We Find Solutions
Our attorneys have experience in most areas of the law and are glad to discuss with you your needs and goals. If we can't help you, we can help you find someone who can.
We Find Solutions
Family Law
At Spears, Carlson & Coleman, we maximize results by focusing on the client and conducting research to identify cost-effective solutions. We understand you are going through a difficult time and will do everything we can to meet your legal goals while protecting your rights, family relationships, and children. Our attorneys handle cases for a variety of family law issues, including:
Maintenance/Alimony: Any obligation for maintenance or alimony is a complicated matter that looks back on a host of other variables from during the marriage. Our representation will navigate you through the difficult process and protect your rights at every turn.
Child Support: The court considers a number of factors to determine the amount of child support parents are required to pay. The process relies upon guidelines established by the State of Wisconsin, but the court may deviate from the guidelines after considering several factors. We will ensure all information used in the determination of support is fairly presented such that the court can make an informed decision.
Divorce: Whether you are considering a divorce or have been served with a Summons and Petition of divorce, it is important to know your rights and legal options and the obligations to your spouse and children. Our divorce attorneys will begin by gathering the necessary information to determine what steps are necessary to preserve and assert your rights from the beginning of the proceedings to the end. If necessary, we will obtain a temporary order to establish each parties' rights and responsibilities while the divorce is pending. During the final divorce proceedings, a discovery phase addresses the value of assets, debts and other financial information related to the marriage and issues related to custody and placement of children. While many divorce cases are settled through negotiation, our litigation attorneys will be prepared to go to court, if needed.
Post-judgment modifications: Under some circumstances, the court will consider changing arrangements for maintenance, child support, custody and placement of the child. If your financial situation substantially changes or your former spouse's situation changes, the court may make modifications. The laws regarding when the court may change the custody and placement of a child can be difficult to understand. If you need to relocate for a job or some other reason, we may be able to assist you in pursuing a modification.
Maintenance/Alimony: Any obligation for maintenance or alimony is a complicated matter that looks back on a host of other variables from during the marriage. Our representation will navigate you through the difficult process and protect your rights at every turn.
Child Support: The court considers a number of factors to determine the amount of child support parents are required to pay. The process relies upon guidelines established by the State of Wisconsin, but the court may deviate from the guidelines after considering several factors. We will ensure all information used in the determination of support is fairly presented such that the court can make an informed decision.
Divorce: Whether you are considering a divorce or have been served with a Summons and Petition of divorce, it is important to know your rights and legal options and the obligations to your spouse and children. Our divorce attorneys will begin by gathering the necessary information to determine what steps are necessary to preserve and assert your rights from the beginning of the proceedings to the end. If necessary, we will obtain a temporary order to establish each parties' rights and responsibilities while the divorce is pending. During the final divorce proceedings, a discovery phase addresses the value of assets, debts and other financial information related to the marriage and issues related to custody and placement of children. While many divorce cases are settled through negotiation, our litigation attorneys will be prepared to go to court, if needed.
Post-judgment modifications: Under some circumstances, the court will consider changing arrangements for maintenance, child support, custody and placement of the child. If your financial situation substantially changes or your former spouse's situation changes, the court may make modifications. The laws regarding when the court may change the custody and placement of a child can be difficult to understand. If you need to relocate for a job or some other reason, we may be able to assist you in pursuing a modification.
Criminal Defense
Many people unexpectedly find themselves drawn into the criminal justice system. Our attorneys have helped clients defending against civil forfeitures, misdemeanors and felony charges. While each case must be evaluated based upon its own set of facts, here are some things to consider:
The basis for a search or seizure: Unless they have a warrant, law enforcement officials cannot detain you or search your person or property without reasonable cause to believe a violation of the law has occurred or is occurring. Our attorneys have successfully argued to suppress evidence obtained when officers conducted an illegal search or seizure.
Elements of the offense: The prosecution must prove all elements of a crime in order to sustain a conviction. Our attorneys have successfully gotten charges dismissed by demonstrating to the satisfaction of the district attorney or the court that the charges are predicated upon a mistake in fact or that all elements of the offense cannot be proven.
The burden of proof: Criminal charges must be supported by probable cause and, ultimately, all elements of a crime must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Even if a prosecutor files charges and brings the case to trial, a zealous defense may mean that the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof and the defendant will be acquitted.
Creative sentencing: Many cases that cannot be otherwise resolved can be settled by plea agreement. Our attorneys can help you consider all options available, including deferred prosecution or deferred entry of judgment, participation in the risk reduction treatment program, withheld or imposed and stayed sentences and Huber release.
The basis for a search or seizure: Unless they have a warrant, law enforcement officials cannot detain you or search your person or property without reasonable cause to believe a violation of the law has occurred or is occurring. Our attorneys have successfully argued to suppress evidence obtained when officers conducted an illegal search or seizure.
Elements of the offense: The prosecution must prove all elements of a crime in order to sustain a conviction. Our attorneys have successfully gotten charges dismissed by demonstrating to the satisfaction of the district attorney or the court that the charges are predicated upon a mistake in fact or that all elements of the offense cannot be proven.
The burden of proof: Criminal charges must be supported by probable cause and, ultimately, all elements of a crime must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Even if a prosecutor files charges and brings the case to trial, a zealous defense may mean that the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proof and the defendant will be acquitted.
Creative sentencing: Many cases that cannot be otherwise resolved can be settled by plea agreement. Our attorneys can help you consider all options available, including deferred prosecution or deferred entry of judgment, participation in the risk reduction treatment program, withheld or imposed and stayed sentences and Huber release.
