Benjamin James Harris | Thiensville Divorce & Family Lawyer | Wisconsin

• Member, State Bar of Wisconsin.

In the last year, I have had two cases involving guardianship cases between parents and children. In the first case, I represented the grandmother who had taken in her granddaughter and had been her guardian since 2009. The father, my client's son, then moved the court to terminate the guardianship, but we were successful in defeating his claim and my client is still the little girl's guardian. In the second case, the grandmother was attempting to get guardianship over her teenage grandson, in spite of the fact of that his mother, my client was still actively involved in the child's life. We were successful in defeating her request and the boy remains with his mother.In the family law arena, we were successful in resolving a custody/placement dispute between the parents with a mediated agreement that modified the placement schedule. In real estate, we assisted our client to purchase a commercial/industrial property at a sheriff's sale, saving him considerable money on the purchase price.

A successful practice is built on hard work and referrals.

When looking for a lawyer, a potential client should look for someone who is experienced, responsive and compassionate. When dealing with family court matters, we as lawyers are seeing the client at their worst moment. Chemistry between a client and lawyer is important because the client will be sharing important confidential information and has to be comfortable sharing that information.

Local knowledge is critical because you will know the court procedures for the local counties; you will know the judges/court commissioners/attorneys and that will enable you to bring a level of credibility when you appear before the judges and work with the opposing counsel.

Typically I speak with potential clients and try to obtain what the true issue is. I want to know the background facts and get a better feel for what the current situation is, and what the client would like to achieve as we focus on being results oriented.

The most rewarding aspect of the job is helping people deal with a very stressful time in their lives as they are normally dealing with their most precious commodity-their children. If we can resolve without a long and drawn out hearing, then we can allow the family to heal and begin to move on as a new family structure.

In addition to being a lawyer, I am also a real estate broker/investor. I am also a single dad to four small, very active children, which keeps me young. I am involved in their school, and I also am very active playing sports.

I am active in my community as I work as a tutor/mentor for troubled youth in a first offender program. I also tutor grade school/high school kids in my community.