Sarah H. DeKraay, Family Law Attorney in Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, WI
Trusted family law attorney serving Madison.
Practices in
Are you Sarah H. DeKraay?
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Quick answer
Sarah H. DeKraay is an attorney based in Madison, WISCONSIN. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Murphy Desmond SC.
- Based in
- Madison, WISCONSIN
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Family Law
- Handles Family Law matters from Madison, WISCONSIN.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026).
About Sarah H. DeKraay: Sarah H. DeKraay is an attorney based in Madison, WISCONSIN. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Murphy Desmond SC.
Areas of practice
Sarah's practice areas in Madison
Sarah concentrates on family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sarah handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Madison, Wisconsin
Sarah takes family law matters in Madison, Wisconsin. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sarah agrees to represent you.
Biography
Sarah H. DeKraay, family law attorney serving Madison
Sarah H. DeKraay is an attorney based in Madison, WISCONSIN. The practice focuses on Family Law. Currently practicing at Murphy Desmond SC. Sarah works from Madison, Wisconsin and takes on family law matters across the region.
Attorney Sarah DeKraay’s legal practice focuses on family law matters, which includes divorce, legal separation, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, maintenance (alimony), custody, child support, placement, paternity, grandparents' rights, child removal cases, adoptions and guardianships. She also handles post-divorce matters regarding children, child support, relocation and out-of-state custody issues, maintenance modifications, and contempt of court issues.
Sarah is trained and experienced in the collaborative divorce model and serves as a mediator in divorce and family law cases. A shareholder with Murphy Desmond, Sarah has extensive experience serving clients in Madison, Dane County, Janesville, and throughout southwestern and southcentral Wisconsin.
Sarah has presented on divorce topics at seminars sponsored by the Wisconsin State Bar. She is named on Best Lawyers in America in Family Law, rated 10.0 "Superb" on Avvo.com and was named a "Rising Star" by Wisconsin Super Lawyers in Family Law earlier in her career.
In addition to her law degree, Sarah earned a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from UW-Madison in 2002. She serves as a board member of the First Tee of South Central Wisconsin (a youth development organization), and she is an avid supporter of junior golf.
While an undergrad at Indiana University, Sarah competed on the Women's Golf Team and was named the Big Ten Champion. Sarah enjoys travel, which frequently includes golfing on many world-reknowned golf courses. In 2021, Sarah took on the remarkable challenge of climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania with her sisters.
Sarah's approach to family law cases
Attorney Sarah DeKraay’s legal practice focuses on family law matters, which includes divorce, legal separation, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial agreements, maintenance (alimony), custody, child support, placement, paternity, grandparents' rights, child removal cases, adoptions and guardianships. She also handles post-divorce matters regarding children, child support, relocation and out-of-state…
Clients Sarah works with
Sarah reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law matters in Madison and the surrounding Wisconsin area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Sarah studied and practices
University of Wisconsin–Madison
J.D. · 2002
Sarah studied at J.D. in University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Law school and academic background
Sarah completed J.D. in University of Wisconsin–Madison. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sarah runs in Wisconsin is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Sarah's legal honors and published work
Sarah has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Collaborative Law: Family Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Collaborative Law: Family Law (2026).
Locations
Sarah H. DeKraay's office in Madison
Sarah's primary office is at 33 East Main Street, Suite 500, Madison, Wisconsin, 53703. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Murphy Desmond SC
33 East Main Street, Suite 500
Madison, Wisconsin 53703
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Client reviews of Sarah H. DeKraay
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Sarah H. DeKraay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sarah usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sarah charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Sarah will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Madison, Wisconsin
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Sarah
Sarah discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Sarah confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sarah's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sarah H. DeKraay
How much does it cost to hire Sarah for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sarah walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sarah offer a free consultation?
Sarah charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sarah's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Sarah's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Wisconsin typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Sarah gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sarah take my case if I'm outside Madison?
Sarah is licensed in Wisconsin. Matters governed by Wisconsin law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sarah will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Sarah?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Sarah will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sarah accepting new family law clients right now?
Sarah's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Madison, Milwaukee and Waukesha in Wisconsin
Sarah handles family law matters throughout Wisconsin. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in Wisconsin
If Sarah's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Madison handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





