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Family law and probate · Hales Corners, Wisconsin

Steady legal guidance for your family, at one of the hardest moments

Attorney Brittany Klaus Crothers helps families across southeastern Wisconsin resolve divorce, custody, probate and guardianship matters as peacefully as possible, and as firmly as necessary. Free initial consultation.

Schedule a free consultation Call 414-519-6255

Family-run since 2008 · 17+ years in practice · Referral-driven

You should not have to figure this out alone

Most people who call us have never hired a lawyer before. They are worried about their kids, their house, their savings, or a parent who can no longer manage on their own.

Attorney Brittany Klaus Crothers has spent 17+ years walking Wisconsin families through exactly these moments. She explains the process in plain terms, tells you what to expect, and handles the legal weight so you can hold your family together.

How we help

Four areas of practice, all centered on families.

Divorce

Uncontested, mediated or litigated. We help you choose the path that costs your family the least, in money and in peace.

Explore divorce options

Family Law

Custody and placement, child support, maintenance, paternity, prenuptial agreements and post-judgment changes.

See family law services

Probate

Estate administration after a death, from validating the will to final distribution. We keep the estate moving so your family can grieve.

Understand probate

Guardianships

For an aging parent, an adult with a disability, or a minor who has lost a parent. We petition the court and see it through.

Learn about guardianship

4 practice areas.

Why families choose Crothers Law

Clients describe Attorney Crothers as easy to talk to, easy to work with, and exceptionally thorough.

Amicable first. Assertive when your family needs it.

  1. Amicable first

    We resolve most disputes out of court. That saves money, time and the working relationship you may still need with your co-parent.

  2. Assertive when it counts

    Some cases need a firm hand. When yours does, you have an attorney who is prepared to advocate for you in the courtroom.

  3. Child-centered

    Every recommendation starts with the same question: what keeps these children safe and stable?

  4. You will understand where you stand

    Step by step explanations, honest expectations about hearings and timelines, and clear answers about what drives custody, placement, support and maintenance.

  5. Known in these courthouses

    17+ years of practice across southeastern Wisconsin has built working relationships with fellow attorneys, judges and court staff in the counties where your case will be heard.

  6. Family-run since 2008

    A small firm by choice. Your case is handled by the attorney you met, not passed down a hallway.

Attorney Brittany Klaus Crothers of Crothers Law, S.C.

Meet your attorney

Brittany Klaus Crothers

Brittany A. Klaus Crothers founded Crothers Law, S.C., and practices primarily in family law, probate and guardianship.

She graduated magna cum laude from Marquette University Law School in 2008 and has practiced in Wisconsin ever since. She lives in Dousman with her family.

Read Brittany's full biography

Recognition

Peer-recognized, and local to your courthouse

Serving families across Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth, Ozaukee and Washington counties.

Rated by Super Lawyers badge for Brittany Klaus Crothers, 2025

Rated by Super Lawyers

Brittany Klaus Crothers, 2025

Avvo attorney rating badge

Avvo

Attorney rating

Expertise.com Best Divorce Lawyers in Milwaukee 2023 badge

Expertise.com

Best Divorce Lawyers in Milwaukee, 2023

Where we practice

From our office in Hales Corners, we represent families throughout Milwaukee, Waukesha, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth, Ozaukee and Washington counties.

Questions people ask us first

If your question is not here, ask it directly. Initial consultations are free.

414-519-6255

Probate is the legal process of distributing a deceased person's estate so that assets reach the intended beneficiaries. In Wisconsin it generally involves validating the will, taking inventory of assets, filing taxes, repaying outstanding debts and distributing what remains to beneficiaries.

Not all of them. In Wisconsin, assets the decedent owned solely and did not name a beneficiary on generally must go through probate. That commonly includes real property, bank accounts, vehicles, business assets and personal property such as jewelry.

That is called intestate succession, and Wisconsin's intestacy laws decide who inherits. The results are sometimes not what the family expected, and disputes can end up in court. An attorney can often help you avoid that and can act as an adviser through the process.

Locate the original will and any codicils, secure the property, obtain several certified copies of the death certificate, notify financial institutions and government agencies, gather financial documents, list assets and liabilities, and consult a probate attorney early so you understand your obligations and deadlines.

The personal representative, sometimes called the executor, manages the estate as a fiduciary for all beneficiaries. Duties include opening the case with the court, notifying heirs and creditors, protecting estate assets, paying valid debts, filing tax returns, distributing assets and keeping detailed records throughout.

Wisconsin does not impose a state estate tax, though federal estate tax may apply to larger estates. Other considerations include income the estate earns during administration, income tax on certain inherited assets such as retirement accounts, capital gains if property is sold, and date-of-death valuation, which sets the tax basis for beneficiaries.

A guardianship is a legal arrangement in which the court appoints one person, the guardian, to make decisions for another person, the ward, who can no longer manage their own affairs. Common reasons include advanced age, illness, injury, disability, or the death of a minor's biological parent.

There are five main steps: determine that guardianship is needed, choose a suitable guardian, file a petition with the court, attend a hearing, and receive court approval and appointment. A guardianship can also be set up proactively as part of an estate plan.

It varies with the circumstances, but generally a few weeks to a few months. Good preparation shortens it, because the court needs to see clear documentation that the arrangement serves the ward's best interests.

Yes. Initial consultations at Crothers Law, S.C., are free, private and without obligation. Call 414-519-6255 or send a message through the contact form to schedule one.

Wisconsin requires a mandatory 120-day waiting period after your spouse is served before the court can hold a final hearing. Uncontested cases often conclude shortly after that window. Contested cases involving custody or complex assets can take considerably longer.

No. Wisconsin is a no-fault state. The only ground you state is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do need residency: at least six continuous months in Wisconsin and at least 30 days in the county where you file.

Do not face this alone

Tell us what is happening. The first conversation is free, private and without obligation. If we are not the right fit, we will say so.

Schedule a free consultation Call 414-519-6255