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Ronald W. Nelson

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Avvo Rating10
  • Overland Park, KS
  • Licensed for 40 years
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About Ronald

Recognized throughout Kansas and the United States as an accomplished  family law practitioner, Ronald W. Nelson frequently speaks on complex issues in family law at seminars for local, regional, and national legal groups. He is a contributing author to the "Practitioner’s Guide on Kansas Family Law," published by the Kansas Bar Association (2011 & 1997 with supplements) with chapters on “Divorce, Separate Maintenance and Annulment” [Chapter 2], and “Child Custody, Parenting Time and Visitation” [Chapter 6] and he has written on complex issues in family law for regional and national legal publications. He often testifies to the Kansas Legislature on issues affecting families and family law. He was instrumental in helping to make significant revisions in Kansas child custody laws in 2000 and helped with the recodification of the Kansas Family Law Code in 2011. Mr. Nelson works to improve access to the courts for the general public having helped draft family law forms for Kansas statewide use.

 

Mr. Nelson has been involved various leadership positions in the American Bar Association Family Law Section for nearly 20 years, serving 6-years on the Section Governing Council and ABA Family Law Section Committees including: Long-Range Planning, Scope and Correlation, Child Custody, Sponsorship, Membership & Benefit Development, and other substantive and governing committees.

 

Mr. Nelson is a member of the Family Law Advisory Committee of the Kansas Judicial Council, Chair of the Family Law Bench-Bar Committee of the Johnson County Bar Association, a Founding Master of the Johnson County Family Law American Inn of Court, a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML), and a Fellow in the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (IAML). He was the the American Bar Association Family Law Section Advisor for the Uniform Laws Commission Committee drafting amendments to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) implementing the Hague Convention on Jurisdiction and Protection of Children, was a member of the American Bar Association Family Law Section committee drafting a Model Relocation Act, and he is an observer to the Uniform Laws Commission Study Committee on Third Party Custody and Visitation of Children.

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Practice areas

OtherChild supportDivorce and separationChild custodyFamily
  1. Family: 25%

    Complex marital and non-marital domestic relations disputes, including separation and divorce, determination of parentage and associated issues (child custody, parenting time, spousal and child support) as well as the representation of parents in international and interstate child abduction and jurisdictional disputes.

    37 years

  2. Child custody: 25%

    Complex marital and non-marital domestic relations disputes, including separation and divorce, determination of parentage and associated issues (child custody, parenting time, spousal and child support) as well as the representation of parents in international and interstate child abduction and jurisdictional disputes.

    37 years

  3. Divorce and separation: 20%

    Complex marital and non-marital domestic relations disputes, including separation and divorce, determination of parentage and associated issues (child custody, parenting time, spousal and child support) as well as the representation of parents in international and interstate child abduction and jurisdictional disputes.

    37 years

  4. Child support: 15%

    Complex marital and non-marital domestic relations disputes, including separation and divorce, determination of parentage and associated issues (child custody, parenting time, spousal and child support) as well as the representation of parents in international and interstate child abduction and jurisdictional disputes.

    37 years

  1. Appeals: 15%

    State court appeals in complex domestic relations actions (child custody, parenting time, spousal and child support), international child abduction, and interstate child custody and support jurisdiction among other areas.

