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Have you heard the modern term “DINKWAD?” It is an acronym for double income, no kids, with a dog. DINKWADs can get divorced too, and in fact it is not uncommon.
Posted inDivorce
Posted inChild custody
Wisconsin child support modification
A Wisconsin child support modification is possible if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the most recent order. If you and your child’s other parent cannot agree that the child support order should be changed, the judge will rule whether a substantial change in circumstances has occurred. If the judge finds that there has […]
Posted inChild custody
Wisconsin unmarried fathers rights
Wisconsin unmarried fathers rights are not automatic in every case. If the father and mother are married, the husband is presumed to be the father. However, unmarried fathers have no rights until they obtain a court paternity order. Being named on the child’s birth certificate does NOT establish Wisconsin unmarried fathers rights. Even if the parents live and raise the child together, […]
Posted inPaternity
Wisconsin paternity update
The Court of Appeals recently decided a case addressing the ability of a biological parent to assert his Wisconsin paternity. The case is Stuart S. v. Heidi R. and can be found online at http://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=133315 In this case, Heidi R. and Scott R. were married, but split up for a time. During that time, Heidi […]
Posted inGuardianship
Wisconsin child guardianship time limits
A recent Court of Appeals case provides a vivid reminder of Wisconsin child guardianship time limits. In Guardianship of Elizabeth M.H., http://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=128636, the Court ruled that the judge lost the authority to rule on foster parents’ guardianship petition because it was held after the 90-day time period required by law. The judge lost authority even […]
Posted inMediation
What is Wisconsin family mediation?
In divorce or child custody cases, family mediation is often required as a way to resolve the parents’ disputes out of court. Family mediation occurs when the parents meet with an objective, trained person in an attempt to settle their dispute. The mediator can be a lawyer, social worker, or someone else trained in mediation […]
Posted inDomestic violence
Wisconsin domestic violence questions
With the recent heavy attention given to domestic violence issues, I wanted to highlight a few common questions related to Wisconsin domestic violence cases. 1. How do I get a restraining order? There are two types of restraining orders: domestic violence and harassment. Wisconsin domestic violence is defined as physical contact, sexual assault, breaking property, or a […]
Posted inChild Support
Common Wisconsin child support questions
CAN I WAIVE CHILD SUPPORT? No. Wisconsin child support is paid for the benefit of the child. Parents cannot waive support on the child’s behalf. Parents’ financial situations change over time, as do a child’s needs. Expenses for a 6-year old are much different than for a teen. The law preventing a permanent waiver of child […]
Posted inWisconsin family lawyer
Federal 7th Circuit Rules in Favor of Wisconsin Marriage Equality
The US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit, which includes Wisconsin, ruled today that there is no basis to deny same sex couples the ability to marry. You can find the full opinion here http://media.ca7.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/rssExec.pl?Submit=Display&Path=Y2014/D09-04/C:14-2526:J:Posner:aut:T:fnOp:N:1412339:S:0 It is worth reading for Judge Posner’s interesting and straightforward language (as legal opinions go). This case is also a […]
Posted inadoption, Termination of Parental Rights
Wisconsin stepparent adoption
Wisconsin stepparent adoption can be very simple process, once the biological parent’s rights are terminated. As in any termination of parental rights, the case occurs in two stages. A stepparent cannot adopt if both biological parents retain their parental rights. Therefore, the first step is to terminate one parent’s rights. If the biological parent agrees to terminate, […]
