$ 375-375 per hour
PRO
Micaela A. Wattenbarger
Virtual Consultation Available
About Micaela
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
35%
10 years
Family
30%
Child Custody
20%
10 years
Alimony
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Licenses
Licensed in Minnesota for 11 years
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 2014
No misconduct found
Location
Micaela A. Wattenbarger's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
6 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (6)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Responsiveness
Posted by Louisa | May 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
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.
Micaela A. Wattenbarger's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
Kendal O'Keefe
Family lawyer
Experience
Honors
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
Work Experience
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
Associations
2026 - Present
International Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow
2014 - Present
Minnesota State Bar Association
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Member
Education
2014
University of Minnesota Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2011
Cedarville University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2026
Family Law Institute
Common Mistakes to Avoid in drafting Multi-jurisdictional Decrees and Custody Stipulations
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
Legal Answers