    40 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Ronald W Nelson, PA

7501 College Boulevard
Suite 105
Overland Park, KS, 66210

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
KSAuthorized to practice law198110/19/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1184
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Justinian AwardJohnson County Bar Association2018
Chair's Cup for Meritorious ServiceAmerican Bar Association, Family Law Section2012
Outstanding ServiceAmerican Bar Association, Family Law Section2011
Award of MeritNational Center for Missing and Exploited Children2008
Award of MeritNational Center for Missing and Exploited Children2006
Award of MeritNational Center for Missing and Exploited Children2004
Award of MeritNational Center for Missing and Exploited Children2003
Chair's Cup for Meritorious ServiceAmerican Bar Association, Family Law Section2001
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Principal/AttorneyRonald W Nelson, PA2009 - Present
Senior PartnerNelson & Booth2003 - 2008
PartnerRose, Nelson and Booth Law Firm2001 - 2002
Managing PartnerRose & Nelson1993 - 2000
Sole PractitionerLaw Offices of Ronald W Nelson1987 - 1992
Associate AttorneyAlder & Nelson1981 - 1986
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
International Academy of Matrimonial LawyersUSA Chapter Board of Managers2018 - Present
Kansas Bar Association, Appellate Law SectionMember2010 - Present
Kansas Bar Association, Family Law SectionLegislative Liaison2005 - Present
International Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow2004 - Present
Washburn Law School AssociationLife Member2001 - Present
American Bar Association, Family Law Section Membership Benefits CommitteeMember2001 - Present
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersFellow1998 - Present
Kansas Bar Association, Family Law SectionExecutive Committee1998 - Present
Kansas Bar Association, Legislative CommitteeMember1991 - Present
Kansas Bar Association, Family Law SectionMemberN/A
International Child Abduction Attorneys NetworkMemberN/A
American Judicature SocietyMemberN/A
American Bar Association, Family Law SectionMemberN/A
Association of Family and Conciliation CourtsMemberN/A
Johnson County Bar Association, Family Law Bench/Bar CommitteeMemberN/A
American Bar Association, Family Law SectionChair, Scope & Correlation Committee2011 - 2012
American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Scope CommitteeVice-Chair2009 - 2011
American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Custody CommitteeChair2007 - 2008
Johnson County Bar Association, Family Law Bench/Bar Committee, Subcommittee on Temporary OrdersMember2006 - 2008
American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Custody CommitteeVice-Chair2005 - 2007
Kansas Bar Association, Family Law SectionPresident2003 - 2004
American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Technology Oversight CommitteeChair2002 - 2009
Kansas Bar Association, Family Law SectionPresident2002 - 2003
American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Long Range Planning CommitteeChair2000 - 2001
Kansas Bar Association, Family Law SectionPresident2000 - 2001
American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Long Range Planning CommitteeVice-Chair1999 - 2000
Johnson County Bar Association, Family Law Bench/Bar Committee, Subcommittee on Revision of Guidelines on Parenting TimeChair1999 - 2000
Kansas Bar Association, Family Law SectionPresident-Elect1999 - 2000
American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Custody CommitteeVice-Chair1998 - 2001
American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Long Range Planning CommitteeSecretary1998 - 1999
Kansas Bar Association, Family Law SectionPublications Director1998 - 1999
American Inns of Court — Earl E. O’Connor ChapterBarrister1996 - 1999
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Practitioner's Guide to Kansas Family Law (2d Ed.)Child Custody, Parenting Time, and Third Party Visitation2010
Practitioner's Guide to Kansas Family Law (2d Ed)Divorce, Separate Maintenance, & Annulment2010
Family Advocate (ABA)Going to Trial — Building Your Case with Facts and Focus2004
