Lawyers Serving Wisconsin

How to Find a Lawyer in Wisconsin

You've come to the right place for help in finding a local lawyer who can serve you. LegalConsumer.com is your portal to local listings of lawyers from quality websites and bar associations.

Of course, it is up to you to pick the lawyer that is best for you and we make no warranties about the lawyers who choose to advertise with us or are listed on directories that we point to.

Nevertheless we hope you find these listings useful.

What we do offer is some helpful tips on how to determine if your lawyer knows the subject matter and will be responsive to your needs.

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How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer in Wisconsin

You don’t always need to hire a lawyer to handle a personal injury case but you should at least take some time to consider the ways a personal injury lawyer can help you.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury law is a specialty, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can make a big difference in the results you get, even if it’s just a matter of putting necessary pressure on a reluctant insurance company.

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How to Find a DUI or DWI Lawyer in Wisconsin

You don’t always need to hire a lawyer to handle a DUI or DWI case but if you think you might be found guilty or you want a lawyer's opinion on your case, you’ll want to get the best advice possible.

Why Hire a DUI or DWI Lawyer

DUI law is a specialty, and a good DUI lawyer can make a big difference in the results you get. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses on DUI cases, rather than using a general practice lawyer.

Resources for Finding DUI Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find a DUI lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know a DUI lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good DUI attorney.

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin DUI lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with a DUI lawyer in Wisconsin, you can fill-in the form below and a lawyer will be in touch with you. .

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How to Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Wisconsin

If you are facing criminal charges or believe you may be at risk for criminal prosecution, you’ll want the help of a good criminal defense lawyer. (See Ten Ways a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You.)

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal law is a specialty. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who practices only criminal law, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Criminal Defense Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find a criminal defense lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know a criminal lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good criminal defense attorney.

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of criminal defense lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin criminal defense lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get criminal defense assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with a criminal defense lawyer in Wisconsin, you can enter your info in the sponsored form below. A local lawyer may then get in touch with you.

Ten Ways a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

If you are charged with a crime, you should have a criminal defense lawyer on your side. While you have the legal right to represent yourself in a criminal proceeding, it’s rarely wise to do so.

Without precise knowledge of the local legal landscape, you could end up facing more severe penalties than you otherwise would.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

Among other things, a good criminal defense attorney can:

Analyze your case, identifying its strengths and potential problems.
Argue that the court should drop charges against you.
Persuade the court to reduce or eliminate bail.
File court paperwork accurately and on time.
Gather and evaluate evidence, and hire investigators or expert witnesses that can help your case.
Attempt to reduce charges or penalties by negotiating a plea bargain.
Help you evaluate the pros and cons of pleading guilty.
Figure out what defense strategy will serve you best.
Negotiate the most favorable sentence for you.
Help you stay calm and manage difficult emotions that arise during your case.

Find a Good Criminal Defense Lawyer

Like tax law, family law, or bankruptcy law, criminal defense law is a specialty. Within the field of criminal injury law, lawyers often specialize in defending people accused of certain types of crimes, for example, DUI, assault, white-collar crimes, or sexual offenses.

Someone claiming to be a criminal defense lawyer should be able to point to experience and deep knowledge of the specialized area of criminal law, including applicable state or federal laws and the common practices of your local court system.

For an experienced lawyer, many aspects of criminal cases are routine. The lawyer you choose should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed with your case given the circumstances of your situation and outcomes of similar cases in your location.

If you're going to hire a criminal defense lawyer, make sure you get a good one. Do your homework and comparison shop before you hire someone to represent you.

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Ten Ways a Business Lawyer Can Help You

If you’re a small business owner, be confident that you can handle many tasks without a business lawyer, such as writing your business plan, reserving a domain name, and applying for licenses and permits.

You can also go solo on larger jobs. For example, there are many good resources available to help you choose a legal structure for your business -- sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC -- and set it up.

