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Joan Watke

Wills and living wills Attorney at Omaha, NE

5.0   20 reviews

also known as Joni Watke

Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 27 years
    State NE
    Acquired 1996
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Joan

Learn Joan’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Wills and living wills
    35%
    Wills (estate planning) includes will-based plan, trust-based plans, Financial Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Powers of Attorney and Living Wills

    27 years

  2. Family
    20%
    Family law includes divorce, collaborative divorce, and adoption.

    27 years

  3. Adoption
    15%
    Adoptions include step parent adoptions, adoptions for same sex couples, and international adoptions

    27 years

  4. Guardianship
    15%
    Guardianships are established to care for someone if they are incapacitated/disabled and Conservatorships are established to manage someone's finances if they are incapacitated/disabled.

    27 years

  5. Probate
    15%
    Probate is the legal process of liquidating a decedent's assets and getting those funds to their heirs.

    27 years

EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY HELPING YOU PROTECT YOUR ASSETS AND YOUR FAMILY - CALL 402-578-0662 TODAY!

I have been practicing law for over 25 years. My primary focus is helping clients with their estate planning. It all happened because I was out with friends one evening, having left my 3 small children with a teenage babysitter and I thought, what if I was severely injured in a car accident on the way home, or worse yet, died? As a parent of small children, I agonized for days and weeks choosing their daycare (on more than one occasion). Yet, I didn't have anything in place to protect them if I became disabled or died. I had life insurance, but that's only money. Who would raise my children as I would?

If I was hospitalized, who would pay my bills? Nowadays, most of us pay our bills online. Who knows your passwords? Who even knows what bills need to be paid?

My answer to all of these questions was easy and frightening - I hadn't done anything to protect my children if something happened to me. I quickly realized that if I hadn't done anything to protect my family, my clients probably hadn't either.

It really is surprisingly simple process to protect your assets and your children. I use plain English to explain everything to you, so you get exactly what you need. 

If a loved one becomes incapacitated and doesn't have Powers of Attorney in place, I help their folks establish guardianship and conservatorship to help them care for their loved ones.

The secret is that adoptions are my favorite area to practice. Helping people create a forever family is the most fulfilling thing I do professionally.

I also practice in the area of divorce. I enjoy helping people keep their focus on negotiating a fair division of their assets and liabilities and what's best for their children (if they have children), so people can move forward with their lives. 

Awards

Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
2016

Contact Joan

Watke, Polk & Sena, LLP

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  20 customer reviews
5 Star
 
