Areas of Practice

Family Law

Our attorneys have extensive experience in all aspects of family law. We handle difficult cases involving a variety of family law issues, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony (temporary and permanent), community property, adoption and cases falling under the Uniform Interstate Child Custody and Support Enforcement Acts. Although we travel throughout Louisiana to handle cases, we primarily litigate cases in Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, Assumption and Ascension parishes.

Our attorneys keep up to date with the latest changes in family law and attend annual continuing legal education seminars specific to family law. Joan M. Malbrough is a certified family mediator, and is certified to handle collaborative divorces. Our staff is trained to handle issues which require immediate attention. The attorneys and staff are experienced in crisis intervention. All attorneys are experienced with immediate custody orders in situations where children are in danger and in obtaining civil warrants when parents refuse to follow custody orders.

All attorneys have extensive experience in partitioning community property. We have a network of experts in various fields who work with us to provide appraisals for movable and immovable property, and to evaluate small businesses and partnerships.

Criminal Defense

When a client is charged with a crime, our team goes to work. Whether it is a felony or a misdemeanor, the Malbrough & Gottschalk, Attorneys at Law team of attorneys can handle the job.

Joan M. Malbrough was contracted with the local public defender’s office from 1994 – 1998, obtaining experience in a wide array of criminal matters. We provide our clients with the immediate attention they deserve, and quickly schedule bond reduction motions, preliminary hearings, motions to suppress and motions to quash the indictment when appropriate. We seasoned experts who have successfully worked to have client charges reduced or dismissed, and negotiating plea bargains that benefit of our clients.

Our firm handles DWIs from the first administrative hearing that determines license suspension, through arraignment, pre-trial and trial. We know what to look for in the police reports, the district attorney’s records, videos and witness statements. We have tried cases before both 6 and 12 person juries. Our experienced legal team can handle any type of criminal case in any parish in Louisiana.

Joan, Cheleste, and Rebecca are also experienced with juvenile criminal defense.

Personal Injury

Joan M. Malbrough and Estelle E. Mahoney began their careers working for law firms that exclusively handled personal injury matters. Since that time, the law firm of Malbrough & Gottschalk, Attorneys at Law, has handled various personal injury cases involving auto accidents, wrongful death, work related injuries, premises liability, and maritime injuries. Our legal team reviews and researches the issues in the case, obtains proper medical treatment for our clients, and goes to work to get the best possible outcome for the client. All personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. We only get paid if we collect for the client.

Civil Litigation

Malbrough & Gottschalk, Attorneys at Law handles a number of civil litigation matters, including contract disputes, personal injury defense, civil defense, and corporate and small business matters. While we do not handle every type of case, we will review the facts of any case and discuss with the client the likelihood of successful litigation.

Wills

All adults in Louisiana should have a will. Writing a will is complex and requires expert knowledge of the law. If a will is drafted incorrectly, it may be invalid, leaving the deceased’s estate to be distributed by operation of law as though he/she did not have a will. Our legal team can draft a proper will, including trusts when necessary, and make sure it is properly signed, witnessed and notarized. We also handle Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Custody by Mandate.

Immigration Law

As your trusted immigration law partners, we provide tailored solutions for your visa, citizenship, and deportation needs. Backed by our seasoned experts, we offer guidance and support at every step. Your immigration journey starts here – with Malbrough & Gottschalk, Attorneys at Law.

CHILD IN NEED OF CARE

Malbrough & Gottschalk is a distinguished law firm specializing in Child in Need of Care (CINC) cases, particularly in collaboration with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). With a dedicated team of experienced attorneys, we are committed to advocating for the best interests of children and families entangled in complex CINC matters. Our firm’s deep understanding of the legal intricacies surrounding child welfare, combined with our compassionate and client-focused approach, ensures that we provide comprehensive legal representation to parents and caregivers navigating the DCFS system. Malbrough & Gottschalk is your trusted partner in safeguarding the welfare of children and guiding families through the challenges of CINC cases, ultimately striving to achieve positive outcomes that prioritize the well-being and stability of the children involved.