That said, an experienced, local business lawyer could be a great asset: Do you know which local, state, or federal licenses or permits your business must have? Do you feel confident negotiating with that new vendor you’ve been talking to? Are you sure the IRS is going to agree that the person you just hired is a contractor and not an employee?

You may find it helpful to look for a business lawyer who is willing to consult with you, reviewing important documents and answering questions as they arise.

What Does a Business Lawyer Do?

Here’s a short list of things a good business law attorney can help you do:

Confirm you’ve chosen the best legal structure for your new business.
Draft or review important agreements such as a partnership agreement, LLC operating agreement, or shareholder’s agreement.
Apply for licenses or permits that involve complex legal regulations and paperwork.
Answer questions and advise you on legal matters as they arise: contracts, taxes, trademarks, trade secrets, zoning or environmental rules, and more.
Keep clear relationships with people you hire: determining whether a worker is an employee or contractor, understanding best hiring practices, maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and sexual harassment, and other concerns.
Negotiate intelligently. Negotiations may include leases, vendor contracts, mergers, acquisitions, or other situations that affect your business.
Defend you or your business if an employee or customer sues you.
Represent you if you are unable to resolve a conflict with your business partners.
Handle an IRS audit.
Sell your company.

Find a Good Business Lawyer

Like tax law, bankruptcy law, or family law, business law is a specialty subject involving complex legal rules. Someone claiming to be a business lawyer should be able to point to experience and deep knowledge of business law and regulations in your municipality, county, and state.

For an experienced business lawyer, most transactions involving business law are routine. Chances are good that an experienced lawyer has already seen a situation like yours. The lawyer you choose should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed with your business matter given your goals and your state’s laws.

If you're going to hire a business lawyer, make sure you get a good one. Do your homework and comparison shop before you hire someone to represent you.

How to Find a Business Lawyer in Wisconsin

As a small business owner, you can take care of many business-related legal matters on your own but there are times when a good business lawyer’s assistance can be invaluable. (See Ten Ways a Business Lawyer Can Help You.)

Why Hire a Business Lawyer

Business law is a specialty. An experienced business lawyer can make sure you get high-quality results without wasting time or money. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on business law, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Business Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find a business lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates. Start with the people you know who own businesses, but consider asking anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know a business lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good business attorney.

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of business lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin business lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get business assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with a business lawyer in Wisconsin, you can visit our Wisconsin Lawyers Page and enter your zip code. A local lawyer will then get in touch with you.

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How to Find an Employment Lawyer in Wisconsin

Usually, it’s possible to resolve problems at work on your own, but if trouble takes a turn for the worst, you may benefit from the services of a good employment lawyer. (For guidance on when you might need a lawyer, see Ten Ways an Employment Lawyer Can Help You.)

Why Hire an Employment Lawyer

Employment law is a specialty. An experienced employment lawyer can make sure you get the best possible result without wasting your time or money. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on employment law, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Employment Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find an employment lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know an employment lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good employment attorney.

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of employment lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin employment lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get workplace assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with an employment lawyer in Wisconsin, you can visit our Wisconsin Lawyers Page and enter your zip code. A local lawyer will then get in touch with you.

SPONSORED FORM - Nolo/Martindale Attorney Network

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How to Find a Divorce Lawyer in Wisconsin

You don’t always need to hire a divorce lawyer to handle your split from a spouse -- but you should at least take some time to consider the ways an experienced divorce attorney can help you.

Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer

Divorce law is a specialty, and a good divorce lawyer can make a big difference in the results you get. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on divorce cases, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Divorce Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find a divorce lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know a divorce lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good divorce attorney. (Likewise, if you’ve successfully worked with a lawyer in the past, get back in touch and ask for a referral to a divorce specialist.)

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of divorce lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin divorce lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get divorce assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with a divorce lawyer in Wisconsin, you can enter your info in the form below and a local lawyer may then get in touch with you.

