Barry J. Boline

414-359-9110 • Contact Barry

“Family law is deeply personal. I believe people deserve to be heard, understood, and guided with care. My goal is to help people navigate difficult moments with honesty, compassion, and the benefit of real-world experience.”

Education

  • Drake University Law School

  • Valparaiso University

With more than three decades of experience in family law, Barry J. Boline is widely respected as a seasoned, compassionate legal professional dedicated to fairness, clarity, and meaningful resolution.

He spent nearly 20 years in private practice, guiding clients through some of life’s most personal and challenging legal matters, including divorce, child custody and placement, and complex asset division. Barry’s perspective is further distinguished by his 13 plus years on the bench as a Family Court Commissioner, where he presided over thousands of cases involving families and children. His experience as both an advocate and a judicial decision-maker gives him a rare, comprehensive understanding of family law from every angle. That depth of insight allows him to approach each matter with empathy, balance, and a strong commitment to fairness.

In addition to his practice and judicial service, Barry has served extensively as a mediator and arbitrator, helping parties resolve disputes efficiently and respectfully. Drawing on decades of courtroom and judicial experience, he brings a steady, informed approach to conflict resolution, guiding families toward durable outcomes while minimizing the emotional and financial costs of litigation.

Barry is also deeply committed to education and the advancement of family law. He has taught students, attorneys, and judges, sharing practical insights shaped by real-world experience. He is the author of numerous articles on family law topics, recognized for their clarity, practicality, and thoughtful analysis.

Barry is a member of several professional legal associations including the Ozaukee County Bar Association, the Society of Family Lawyers, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, the Wisconsin Association of Family Court Commissioners (retired), and serves as a member and Director of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Wisconsin. 

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Completion of Certified Mediator Training at UW-Madison with Ann L. Milne

  • Collaborative Law, Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin

  • Completion of Guardian ad Litem Training

Membership & Leadership Positions

  • Judicial Conduct Advisory Committee, member 2024-2026

  • State Bar of Wisconsin Family Law Section, Director 2022-2023; reelected 2023-2026.

  • Wisconsin Family Court Commissioners Association, President 2018 and 2025

  • Wisconsin Association of Judicial Court Commissioners, President 2018-2023

  • Judicial Conference of Wisconsin, member, 2018-2023; 2025

  • Preliminary Review Committee of the Office of Lawyer Regulations, Chairperson 2022-2023; Vice-Chair 2020-2022; Member, 2017-2023 

  • Ozaukee County Bar Association, Member

Published Works (abbreviated)

Classes & Seminars (abbreviated)

  • Panel Speaker, Ethics of dealing with Self Represented Litigants, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fall Conference, October, 2025

  • Panel Speaker, Agricultural / Farm Law and Divorce, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Fall Conference, October, 2025

  • National Legislation Limiting Reunification Therapy, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts – Wisconsin, September, 2024

  • Capacity Issues with Litigants in Family Court, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, March, 2024

  • Contempt and Family Law Cases, State Bar of Wisconsin Family Law Section Annual Conference, August, 2023

  • Moderator, The Intersection of Family Law with Civil and Criminal Law, State Bar of Wisconsin Annual Meeting and Conference, June, 2023

  • Introductory Speaker, Justice on Wheels, Supreme Court of Wisconsin,  October, 2021