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 though all parties agreed to schedule the hearing after the 90-day period.

This decision shows the importance of staying on top of the “little things.” Sometimes, it can be easy to get caught up in interesting legal or evidentiary arguments, and lose sight of the basics (like time limits). Working with a knowledgeable lawyer is one way to ensure that all areas of a case are monitored.