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How to Find a Real Estate Lawyer in Wisconsin

A real estate lawyer can help you protect your interests when leasing, buying, or selling real property.

Why Hire a Real Estate Lawyer

Real estate law is a specialty. If you decide to consult a lawyer for your real estate transaction, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on real estate law, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Real Estate Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find a real estate lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know a real estate lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good real estate attorney.

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of real estate lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin real estate lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get real estate law assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with a real estate lawyer in Wisconsin, you can visit our Wisconsin Lawyers Page and enter your zip code. A local lawyer will then get in touch with you.

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How to Find a Family Lawyer in Wisconsin

Family law is about much more than divorce. A qualified family lawyer can help you with adoption, guardianship, conservatorship, domestic disputes, paternity questions, and more. (See Ten Ways a Family Lawyer Can Help You. If you are looking for a divorce lawyer, see How to Find a Divorce Lawyer in Wisconsin.)

Why Hire a Family Lawyer

Family law is a specialty. An experienced family law attorney can make sure you get high-quality results without wasting time or money. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on family law, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Family Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find a family lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know a family lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good family law attorney.

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of family lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin family lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get family law assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with a family lawyer in Wisconsin, you can visit our Wisconsin Lawyers Page and enter your zip code. A local lawyer will then get in touch with you.

Ten Ways a Family Lawyer Can Help You

Most family law attorneys focus on divorce, including related issues like splitting up property, figuring out alimony, and negotiating child custody and support. (For more information, see Ten Ways a Divorce Lawyer Can Help You.) But family lawyers handle a wide variety of other matters as well, from adoption to paternity, from guardianship to domestic disputes.

What a Family Lawyer Does

An experienced family lawyer can help you:

Write a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement and represent you if you and your spouse change your mind or have a later disagreement about the terms of your contract.
Adopt a child, including understanding your local rules, finding an adoption agency if necessary, filling out paperwork, and representing you at any legal hearings.
Handle guardianship or conservatorship proceedings.
Get a restraining order or other protections if you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse.
Resolve questions of paternity or termination of parental rights.
If you are an LGBT couple, help you understand the unique concerns that apply to your family situation including marriage or divorce, domestic partnership, or adoption in your state and county.
Evaluate the strength of your case in any kind of dispute related to family law.
Fill out necessary paperwork and get it filed on time without costly mistakes.
Negotiate on your behalf and represent you in court if necessary.
Stay objective. In a difficult case, you won’t get the best results if your judgment is clouded by anger, frustration, or fear. A good lawyer can help you make clear-minded decisions.

Find a Good Family Lawyer

Like tax law, bankruptcy law, or criminal law, family law is a specialty subject involving complex legal rules. Someone claiming to be a family lawyer should be able to point to experience and deep knowledge of family law and your local network of agencies, organizations, and courts.

For an experienced family lawyer, many aspects of family law cases are routine. Chances are good that an experienced lawyer has already seen a situation like yours. The lawyer you choose should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed with your family law case, given your unique circumstances and the local laws and procedures that apply.

If you're going to hire a family lawyer, make sure you get a good one. Do your homework and comparison shop before you hire someone to represent you.

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How to Find an Immigration Lawyer in Wisconsin

You don’t always need to hire a lawyer to handle your immigration matter but you should at least take some time to consider the ways an immigration lawyer can help you.

Why Hire an Immigration Lawyer

Immigration law is a specialty. An experienced immigration lawyer can make a big difference in the results you get. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on immigration issues, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Immigration Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find an immigration lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know an immigration lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good immigration attorney.

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of immigration lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin immigration lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get immigration assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with an immigration lawyer in Wisconsin, you can visit our Wisconsin Lawyers Page and enter your zip code. A local lawyer will then get in touch with you.

Ten Ways an Immigration Lawyer Can Help You

You don’t need a lawyer to apply for a U.S. immigrant visa or green card. If your case is without obvious stumbling blocks -- for example, you clearly meet the requirements for the benefit you want, you don’t have a criminal record, and you haven’t had trouble with immigration authorities in the past – you might well be able to get a visa or green card on your own.

