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Experienced Private Judges for Family Law.
On Your Timeline.

Resolve family law disputes in days or weeks, not months. Skip the crowded court calendar.

Scales of justice representing fair and efficient legal resolution

What Is Private Judging?

Private judging in family law is a smarter, faster, and more humane way to resolve divorce and parenting disputes—without giving up the protections of the court. Instead of waiting months for hearings, filing emergency motions that can't be heard in time, or surrendering critical decisions to unilateral action by the louder or more powerful party, families can agree to work with a neutral, experienced decision-maker they choose.

Private judging is not secret court, binding arbitration, or a substitute for a judge. It does not strip the court of authority or eliminate judicial oversight. Rather, it is a structured, voluntary process that allows parties to resolve some or all issues—especially time-sensitive disputes—with speed, formality, and fairness, while preserving the court's ultimate power to review, approve, modify, or reject the outcome.

The result is fewer delays, fewer crises, and decisions made when they matter the most.

Our Services

Two straightforward options to resolve family law disputes faster and more affordably

Quick Decision

$350

Per party. No hidden costs.

Right for you when:

  • You have one specific issue that needs a decision right away (days, not months)
  • The dispute is narrow and time-sensitive, such as holiday placement, travel, or a pending financial decision
  • You need immediate guidance, not a full temporary framework for the case
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Temporary Order

$650

Per party. No hidden costs.

Right for you when:

  • You need temporary rules for multiple issues while the case is pending
  • Waiting for a court date would leave things uncertain, unstable, or unmanageable
  • You want a full interim hearing that functions like a traditional temporary orders proceeding
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Time Is the Real Cost

Two paths. Two timelines. Two very different experiences.

Traditional Court Process

Typical Timeline: Months

Week 1 — Motion Filed

You begin the process… and then the waiting begins.

Months 2–3 — Waiting for a Hearing Date

  • Your situation may deteriorate or escalate while you wait.
  • The other party may take unilateral action, increasing conflict.
  • Stress builds as uncertainty stretches on for months.
  • Legal fees increase—or costly mistakes happen without guidance.

Month 3–4 — Brief Court Hearing
(15–30 Minutes)

  • Limited court time for issues that deeply affect your life.
  • If unfinished, you return again in another 2–3 months.
  • Time off work. Childcare. Courthouse logistics.
  • Preparation costs continue—or you present evidence alone.

Month 4+ — Decision… or More Delay

  • You may receive a ruling—or be scheduled again months later.
  • If circumstances change, you start the entire process over.
  • Costs mount. Stress lingers. Stability remains uncertain.

Private Judging Process

Typical Timeline: Days or Weeks

Day 1 — Motion Filed

You agree to use a private judge and move forward immediately.

Days 1–7 — Hearing Scheduled Promptly

  • Your issue is addressed before it has time to escalate.
  • Both parties commit to resolution from the outset.
  • Clarity replaces uncertainty—quickly.

Days 1–14 — Dedicated Hearing Time
(30–45 Minutes)

  • Your hearing will not be bumped by other cases.
  • Return at your mutual convenience if more time is needed.
  • Most hearings are conducted via Zoom—no courthouse disruption.
  • Minimal time off work. Minimal life interruption.

Days 1–14 — Prompt Decision

  • Receive a ruling at or shortly after your hearing.
  • Implement the decision and move forward with confidence.
  • If circumstances change, return quickly—without restarting months of delay.

While often assumed to be more expensive, private judging is frequently a cost-saving investment—reducing overall fees by streamlining the process and keeping cases moving toward resolution.

Why Pay More to Wait Longer?

Traditional Court

$5,000 per party

—and climbing

  • Costs escalate the longer you negotiate and litigate
  • Delays fuel anxiety, instability, and financial uncertainty
  • Unresolved issues compound other life decisions
  • Your case is decided by a randomly assigned judge who may or may not have family law experience

Private Judging

$350 or $650 per party

—transparent and predictable

  • No wasted preparation or months of waiting
  • Get clear answers when you need them
  • Reduce stress and minimize disruption
  • Choose your private judge based on the experience and demeanor your case deserves

Who Benefits from Private Judging?

