experienced in child custody and parenting time matters as well as dissolution of marriage proceedings involving complex financial matters. Ms. Wattenbarger is a strong advocate for her clients, a creative thinker in settlement negotiations, and equally skilled in written and oral advocacy."

Adam Chris Wattenbarger headshot
Adam Wattenbarger

Family lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Family member

"Micaela is an intelligent, compassionate, and highly-skilled attorney. She has my strongest endorsement."

View All Endorsements
Kendal K O'Keefe headshot
Kendal O'Keefe

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

2024 Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2023

2023 Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2022

2022 Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2021

2021 Rising Star, SuperLawyers

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Associate Attorney, Arnold, Rodman & Kretchmer, PA

2014 - 2015

Bridge Fellow, Judge Susan Richard Nelson

2013 - 2014

Law Clerk, Deckert & Van Loh, P.A.

2013 - 2014

Law Clerk, Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Clinic

2012 - 2012

Legal Extern, Chief Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan

Associations

2014 - Present

Minnesota State Bar Association

2014 - Present

Hennepin County Bar Association

2014 - Present

American Bar Association

Education

2014

University of Minnesota Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2011

Cedarville University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2023

Family Law Institute

International Family Law: How to Approach 5 Common Issues

2023

Advanced Family Law Discovery Strategies and Tips

Dealing with Difficult Clients, Witnesses, and Opposing Counsel in Discovery

2023

Advanced Family Law Discovery Strategies and Tips

Requests for Admissions: Making the Most of this Underutilized Tool

2022

Family Law Series: Child Custody Deskbook

Interstate and International Jurisdiction

2021

100+ Sure-Fire Strategies and Tips for the Family Lawyer

10 Issues You Need to Consider When You Encounter the UCCJEA

2020

2020 Advanced Family Law Series

Top Tips for Interstate and International Cases: COVID Edition

2017

Divorce A to Z webcast

International and Interstate Custody - Jurisdiction and Noncompliance

Languages

English

Activity

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