That said, immigration has always been complicated; these days, for many, it’s even more fraught with uncertainty and anxiety. In many situations, a good immigration lawyer can save you a lot of time, frustration, and stress.

What Does an Immigration Attorney Do?

Among many other things, an immigration lawyer can help you:

Figure out whether you are admissible before you apply for a visa or green card.
Get asylum or refugee status.
Increase your chances of succeeding when there are strikes against you, such as a criminal record, communicable disease, denial of a previous application, or even a previous deportation.
Obtain legal status if you are currently in the United States illegally.
Get the right paperwork and complete it properly. What seems like a simple mistake on an application can lead to long delays or even denial or deportation. Forms that may feel overwhelming to you will be routine for an immigration lawyer.
Get answers from USCIS about your application if it seems to have disappeared or been delayed.
Prove that your marriage is not a sham.
Start a business in the United States.
Avoid deportation by advising you and representing you in court if necessary.
Stay calm. A good lawyer can help you get information and make clear-minded decisions about the immigration process.

Find a Good Immigration Attorney

Like tax law, bankruptcy law, or family law, immigration law is a specialty subject involving complex legal rules. With the field of immigration law, attorneys often specialize in particular types of cases. Someone claiming to be an immigration lawyer should be able to point to experience with situations like yours.

If you're going to hire an immigration lawyer, make sure you get a good one. Do your homework and comparison shop before you hire someone to represent you.

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How to Find an Estate Planning Lawyer in Wisconsin

You can probably take care of some estate planning tasks without hiring a lawyer. For example, if your situation is simple and you have good do-it-yourself resources, you might make a basic will, finalize health care directives and powers of attorney, or even draft your own living trust to avoid probate court. However, there are many times when an experienced estate planning lawyer can be a big help. (See Ten Ways an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help You.)

Why Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer

Estate planning law is a specialty. If you decide to consult an estate planning lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on estate planning, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Estate Planning Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find an estate planning lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know an estate planning lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good estate planning attorney.

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of estate planning lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin estate planning lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get estate planning assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with an estate planning lawyer in Wisconsin, you can enter your information below. A local lawyer will then get in touch with you.

Ten Ways an Estate Planning Lawyer Can Help You

Estate planning is the process of deciding what will happen to your property after you die -- for example, by making a will and perhaps a trust. Usually, estate planning also includes making documents to direct your health care and naming someone to manage your finances if you become unable to take care of yourself.

You may be able to handle some estate planning tasks without hiring a lawyer. For example, with good do-it-yourself resources, you might make a basic will, finalize health care directives and powers of attorney, or even draft your own living trust to avoid probate court.

But if you have substantial assets, fear family disagreements, or simply feel more comfortable and confident placing your affairs into the hands of an experienced professional, it makes good sense to hire an estate planning lawyer.

What Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Do?

Among other things, an estate planning lawyer can help you:

Clarify your estate planning goals and needs.
Understand your estate planning options so you can make the plan that works best for you and your family.
Name the people who will manage your affairs -- that is, who would make health care decisions for you if you become incapacitated, who would manage your finances under those circumstances, and who will wrap up your estate after you die.
Avoid costly and possibly heartbreaking mistakes by making sure your estate planning documents are properly completed, meeting all the requirements of Wisconsin law.
Ensure that your estate planning documents work together seamlessly.
Pass property to your loved ones without the need for the delays, expenses, and complexity of probate court.
Plan to avoid or reduce taxes if necessary.
Make a plan that will work for a blended or extended family, including second (or later) marriages.
If you are a business owner, make a plan that ensures a smooth transition of your business interests.
Head off problems with family members who may not like your plan.