Kansas Bar AssociationRevisions to the Kansas Domestic Relations Laws — 2000 Legislative Session2000
Divorce LitigationTroxel vs. Granville: The Supreme Court Wades into the Quagmire of Third Party Visitation2000
Johnson County Bar Association NewsletterSummary of Changes Made to Kansas Domestic Relations Law by House Substitute for SB 1502000
ABA Family Law QuarterlyLegal Ethics and the Internet: Ethical Considerations in Electronic Communications Between Attorneys and Clients1999
American Journal of Family LawManaging the High-Conflict Child Custody Case1999
Divorce LitigationPaternity Support Retroactivity and Statutes of Limitation — A Fifty State Survey1999
Practitioner's Guide to Kansas Family LawDivorce, Separate Maintenance, & Annulment1998
Practitioner's Guide to Kansas Family LawChild Custody & Visitation1998
Divorce LitigationThe UCCJA and the UCCJEA: A Side-by-Side Comparison1998
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Washburn University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1981
Kansas State UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science1978
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
KCSEA Annual ConventionUniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA)2012
Family Law Update 2011Family Law Alphabet Soup: Uniform Laws2011
Divorce 101Where is the Law?2011
ABA Trial Advocacy Institute - 2011ABA Family Law Section Trial Advocacy Institute 20112011
The Special Needs Family in Family CourtSpecial Needs Families, Custody, Support and Psychology2010
Nevada Family Jurisdiction Judges Conference - 2010The Impact of Religion in Child Custody Cases2010
Missouri Judicial ConferenceUniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)2010
Missouri Bar Association Annual MeetingEnforcement Procedures Under the UCCJEA2010
Divorce 101: Handling Your First DivorceDivorce 101: Where is the Law?2010
ABA Family Law Section Spring 2010 ConferenceCustody and the Special Needs Child2010
ABA Family Law Section 2010 Trial Advocacy InstituteABA Family Law Section Trial Advocacy Institute 20102010
4th Annual Domestic Case Management ConferenceRepresenting Clients in the Difficult Case2010
The Special Needs Family in Family CourtSpecial Needs Families, Custody, Support and Psychology2009
Kansas Bar Association Family Law InstitutePractitioner’s Guide to Family Law – Child Custody Legislative and Case Law Update2009
Kansas Bar Association Annual Conference - 2009The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction2009
Johnson County Family Law Bench-Bar Conference - 20092009 Kansas Case Law and Statutory Update2009
American Bar Association Annual Conference - 2009Hot Tips from the Experts – UIFSA & UCCJEA Modification Jurisdiction2009
Alabama AAML Annual ConferenceSpecial Needs Families: The Special Needs Family in Court2009
ABA Family Law Section 2009 Trial Advocacy InstituteABA Family Law Section 2009 Trial Advocacy Institute2009
Paralegal TrainingAssisting the Family Law Attorney with Child Custody Issues2008
Age Appropriate Parenting PlansAge Appropriate Parenting Plans2008
Parenting Coordinators: What They Do, Can They Help?Parenting Coordinators: What They Do, Can They Help?2007
Missouri BarThe UCCJEA: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You2007
KCMBA Family Law Seminars - International LawInternational Family Law: The Hague Abduction Convention and Other International Family Law Issues2007
Johnson County Bar AssociationRevising the Johnson County Rules: Family Court Rules and Forms2007
A Kansas Perspective (KCMBA)The Uniform Acts: UCCJEA, UPAA and UIFSA 20012007
Missouri Bar Association, Family Law Section, Annual MeetingThe Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the UCCJEA/UCCJA2006
Johnson County Bar AssociationHigh Conflict Divorce, The Johnson County, Kansas Family Court After One Year2006
Education Institute — Aspen, ColoradoInternational Child Abduction and the UCCJEA2005
American Bar Association, Family Law Section, Spring MeetingDevelopments in Child Custody Jurisdiction Law — the UCCJEA2005
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Marriage of Hall, - Kan. - (2012)Won
State ex rel vs. StrotcampWon appeal
DeGraeve v. HolmWon appeal
Hague Application of Magstadtova vs. MagstadtWon appeal
Marriage of RonenWon appeal
See all Legal Cases

