$ 375-375 per hour
PRO
Virtual Consultation Available
Micaela has a broad family law practice, representing clients in all areas of family law, including high conflict custody and parenting issues, complex financial matters, family law appeals, orders for protection, and stepparent adoptions. Micaela is a Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers with extensive experience in jurisdictional issues, Hague convention cases, interstate and international relocations, domestic abuse, and registration and enforcement of decrees across borders. Micaela regularly presents on jurisdictional and noncompliance issues in international and interstate custody matters.
Micaela aims to help her clients reach fair and equitable agreements while keeping legal expenses to a minimum. If an agreement cannot be achieved, Micaela ensures that her clients are passionately and expertly advocated for in the courtroom.
Micaela has been recognized by Minnesota Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” every year since 2021. When she is not working, Micaela enjoys volunteering at the Tubman Law Clinic and the Volunteer Lawyers Network Family Law Clinic, running, playing her violin, spending time with her husband and two children, and hiking with her dogs - Mork and Minnie.
5
Practice Areas
10 years
10 years
$ 375-375 per hour
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
6 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Ken | July 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
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...
Posted by Rebecca | July 06, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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 ...
Posted by Kendra | August 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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...
Posted by Maureen | May 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Knowledgeable, Compassionate providing excellent Counsel!
I worked with Micaela regarding my divorce. She was professional, compassionate and focus on the best possible outcome for me when I initiated divorce proceedings with my former husband. Micaela was knowledgeable about the divorce process, what to anticipate based on the situation and any new detai...
"I endorse Micaela for various reasons, most importantly because of her professional demeanor and ability to empathize with clients in challenging family law cases."
"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."
"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."
"Micaela is an intelligent, compassionate, and highly-skilled attorney. She has my strongest endorsement."
Family lawyer
2025
2025 Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2024
2024 Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2023
2023 Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2022
2022 Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2021
2021 Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2025 - Present
Partner, Maenner Minnich Wattenbarger PLLC
2024 - 2025
Associate Attorney, Maenner Minnich PLLC
2015 - 2024
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
2026 - Present
International Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
2014 - Present
Minnesota State Bar Association
Member
2014
JD - Juris Doctor
2011
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2026
Common Mistakes to Avoid in drafting Multi-jurisdictional Decrees and Custody Stipulations
2023
International Family Law: How to Approach 5 Common Issues
2023
Dealing with Difficult Clients, Witnesses, and Opposing Counsel in Discovery
2023
Requests for Admissions: Making the Most of this Underutilized Tool
2022
Interstate and International Jurisdiction
2021
10 Issues You Need to Consider When You Encounter the UCCJEA
2020
Top Tips for Interstate and International Cases: COVID Edition
2017
International and Interstate Custody - Jurisdiction and Noncompliance
English
Legal Answers