95%
4 Star
 
5%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Jane | January 9, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Simply the best!
Joan has been my lawyer for years. She has always given me practical options and has guided me through child custody, divorce, and updating my will. If you want down to earth, friendly and timely legal services Joan is the very best choice!
Posted by Christi | February 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best!!!
Joni has helped me several times over the years getting me a better outcome then I even expected. She truly cares about her clients and listens to their concerns. She is also very good about explaining options and guiding you to what may work best. For family law she is the best of the best!!!
Posted by Abra | January 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney!
We hired Joan Watke Stacy to prepare our wills, trusts, powers of attorney for health care and financial decisions. Ms. Stacy provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere in her office. Additionally, Ms. Stacy is highly intelligent, makes the process smooth, concise, and clear. She and her staff have streamlined the process to such a degree that all of our documents were complete in two meetings. We left with two binders, an online copy, and our information filed with the county. All updates and changes we needed were incorporated and immediately taken care of. We had previously attempted this process with a different attorney and found it to be far less organized and accurate. We will always retain Ms. Stacy for any future needs. Ms. Stacy is particularly educated regarding the specific needs of GLBTQ couples and individuals. She is warm, aware of all potential protections that can be necessary for couples to retain their rights, and is exceptionally trained.
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Posted by Janet | January 23, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Review Your Lawyer
My lawyer created a final trust for me which required some very complicated matters that needed a great deal of understanding of the laws and corrected some past mistakes from a will that actually never got filed from before. When I left her office I understood absolutely everything I was to do and she explained why we needed to do the things we did. I NOW know that my children will be taken care of or my husband after my demise or his. She is fabulous and I love how at home she made us both feel. I would and have recommended her to others, she's the best and has a great sense of humor which makes it easier when you have to talk about this kind of material. I Love her.
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Posted by Eli | January 22, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
That was EASY!
I am so incredibly grateful to Joni Watke Stacy! She made the process of getting my name change simple and efficient! She communicated each step clearly and made it seamless for me. Plus she is supportive and kind! Not only did she make the process easy she also gave me excellent advice on how to proceed with other getting my identity documents changed as well. She shared with me the difference between certified copies and told me how many I may need to start. If you are looking for an attorney who takes the mystery out of a name change process in Omaha, Joni is the attorney for you!
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Posted by zack | January 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Joan helped me with my divorce. When I came into her office I was distraught and had no idea what to do or where to turn. She was very patient with me and walked me through the entire process from beginning to end. I know that there were times when I must have been bugging the heck out of her with constant questions and concerns, but she continued to be patient and handled everything very professionally. I personally know several people that have also used her services and everyone that I talk to her has nothing but good things to say about her. I would highly recommend her to anyone that needs any help with Family, Trusts, and Wills.
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Posted by Kelly | January 14, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
So amazing and listens
I have been with joni for quite some time. When i forst met her i was clueless and scared. Joni was extemely understanding and helpful. She guided me through all my questions and even made me think about things i never would have. She has always been truthful and realistic with me. I will always recommed joni to anyone who needs help!
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Posted by Kathy | January 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Personable and Professional
Trusted friends referred me to Joni Watke Stacy. I hired her to assist our family with settling our mother’s estate during a very emotional and stressful time. This included many intricacies with clearing the house title, which were all successfully maneuvered within a reasonable time frame. Joni is down-to-earth, personable, professional, and cares about her clients and their individual goals. I would hire her again without hesitation.
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Posted by Scott | January 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Child Custody Lawyer!!!
Joan did an outstanding job at helping me get custody of my two sons. Throughout the process she explained what I should expect. This was a time of high anxiety for me, Joan was very empathetic and worked very hard for me to make sure I won my case. Joan also was very real in what I could and should expect and never did I feel she was "padding" her billable hours (as I've had experiences where other lawyers would do that) by setting false expectations for me and was honest about what we could and couldn't do from a legal perspective. Joan continually helped take some of my emotion out of the situation and helped me to be real in what could and couldn't be done from a legal perspective. I can't thank Joan enough for the outstanding job she did - she was completely professional, but was also a joy to work with as she helped make this horrible process a manageable one. I ended up winning custody of my two sons and I can't thank her enough.
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Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A lawyer you can trust
Joan Watke Stacy has been my attorney for over 15 years. She is smart, direct, caring and ethical. Over the course of the past 12 years my ex-husband has been in contempt of our divorce decree and parenting plan several times. On each occurrence, Joni's ability to effectively communicate with my ex’s attorney lead to a resolution fairly quickly. There are MANY attorneys out there who will drag things out, which is of course to their financial advantage. I never had to worry about this with Joan representing me. She is a wonderful person, and an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend her!
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Posted by Molly | January 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent lawyer
Joan Watke Stacy handled my divorce and my will. I would highly recommend her as a lawyer. She is knowledgeable, efficient, and she thoroughly answered all of my questions. I am so grateful that I hired her for my divorce. I have referred many of my friends to her, and I will continue to seek her help for any legal needs that I may have in the future.
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Posted by Deborah | January 11, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional
Joni is trustworthy, understanding, diligent and caring. She is efficient and demonstrated the utmost concern for our case while also balancing our need to keep the costs down. I completely trust her judgement and recommendations.
Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Compassionate and Knowledgeable Attorney
From the first time I met Joan I knew she was a compassionate, thoughtful and amazing individual. Joan really listened and cared for all of our families needs. She went the extra mile to ensure that the process was handled with the utmost care for a sensitive matter. Joan is a true advocate for our entire family and we couldn't have asked for better situation. Thank you!
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Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Joan Watke Stacy
Joni did an excellent job on my divorce case, and helped me get exactly what I was looking for without having to give up much, if anything, to get that outcome. She listened to my situation, and really took the time to understand how I had ended up where I did, and the circumstances leading up to that situation. She always put my needs first, but at the same time was honest with me about what I was requesting, and helped me understand the way the court system worked, and what things meant when I wasn't clear. She was always on top of things, and made sure the necessary paperwork was submitted correctly, and on time. Joni provided clear steps on timelines, details as to how the case would be proceeding (next steps), and clarification, for anything that I didn't understand at the time. I really appreciated all the support and guidance that Joni provided, and I don't know that I would have ended up with the outcome that I have, without her assistance. She did a great job on my case.
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Posted by Jerry | January 9, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Professional
I hired Joan to help with changes to a QDRO associated with my pension fund. Joan did a great job of explaining what needed to be done and working with me and the contact in my pension department. Her work was thorough and professional. Joan prepared and filed all the required legal paperwork and the changes I needed to have made went through without issue. I will be contacting Joan again when I need help with my personal will.
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Posted by Drew | January 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Service!
I have hired Joan for both business and family needs. Joan has constructed my will and has given excellent advise regarding it's structure where it best serves our future needs. Recently I sold a business and Joan was able to give me advise on how to move forward with regards to taking care of my family legally if I were to pass away. She is always available and quick to get results. Her insight and advise have proved to be beneficial and I highly recommend her!
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Posted by MARY LOU | January 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Estate Settlement
Joni was extremely professional, knowledgable and efficient in handling the estate for my late mother. Appointment times were very convenient and accommodating to my schedule. The compassion that Joni showed to my family during our time of sadness was very comforting and reassuring. I would and do highly recommend this law firm.
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Posted by Richard | January 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fabulous Attorney
Joan was cheerful, professional, thorough - an absolute pleasure to work with.
Posted by Patti | January 8, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Joan Watke Stacy
I have very high respect and regard for my divorce attorney, Joan Watke Stacy. Her attention to detail, keeping me informed and her experience with the legal process is flawless and sincere. I never feel intimidated with the court because she puts me at ease with the confidence, professionalism and intelligence she exudes. She shares the same respect for her clients.
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Posted by Mark | January 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Elder Separation
I engaged Joni after establishing a guardianship & conservatorship for my 93 year-old mother's second husband who had developed dementia and who was being physcially abusive to my mother. Joni was recommended by the attorney who had assisted with the guardianship since it appeared litigation might become necessary to separate the two individuals and achieve some division of assets and support. Our concern was to avoid divorce which might have jeopardized spousal rights to the husband's pension. Joni very capably guided us through a very fair settlement agreement while being very understanding of the special needs of the elderly individuals involved. We managed to avoid adversarial court proceedings involving my mother and her husband while dealing with some potentially touchy personal and financial issues. At the same time, I felt confident that Joni would be quite effective at representing our interests if matters became more controversial and required more formal legal actions. Joni was very fair with her biling and I feel she provided the right level of assistance with concern for keeping overall costs within reason for this engagement. I would hignly recommend Joni as legal counsel to assist in dealing with difficult family issues involving the elderly as a result of this experience.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 300-350 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.5 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • Watke, Polk & Sena, LLP
  • 2014 - Present
  • Owner
  • Joan Watke Stacy, PC, LLO
  • 1996 - 2014