Reviews

(3)1.0 star
5 Star
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4 Star
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1 Star
100%
Review Ronald Nelson

Hired for custody rights

1.0 star

Posted by

My husband and I hired Ron when we were going through a custody issue with my step son. As I read the other comment reviews I was so shocked that I experienced the same thing and I am in 100% agreement with them. Ron comes with a great story, however, he is arrogant and prideful which unfortunately shows through his billing. He tried to bill us 10 yrs ago $350 for a 15 minute consultation. Reading his other reviews it looks like that his arrogance and pride has gone up to $500. Overall, he's not worth the money or the belittlement. Yes, he makes you feel stupid.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Sells a false image of knowledge, and doesn't have your back.

1.0 star

Posted by

After paying the consult fee I hired Ron and went forward. After two months he had charged me outrageous fees for simply responding to the minimal emails of my case. I hired him for a focused, specific hearing but yet he charged me fees for being copied on emails relative to their parts of my case that were not relevant. I expressed concern multiple times to no avail, and then when I stood firm that I needed to cut him out of the irrelevant legal emails he told me he was withdrawing for "ethical" grounds. His story is good, but there's no merit or truth to it. Further, he tried to withdraw without a hearing and my approval, basically trying to skate out of appearing before the judge who eventually called him out for it. Lastly, he withdrew shortly before the hearing I hired him for and after I had spent enormous fees for him to prep for the hearing, leaving me without an attorney and starting over. He ran before the hearing because again, Ron sells an impression of knowledge but went yellow and ran before the hearing. He also directed me not to be on a call with the judge when I found out later i should have been, plus his advice was exactly the opposite of the judge's decision when I finally had the custody hearing. However, Ron walks away with $6,000 o fly money, mostly in "logistical fees", and left me with horrendously bad legal advice. If he responds to this it will simply be more spin. However, I am a very honest and fairly intelligent person that is stating the exact truth. You have been warned.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Knowledgeable? Maybe. Helpful. Nope.

1.0 star

Posted by

I hired Ronald to provide a consultation. $500 for one hour of his time. His paralegal required that I submit extensive background information in advance of our telephone consultation. My family law case involves an ex-spouse who abducted our child. When I asked Ronald about a strategic tact for handling the abduction he said that would be illegal and he said that by the tone of my question that I intended to carry forth the plan. This of course was not true. When I tried to ask him other questions about the case he was reluctant to answer any of the questions. Essentially, he shut down our consultation interview. I was not prepared to pay $500 for 20 minutes of Ronald's time and receive so little information. I had additional questions I wanted to ask later based on the information he provided in our brief consultation and I had at least 35 minutes of time left. When I tried to contact Ronald's law firm they ignored my requests but they certainly kept my money which they required to be paid in advance by credit card. I review Ronald with low marks and I question whether he should have taken $500 for approximately 20 minutes worth of questions. Ronald comes across as a judgemental, elitist, arrogant and unresponsive attorney based on my consultation with him. Ronald may, or may not, be a skilled attorney but by no means is he easy to work with and I found he is indulgent in how he assesses his fees based on my experience with him. In sum, I would not hire him to work for me.
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This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney
Ronald Nelson's response: Ronald W. Nelson, PA has a unique approach to its initial consultations. We spend a significant amount of time preparing for each consultation by reviewing information received from potential clients, including existing pleadings, filed motions, out-of-state proceedings, and other documents that our potential clients reference during our intake procedures. We also receive relevant statutes and recent caselaw, so that we can identify any possible complications or issues that might arise during the consultation. We do not consult for a fixed amount of time (we don’t have ‘one-hour consultations,’ because it is often difficult to determine in advance how long any one client conference will take. We often spend more than one hour in our initial consultation — but sometimes less; every situation is different and every client’s needs are different. Our consultation fee (usually at flat-fee based upon who is the attorney conducting the initial client consultation) represents all time spent preparing for and engaging in the consultation, as well as specific advice to the potential client about what to do and not to do in their particular situation. Because we spend an indeterminate time with each potential client so that we can address all concerns brought to our attention, no two consultations are exactly alike. But every person calling in to obtain a consultation is informed about the flat-fee arrangement, the nature of the consultation and preparation for that consultation, and that as a flat-fee consultation, that fee is not based on the amount of time expended in the attorney-client meeting itself, but is so that the client knows how much will need to be paid before any consultation begins. Our goal at the end of a consultation is to answer all possible questions while providing supportive, but honest, legal counsel. We understand that we may not be the right fit for every potential client. We strive to be ‘straight’ with our potential clients about our assessment of the issues in their situation. We don’t ‘sugar-coat’ clients’ prospects, and we strive not to reflect back to clients what they want to hear; our job is to give honest, straightforward, to-the-point advice so that our clients can decide for themselves their realistic chances going forward in the family law matter in which they’re involved.

