Although recreational marijuana is legal in neighboring Illinois and Minnesota, marijuana possession remains illegal under Wisconsin law. As societal attitudes shift and accessibility increases, many adults continue to use marijuana regardless of state prohibitions. For parents navigating a divorce, it is important to understand that such use can lead to significant child custody challenges when […]
Less Parenting Time Factors
Wisconsin law mandates that family court judges provide details when a parent is awarded less than 25% parenting time in a child custody matter. The court must provide written findings of fact explaining why more placement with the parent is not in the child’s best interest, adding transparency to the child custody determination. A judge […]
Impacts of Parental Alienation on the Child
Parental alienation occurs when one parent manipulates or pressures a child to reject, fear, or dislike the other parent without legitimate justification, often during divorce or custody disputes. This can involve making derisive comments about the other parent, interfering with visitation, making false accusations, or mischaracterizing the other parent as dangerous or unworthy. Signs […]
Guardian Ad Litem Assigned to Custody Case -Now What?
In Wisconsin child custody disputes, when parents cannot agree on legal custody or physical placement, the court often appoints a guardian ad litem (GAL). The GAL is an attorney licensed in Wisconsin who acts as an independent advocate for the child’s best interests, not as the child’s personal lawyer or a representative of either parent. […]
How Do I Get Sole Child Custody in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, child custody distinguishes between legal custody – decision-making authority over major issues like education, health care, religion, and extracurricular activities – and physical placement which is where the child lives and how time is shared between parents. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child above all else and strongly presume that joint […]
Wisconsin Parenting Plan Requirements
In Wisconsin, divorcing parents in a custody dispute are required to submit a detailed parenting plan at least 10 days before mediation to promote efficiency and clarify potential settlement paths. Working out a fair and realistic parenting plan that understands and addresses a child’s needs is crucial to a child’s best interests. It is important […]
Temporary Orders for Child Custody and Support
When you are a parent considering divorce, you may wonder how child custody and support will be handled during the divorce, which can sometimes take months to resolve. You may also have questions regarding who will remain in the family home, how bills will be paid, and whether you can count on any financial support […]
Securing Alimony and Child Support With Life Insurance
When you are awarded alimony or child support in a divorce, it is important for the court to order the payor to take out life insurance to secure the obligation. Life insurance is needed not only to make sure a child has sufficient support in the event of the payer’s untimely death, but also to […]
Seeking Sole Child Custody and Placement of a Child
If you are divorcing and worry about the safety or welfare of your child when they spend time with the other parent you may be able to petition for sole custody and primary placement of your child if you can prove the other parent is unfit to care for your child. Terminating the rights of […]
Sole Custody May Not Result in Primary Placement
Sole legal custody allows a parent to make major decision for a child without having to consult, or receive permission from, the other parent. Important decisions may include, but are certainly not limited to, a child’s religious upbringing, education, or authorization for medical procedures. Decisions may also include providing a minor child consent to participate […]