Private judging serves both legal professionals and families seeking efficient resolution

For Lawyers

Private judging offers a reliable way to secure timely hearings, reduce inefficiency, and deliver better outcomes for clients—without sacrificing fairness or control over the process.

  • Secure timely hearings without calendar delays
  • Reduce inefficiency and wasted preparation time
  • Deliver better outcomes for clients
  • Maintain fairness and control over the process
  • Complete hearings in single, uninterrupted settings
  • Avoid repeated court appearances and duplicate work
  • Choose a judicial neutral with experience and a disposition you trust

For Clients

Private judging allows you and the other party to hire an experienced, third-party neutral decision-maker to resolve disputes outside the crowded court system.

  • Schedule hearings quickly—often in days or weeks, not months
  • Choose an experienced decision-maker who understands your issues
  • Work on your timeline, not the court's crowded calendar
  • Use private judging for a single issue, multiple issues, or full temporary orders
  • Move cases faster with focused, uninterrupted hearings
  • Often spend less money overall by avoiding delays and repeated preparation
  • Gain more control and certainty during a challenging time

Meet Our Private Judges

Our private judges bring decades of experience, steady judgment, and a practical understanding of how legal decisions affect real families.

Sally Danner, former Fond du Lac County Family Court Commissioner and Private Judge

Sally Danner

Former Fond du Lac County Family Court Commissioner

Nearly 25 years of family court experience. Known for fairness, efficiency, and calm authority in resolving complex disputes.

Read Full Biography

Sally Danner brings nearly 25 years of experience from the family court bench to her work as a private judge, offering parties the confidence of a decision-maker who has seen—and resolved—it all.

As Fond du Lac County's Family Court Commissioner, Sally became known statewide for her fairness, efficiency, and forward-thinking approach. She restructured the county's mediation program, dramatically reducing returning high-conflict cases and significantly increasing successful mediation outcomes—freeing court resources while delivering better, more durable resolutions for families. She also implemented Wisconsin's first—and still only—online dispute resolution program and authored local family court rules that remain in effect today.

Sally is respected for her calm authority, sharp legal judgment, and ability to cut through complexity to reach clear, practical outcomes. Having presided over thousands of contested family law matters, she brings decisiveness, credibility, and a steady hand to even the most difficult disputes—making her an ideal private judge for high-stakes family law cases.

Vicky Oleniczak, former Racine County Family Court Commissioner and Private Judge

Vicky Oleniczak

Former Racine County Family Court Commissioner

More than 30 years of family law experience. Straight-talking, protective, and deeply committed to clarity and fair decision-making.

Read Full Biography

Vicky Oleniczak brings more than 30 years of family law experience to her work as a private judge, combining steady judicial judgment with a deep commitment to education, clarity, and fair decision-making.

A longtime advocate for families, Vicky is known for her ability to cut through emotion and complexity by explaining the why behind the law. As a former Racine County Family Court Commissioner, she understands how decisions affect not just the case in front of her, but the long-term health of parent-child relationships, family finances, and future stability.

Vicky's approach is direct, thoughtful, and grounded in respect. She is often described as straight-talking without being harsh, protective without being patronizing, and fully present in even the most difficult moments. Her judgments are never arbitrary—they are informed by decades of experience and a clear understanding of what families need to move forward with confidence.

Organized, reliable, and deeply committed to service, Vicky brings calm authority and practical wisdom to family law disputes—making her a trusted and effective private judge for cases that require care, clarity, and credibility.

Linda Sinitz, former Waukesha County Family Court Commissioner and Private Judge

Linda Sinitz

Former Waukesha County Family Court Commissioner

Decades of family law experience with extensive Guardian ad Litem background. Calm, attentive, and grounded in practical wisdom.

Read Full Biography

Linda Sinitz brings decades of family law experience to her role as a private judge, guided by a lifelong commitment to families and the generations they represent.

Raised in a family of lawyers, Linda learned early that family law is not just about resolving disputes—it's about shaping futures. Her career has included extensive work as a Guardian ad Litem advocating for the best interests of children and service as a Waukesha County Family Court Commissioner, where she made thoughtful, consequential decisions in high-stakes family law matters.

What sets Linda apart is perspective. As a mother and grandmother, she understands firsthand the pressures facing today's parents and the long-term impact family court decisions have on children. That insight informs a judging style that is calm, attentive, and grounded in practical wisdom.

