Typically, in Wisconsin, family law matters will be heard in front of a family court commissioner out of a need for efficiency and expediency. Sometimes parties believe that the commissioner “got it wrong” and wonder if there is any recourse. The answer is yes. If you disagree with a commissioner’s decision in a contested family […]
Child Custody In Cases of Domestic Violence
If domestic violence was an issue during a marriage, sometimes it will impact how a victim and his or her ex-spouse will be able to co-parent after a separation or divorce particularly in the first year after the split. A recent study by the University of Illinois takes a closer look at co-parenting relationships in […]
Adoption and Termination of Parental Rights in Wisconsin
Termination of parental rights can be involuntary or voluntary. Involuntary termination can occur in cases of certain felony convictions, long periods of incarceration, severe or chronic abuse or sexual abuse of a child or other children in a household, long term problems with drugs or alcohol, mental illness or deficiency, failure to support a child […]
Parental Alienation
Most children wish to have a good relationship with both parents following divorce. According to research, children often say that the worse thing about a divorce is that they do not get enough time with one or both parents after the split. It may be that the parent they spend the most time with during […]
Child Custody Dispute : The Role of the Guardian Ad Litem
If divorcing parents cannot agree on a custody and visitation arrangement for their child, the court may assign a guardian ad litem (GAL) to represent the interests of a child in a Wisconsin child custody dispute. Contested Child Custody and Visitation A guardian ad litem is a person the court appoints to investigate what solutions […]
Wisconsin Grandparent Visitation Rights
Families can grow apart for various reasons and sometimes grandparents become estranged from their grandchildren. Reasons may include issues such as divorce, the death of a parent, drug or alcohol abuse, imprisonment, or a break down in the relationship between the parents and grandparents in general. Grandparents may wish to seek visitation rights with their […]
Parental Rights in Cases of Substance Abuse
Child Custody Determinations When a Spouse Abuses Drugs or Alcohol Unfortunately, many Americans suffer from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Substance abusers can create serious problems within their own families. In many marriages, drug and alcohol abuse is the primary factor in the divorce. When a parent has a history of drug and alcohol abuse, […]
Relocating With Children After Divorce | Waukesha Wisconsin Child Custody Lawyer
After parents divorce, circumstances can change in a custodial parent’s life which may result in a relocation. Many states, including Wisconsin, require that a parent planning a move notify the other parent of their intention to relocate with a child. A Wisconsin parent cannot simply leave with their child if the child is subject to […]
Wisconsin Divorce and Temporary Court Orders
If you are considering divorce, you likely have questions about the legal process, concerns regarding how property such as the family home or car will be handled and, if children are involved, support and custody concerns. It is beneficial to have a basic understanding of the overall process so that you can move forward confidently. […]
Child Custody and Visitation Considerations With Special Needs Child
When making child custody and visitation arrangements in a divorce, the courts consider what is in the best interests of the child as a guiding principle. Common factors may include the need for stability in the home environment, the relationship between the child and their parents, siblings and other important people in their lives, school, […]