Wisconsin Roots. Lasting Relationships.

Wisconsin Roots. Lasting Relationships.

Elisabeth S. Bach-Van Horn

Contact

Practice Areas

  • Family Law
  • Collaborative Divorce
  • Mediation
  • Limited Scope Representation/Consulting Legal Services
  • Divorce and Legal Separation
  • Child Custody and Placement
  • Child Support
  • Maintenance

Biography

Elisabeth Bach-Van Horn is a Partner in the firm’s Family Law Practice Group and a trusted advocate for individuals and families navigating divorce, custody, and other challenging family transitions. She brings a calm, practical, and compassionate approach to every case.

Before joining the firm in 2011, Liz spent three years with Legal Aid of Western Missouri, representing survivors of domestic abuse. This experience continues to shape her client-centered and trauma-aware approach to family law.

Liz also has specialized training and experience serving as a Guardian ad Litem, where she advocates for the best interests of children in complex custody and placement matters.

In addition to traditional family law representation, Liz is trained in Collaborative divorce, an out-of-court process that prioritizes respectful communication, long-term family well-being, and durable solutions. She is an active leader in advancing Collaborative practice in Wisconsin and served as the 2021 Chair of the Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin.

Liz is also a divorce mediator who helps clients create positive, private, and informed solutions outside the courtroom.

Clients value Liz’s steadiness, clarity, and ability to guide them through emotionally complex situations while reducing conflict and supporting the long-term health of their families.

Education

  • University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law, Kansas City, Missouri
    • J.D. - 2007
    • Honors: magna cum laude
  • University of Wisconsin - Madison
    • B.A. - 2002

Bar Admissions

  • Wisconsin, 2011
  • Kansas, 2008
  • Missouri, 2007

Professional Associations

  • State Bar of Wisconsin, Family Law Section, Member
  • Dane County Bar Association, Member
  • Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin, Inc., Member, 2011-Present
  • Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin, Inc., Director at Large, 2017-2019
  • Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin, Inc., Chair Elect, 2020
  • Collaborative Family Law Council of Wisconsin, Inc., Chair, 2021
  • Dane County Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence (CCR DV)—Legal Issues Subcommittee, Member

Published Works

  • Comment, Virtual Visitation: Are Webcams Being Used as an Excuse to Allow Relocation?, 21 J. Am. Acad. Matrim. Law, 171 (2008)

Representative Cases

Honors

Classes & Seminars

Pro-Bono Activities

Representative Clients

References

Past Positions

  • Legal Aid of Western Missouri, Kansas City, Missouri, 2007-2010
  • Jackson County Family Court, Kansas City, Missouri, 2007

Languages

Ancillary Businesses

Fraternities or Sororities

Certified Legal Specialties