Attorney endorsements

(13)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
Lawyer Gary D. Denning

Gary Denning, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 27, 2019
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. I've known Ron for several years from seminars and workshops sponsored by the Family Section of the Kansas Bar Association. He is known for being knowledgeable in just about all areas of Family Law. The criticism of him above regarding his charges for giving an opinion about your case is somewhat misleading. If you don't want to pay for his services to review your case, you can certainly get an opinion from a less renowned lawyer for less. But I'm sure Ron puts in the time and uses his expertise to make the initial fee worth it--assuming you have the money and the issues in your case justify having an expert lawyer give you an opinion.

Lawyer Michael Adam Dunbar

Michael Dunbar, Family Attorney on Apr 19, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Gary D. Denning

Gary Denning, Divorce and separation Attorney on Feb 27, 2019
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. I've known Ron for several years from seminars and workshops sponsored by the Family Section of the Kansas Bar Association. He is known for being knowledgeable in just about all areas of Family Law. The criticism of him above regarding his charges for giving an opinion about your case is somewhat misleading. If you don't want to pay for his services to review your case, you can certainly get an opinion from a less renowned lawyer for less. But I'm sure Ron puts in the time and uses his expertise to make the initial fee worth it--assuming you have the money and the issues in your case justify having an expert lawyer give you an opinion.

Lawyer Michael Adam Dunbar

Michael Dunbar, Family Attorney on Apr 19, 2017
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Steven D. Henry

Steven Henry, Family Attorney on Jun 28, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Ron for many years as a fellow lawyer in the community and as a friend. Ron is well versed in all areas of family law. He is intelligent, analytical, diligent, thoughtful, and compassionate. Ron has a passion for best practice standards in the legal profession, and he is always willing to contribute of himself in ways to benefit the legal community. Ron is held in high regard within the Family Law legal community, and it is without hesitation that I heartily endorse him.

Lawyer Michael S. Waddington

Michael Waddington, Family Attorney on Jun 5, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Ronald. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Lawyer Richard Forrest Gould-Saltman

Richard Gould-Saltman, Family Attorney on Dec 4, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Christian K. Lassen II

Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Sep 24, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

Lawyer David Brendan Starks

David Starks, Family Attorney on May 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Ron is a sharp, fantastic attorney. I cannot speak highly enough of him and his staff. They are all top notch. I absolutely endorse Ron.

Lawyer Edward L Kainen

Edward Kainen, Family Attorney on Jan 10, 2013
Relationship: Friend

Ron is a top-notch lawyer in all family law matters!

Lawyer Andrew L Kynaston

Andrew Kynaston, Child custody Attorney on Dec 31, 2012
Relationship: Friend

I endorse this lawyer. Ron is extremely knowledgable in the area of interstate child custody and support matters.

Lawyer Larry Rice

Larry Rice, Family Attorney on Dec 28, 2012
Relationship: Other

Ronald is recognized as on of the leading experts in Family Law in the United States.

Lawyer John Howard Crouch

John Crouch, Unknown Attorney on Nov 13, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Amber Yerkey James

Amber James, Family Attorney on Oct 14, 2012
Relationship: Other

I have known Ronald for several years through our involvement in the ABA's Family Law Section. I have also followed Ronald on Twitter and Facebook and have always found his articles and posts helpful and insightful. He is definitely a credit to our profession.

Lawyer Marvin L. Solomiany

Marvin Solomiany, Family Attorney on Apr 24, 2012
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

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