Find a Good Estate Planning Lawyer

Like tax law, bankruptcy law, or divorce law, estate planning law is a specialty subject involving complex legal rules. Someone claiming to be an estate planning lawyer should be able to point to experience and deep knowledge of your state’s estate planning laws.

For an experienced estate planning lawyer, most aspects of making an estate plan are routine. Chances are good that an experienced lawyer has helped many clients with needs similar to yours. The lawyer you choose should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed with your estate plan, given your family situation, your goals, your financial circumstances, and more.

If you're going to hire an estate planning lawyer, make sure you get a good one. Do your homework and comparison shop before you hire someone to represent you.

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How to Find an Inheritance & Probate Lawyer in Wisconsin

You don’t always need to hire an inheritance and probate lawyer to help you wrap up someone’s estate -- but you should at least take some time to consider the ways a probate lawyer can help you.

Why Hire an Inheritance & Probate Lawyer

Inheritance & probate law is a specialty, and a good probate lawyer can make a big difference in the results you get. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on probate cases, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Inheritance & Probate Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find a probate lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates -- anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know a probate lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good probate attorney. (Likewise, if you’ve successfully worked with a lawyer in the past, get back in touch and ask for a referral to a probate lawyer.)

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of probate lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin probate lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Justia.com Wisconsin Lawyer Directory

Nolo Lawyer Directory of Probate Attorneys

Legal Information Institute Directory of Probate Lawyers (Cornell Law School)

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get probate assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation

Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with a probate lawyer in Wisconsin, you can visit our Wisconsin Lawyers Page and enter your zip code. A local lawyer will then get in touch with you.

Ten Ways an Inheritance & Probate Lawyer Can Help You

If you’ve been named as an executor or personal representative—that is, the person in charge of wrapping up the estate of someone who has died—you may need or want to hire a probate lawyer.

It’s not always necessary to use a probate lawyer (sometimes called an inheritance lawyer). If the estate is modest and doesn’t contain tricky kinds of property like a business or real estate in multiple states, you may be able to handle the process on your own. (There are plenty of resources available to help you with that. A good one to start with is Nolo’s Executor’s Guide.)

On the other hand, if you’re handling a large or complex estate, a qualified probate lawyer can be invaluable. Among other things, a good probate lawyer can help you do some or all of the following:

Make sense of state inheritance law and understand how the law applies to your situation.
Determine whether the deceased person’s property must go through probate court.
Use the right probate shortcuts, if any are available to you.
Obtain and complete the right paperwork to transfer assets.
Navigate the local probate court system.
Determine what types of tax the estate owes and file any necessary tax returns.
Manage family conflicts and avoid court fights.
Settle issues with creditors of the estate.
Manage, appraise, transfer, or sell business interests.
Handle other types of complex property interests, like commercial real estate or real estate owned in other states.

Like tax law, bankruptcy law, or divorce law, probate law is a specialty subject involving complex legal rules. Someone claiming to be a probate lawyer should be able to point to experience and deep knowledge of your state’s inheritance laws and the local court system.

For an experienced probate lawyer, most aspects of winding up an estate are routine. Chances are good that an experienced inheritance lawyer has helped many clients with needs similar to yours. The lawyer you choose should be able to take you through the probate process from start to finish, given the amount and types of property involved and applicable state law.

If you're going to hire a probate lawyer, make sure you get a good one. Do your homework and comparison shop before you hire someone to represent you.

For more resources, see How to Find an Inheritance & Probate Lawyer in Wisconsin.

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How to Find an Intellectual Property Lawyer in Wisconsin

It’s often possible to handle a copyright, trademark, or patent matter on your own, but there are times when an intellectual property lawyer’s assistance can be a big help. (See Ten Ways an Intellectual Property Lawyer Can Help You.)

Why Hire an Intellectual Property Lawyer

Intellectual property law is a specialty, covering technical issues from trademarks to patents, from copyright to trade secrets to licensing agreements.