Education

  • Creighton University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1996
  • University of Nebraska, Omaha
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1990
  • University of Nebraska, Omaha
  • MBA - Master of Business Administration
  • N/A

Associations

  • Lambda Legal
  • Cooperating Attorney
  • 2013 - Present
  • PFLAG National
  • Board of Directors Member
  • 2012 - 2016
  • PFLAG National
  • Central Regional Director
  • 2010 - 2016

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • 2016 Nationally Ranked Top 10 Attorney Award
  • National Academy Of Family Law Attorneys
  • 2016

Speaking Engagements

  • Advanced Issues in Family Law
  • Non-Traditional Families
  • 2015
  • Advanced Issues in Family Law
  • Advanced Issues in Contempt
  • 2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (1)
Endorse Joan
Family Attorney | Dec 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Family Attorney | Jan 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have referred clients to Joanie for over 5 years. She has always given them exceptional service and exceptional results. I will continue to refer clients to her with confidence in the future."
Estate planning Attorney | Jan 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Ms. Stacy is clearly a knowledgeable attorney in her various practice areas. I endorse her,"
Family Attorney | Jan 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Joni professionally and personally for 20 years. She is professional, ethical and caring. She is reasonable to work with and advocates for her clients very well."
Criminal defense
Omaha Wills and living wills Lawyer Joan Watke
Joan Watke
Wills and living wills Attorney
Omaha, NE
Licensed for 27 years
Virtual consultation available