Wisconsin Family Law Lawyers Fighting for Your Child Custody and Child Support Needs

Divorces involving children and child custody lawyers are emotionally challenging

Ending a marriage is never easy, but a divorce that affects children can be especially difficult. Many of our clients fear for the well-being and future of their children at the end of judicial proceedings. We understand the uncertainty that you may be facing regarding custody and your family’s finances, and our best lawyers are standing by to ensure this difficult process goes as smoothly as possible.

Van Hoof & Schneider Law Firm’s custody attorney is focused on getting the best results for clients and their children. If you are facing a dispute over child custody or child support, schedule a free lawyer consultation and speak with one of our child custody lawyers to learn more about the process.

Wisconsin law and child custody

Wisconsin courts encourage parents to reach his or her own agreements regarding child custody during divorce before turning to the legal process for a resolution. State law requires couples to meet at least once with a mediator before he or she can proceed in court. Courts often appoint a Guardian Ad Litem in such situations, to represent the best interests of the child in court. A court may also require a parenting plan that outlines how each parent will care for the needs of their child or children.

Wisconsin statute 767.41(5) lists the factors courts use in making a determination about custody and physical placement:

• The wishes of the child’s parents
• The interrelationship of the child with his or her family
• The child’s adjustment to home, school, religion and community
• Whether another household member may affect the child’s physical or emotional health
• The cooperation and communication between the parents
• The wishes of the child
• The amount and quality of time that each parent has spent with the child in the past
• The child’s developmental and educational needs
• The availability of public or private childcare services
• Any evidence of child abuse or domestic violence

There are other factors a court may consider, such as existing alimony or spousal support obligations and any other factors the court deems to be “relevant.”

Many factors are a part of child support decisions

Although child custody is based on a determination of a judge, courts use an objective formula to determine the child support a party may owe. Factors a court considers include:

• The financial resources of both parties
• The needs of each party to support themselves
• The child’s educational needs
• Maintenance received by either party
• The pre-divorce standard of living enjoyed by the child
• The tax consequences

There are numerous other factors that could be considered. A court may also set aside child support in a trust or separate fund set out for the welfare of the child. A custody lawyer from Van Hoof & Schneider Law Firm can help you to ensure that the decision reached is just, equitable, and serves the best needs of your child.

Modifying child support and child custody orders

Courts in Wisconsin generally modify custody or child support orders based on if a substantial change in circumstances has occurred. A substantial change in circumstances may constitute many things. Typical examples cited by Wisconsin’s Department of Children and Families include:

• A court changing the child’s placement
• A substantial increase or decrease in income
• A parent being placed in jail

There are many other situations that qualify as a substantial change in circumstances. A veteran family attorney from Van Hoof & Schneider Law Firm can assist you in determining if you qualify for a modification.

Contact us for a free lawyer consultation about your case

Child custody and child support are complicated and depend on many factors. Van Hoof & Schneider Law Firm serves Appleton and the surrounding area. If you have questions related to divorce, child custody or child support, our child custody lawyers and family law lawyers can explain the law so you feel comfortable that your concerns are addressed. For a 30-minute free lawyer consultation, contact us at 920.788.3543 or online.