An experienced IP lawyer can help you protect your ownership interests without wasting time or money. If you decide to hire a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone who focuses only or almost exclusively on intellectual property law, rather than using a general practice lawyer or a lawyer who concentrates on some other legal subject.

Resources for Finding Intellectual Property Lawyers

Here are some recommended ways to find an intellectual property lawyer:

Ask around. Without a doubt, the best way to find a good lawyer is to ask friends, family, work associates. Start with the people you know who own businesses, but consider asking anyone you know and trust. Even if they don’t personally know an IP lawyer, they may know another lawyer they like. And that lawyer may be able to direct you to a good intellectual property attorney.

Ask your local bar association. The State Bar of Wisconsin maintains a lawyer directory. This directory can provide you with names of intellectual property lawyers in your area who are in good standing with the bar association. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar association doesn’t screen the lawyers for the amount of experience they have or for their competence. It’s up to you to interview each attorney to find out whether they have the experience you need.

Online lawyer directories. Here are a few websites that offer directories of attorneys serving Wisconsin. Because different attorneys list with different directories, we offer you a choice so you can consider a selection of Wisconsin IP lawyers. Like bar association directories, these lawyers have probably not been screened for their qualifications or competence. Lawyers usually self-report their information, so be prepared to do your homework and ask each lawyer about their experience before hiring anyone.

Low-cost legal aid services. If your income is low, you may be able to get intellectual property assistance or advice from a local legal aid organization.

Free legal services in Wisconsin from Legal Services Corporation
Your local law school may have a free legal clinic where law students, supervised by their professors, offer legal help. Click on your state to find the law school closest to you.

Finally, if you wish to be directly connected with an intellectual property lawyer in Wisconsin, you can visit our Wisconsin Lawyers Page and enter your zip code. A local lawyer will then get in touch with you.

Ten Ways an Intellectual Property Lawyer Can Help You

Intellectual property refers to “creations of the mind,” such as works of literature and art, inventions, designs, symbols, and unique names -- creative work that is critical to the way our society and economy functions. Your creations may be protected by one of several areas of intellectual property law, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing.

Intellectual property (IP) is a highly detailed and complex area of the law. It’s rife with gray areas, and both individuals and companies will often aggressively protect their intellectual property rights. While you may be able to handle some IP tasks on your own -- for example, securing a straightforward trademark to writing a letter asking a website to take down your copyrighted content -- an intellectual property attorney can guide you in more complicated matters.

What Does an Intellectual Property Lawyer Do?

Among other things, a good intellectual property lawyer can help you:

Understand how intellectual property works, including which area of intellectual property law applies whether your work is eligible for protection.
Secure a trademark to distinguish your product or service in the marketplace.
File for and obtain a patent to protect an invention.
Protect a secret method, formula, or device (a trade secret) that gives you a competitive advantage over other businesses.
Leverage your intellectual property to attract business investors.
Draft or review contracts to license your work or to transfer ownership of it.
Figure out whether someone is using your work illegally and stop others from infringing your rights.
Avoid stepping on someone else’s IP rights, including searching to find out what rights others own or keeping you out of trouble by explaining how the law applies to what you want to do.
Negotiate licenses to use or buy someone else’s protected work.
Go to court to stop someone from violating your intellectual property rights.

Find a Good Intellectual Property Attorney

Like tax law, bankruptcy law, or estate planning law, intellectual property law is a specialty subject involving complex legal rules. Within the IP field, attorneys often focus on certain types of transactions -- patents, for example, or licensing agreements.

Someone claiming to be an intellectual property lawyer should be able to point to experience and deep knowledge of the type of law that applies to your issue. If the lawyer has the right experience, many aspects of your transaction will be routine. The lawyer you choose should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed with your intellectual property matter, given the type of work at issue, what you want to do with it, and the regulations, statutes, and cases that apply.

If you're going to hire an intellectual property lawyer, make sure you get a good one. Do your homework and comparison shop before you hire someone to represent you.

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