Known for her steady presence, careful listening, and ability to move cases toward resolution, Linda brings fairness, compassion, and sound judgment to even the most difficult family law disputes—making her a trusted private judge for families seeking clarity and stability.

Barry Book, Super Lawyer AV-rated attorney and Private Judge

Barry Book

Super Lawyer, AV®-Rated Attorney

Super Lawyer and AV®-rated attorney with decades of experience. Decisive, considerate mediator known for warmth and collaborative style.

Read Full Biography

Barry Book brings decades of family law experience to his role as a private judge, pairing respected legal credentials with a practical, people-centered approach to resolving disputes.

Recognized as a Super Lawyer and AV®-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, Barry is known for being both decisive and deeply considerate. He understands that family law decisions carry lasting consequences, and he approaches every matter with care, structure, and a focus on outcomes that serve families—not just cases.

A highly sought-after mediator, Barry's warmth, social intelligence, and collaborative style help parties lower the temperature and move toward resolution. He has a natural ability to unite people, smooth conflict, and keep matters on track—qualities that translate seamlessly to private judging.

Organized, dependable, and steady under pressure, Barry brings clarity and order to even the most uncertain situations. His commitment to doing meaningful work for others informs a judging style that is fair, thoughtful, and grounded in sound legal judgment—making him a trusted private judge for family law disputes where integrity and calm leadership matter most.

David Karp, Founding Partner of Karp & Iancu S.C. and Private Judge with 40+ years experience

David Karp

Founding Partner, Karp & Iancu S.C.

More than 40 years of family law experience. Known for rigorous preparation, clear decision-making, and handling complex high-asset cases exceeding $30 million.

Read Full Biography

David Karp brings more than 40 years of family law experience to his work as a private judge, offering litigants and counsel the confidence that comes with one of Wisconsin's most seasoned legal minds.

A founding partner of Karp & Iancu S.C., David is widely regarded as a leader in the Wisconsin family law bar. He has handled thousands of family law cases and hundreds of trials, including complex, high-asset matters involving marital estates exceeding $30 million. Known for his discretion and judgment, he is often selected by business leaders, professionals, and sophisticated clients facing high-stakes family disputes.

David is respected for his rigorous preparation, clear decision-making, and ability to assess complex issues efficiently. His longstanding credibility and professional rapport with opposing counsel help keep cases focused and productive—while his deep trial experience ensures decisive, well-reasoned outcomes when settlement is not possible.

Combining the strategic insight of a business leader with the practical judgment of an experienced litigator, David brings clarity, efficiency, and authority to private judging—making him a trusted neutral for complex and consequential family law matters.

Ready to discuss your case with one of our private judges?

Schedule Your Hearing Now

When Is Private Judging a Good Fit?

Private judging is particularly effective when timing, clarity, and focused attention matter most

Urgent parenting disputes

Issues involving vacations, holidays, school schedules, extracurricular activities, or last-minute conflicts that can't wait months for a court hearing.

Relocation and removal matters

When one parent seeks to move with a child and a prompt, well-reasoned decision is critical to avoid prolonged uncertainty and disruption.

Emergency or ex parte issues

Situations involving health, safety, or the risk of irreparable harm where immediate judicial intervention is necessary.

Temporary orders and time-sensitive motions

Disputes over temporary placement, support, possession of the home, or financial restraints that need fast resolution to stabilize the case.

High-conflict cases that keep returning to court

When repeated motions and hearings drive up costs and prolong conflict, private judging can resolve issues efficiently in a single, focused setting.

Discovery and procedural disputes

Conflicts over deadlines, disclosures, evaluations, or expert issues that stall progress and require decisive management.

Contested hearings or trials

Cases that would otherwise be split across multiple court dates—allowing parties to complete a hearing or trial without repeated preparation and delay.

Why choose private judging?

Because predictability matters. Private judging gives parties a clear timeline, consistent decision-making, and the ability to move forward without uncertainty.

Have questions about whether private judging is right for your case?

Schedule Your Hearing Now

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your hearing now with one of our private judges.

A member of our team will reach out within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.

Questions? We're here to help.

(414) 377-3098

933 North Mayfair Road Ste 320A, Wauwatosa, WI 53226