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Ruth Westmont
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Ruth Westmont
Westmont Law Office
1837 Aberg Ave
Madison, WI 53704
Phone: (608) 244-9494 | Fax: (608) 442-1211
http://www.westmontlaw.net
Quality, Affordable Legal Services
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Divorce, family law, adoption, criminal, juvenile, guardianship, wills and probate, estate planning, elder law, general practice.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Powers of Attorney
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Divorce, family law, adoption, criminal, juvenile, guardianship, wills and probate, estate planning, elder law, general practice.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Law
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Bar Admissions
WI, Jun 1982
Bar Number: 1009635
Other Court Admissions
Wisconsin and U.S. District Court.
Association Memberships
Dane County Bar Association, Wisconsin State Bar Association, Dane County Case Mediation Program, AARP Participating Attorney, and National Association of Social Workers.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars on a variety of topics.
Papers and Publications
Co-authored Alternative Dispute Resolution Guide (with Allan Koritzinsky).
Example Cases
In nearly 30 years practicing law, I have handled all manner of family law cases, from simple uncontested divorces to complex multi-day trials, for clients from all walks of life, as well as guardianships, juvenile cases, criminal cases, real estate transactions, wills and probate, and other general practice matters.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of Wisconsin Law School
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Year:
1982
Degree:
Master of Science in Social Work
School:
University of Wisconsin
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Year:
1977
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
School:
University of Wisconsin
City:
Madison
State:
WI
Year:
1977
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
Wisconsin
Firm Focus and History
I have a general practice firm with a particular focus in the areas of family law and divorce, adoption, juvenile law, guardianship, estate planning, probate, elder law, and criminal defense.
I established this firm in 1996.
Previous Employment Summary
Prior to starting my own firm, I served as executive director to United Neighborhood Centers and as counsel to WHEDA (Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority).
Activities and Awards
Chair, Dane County Bar Association - Membership
Past Chair, State Bar of Wisconsin General Practice Section
Member, Dane County Bar Association - Criminal Section
Member, State Bar of Wisconsin Alternative Dispute Resolution Section
Member, State Bar of Wisconsin Children in the Law
Mediator, Trainer and Program Development, Dane County Case Mediation Program
Mediator, Farm Mediation Program
Supervising and Training Attorney, Unemployment Compensation Appeals Clinic
Crisis Counselor, Wisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program
Volunteer, Legal Action of Wisconsin
Volunteer, Family Law pro se clinic
Co-author (with Allan Koritzinsky), Alternative Dispute Resolution Guide
AARP Participating Attorney
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I welcome clients reading and being knowledgeable about legal issues. Some clients do not want to know the law, and they trust their attorney to advocate for them to maximize the outcome. Clients that educate themselves often ask more questions and are more involved in the process.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
While I am willing to review documents prepare by clients, this is often a very timely and costly process. Frequently, it would be more cost-effective for me simply to prepare the documents for the client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to coach clients that represent themselves and be the ghostwriter of documents where appropriate.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have undergraduate and masters degrees in social work and spent a year in the Ph.D. program in social welfare. I went into law because I realized that I could help people more as an attorney.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I have helped form the Dane County Mediation Program and written mediation materials for the program. I have maintained my social work license. I am trained as a collaborative lawyer and as a mediator.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I choose to work one on one with individuals and families. I want to have direct involvement in people's lives.
What do you like best about your career?
Owning my own business, I control what I do on a day to day basis. I decide the type of clients I want to deal with and the kinds of cases I take. Money is not the motivation.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have two associate attorneys, one full-time and one part-time, and a secretary who has a wealth of knowledge and experience.
What are your strengths and style?
I am a strong assertive advocate who is not afraid to litigate in court. However, I am also a trained mediator and collaborative lawyer, and I know that it is often better to help the parties reach their own resolution.
Personal Interests:
I keep active by playing tennis, soccer and running my dog. I love to travel, and I enjoy going to theater and community events. I play bridge and am a member of various groups.
Office Manager/Assistant
Jamie
Fax
(608) 442-1211
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Our firm does not typically work on a fixed fee basis.
Hourly Rates
$250.
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes, up to one hour.
Typical Retainer
Varies depending on the complexity of the claim and circumstances.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
