The resources on this page contain valuable information about co-parenting and are specifically related to families that are co-parenting in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin has one of the lowest Divorce Rates in the Country, but there is a need to protect the children of families who are separated or divorced. The Court in Wisconsin believes that a child would gain from a relationship with both parents, and maximizes the amount of time the child has with each parent as long as it is in the best interest of the child.
Positive Co-Parenting ensures that children feel safe in their relationship with both parents. A Co-parenting class is mandatory in Wisconsin, and co-parents of minor children must file a Certificate of Completion with the court. However, in Special Cases, a waiver can be granted by the Family Court Commissioner.
Co-Parents are allowed to choose a schedule for their child’s Physical Custody, but the court will decide for parents who cannot come to an agreement, and primary placement can be granted to one parent if a parent might be a danger to the child or when a parent’s work schedule is inconsistent with the child’s school schedule
WISCONSIN LAWS
Wisconsin State Legislature on child custody, placement, and Visitation
O’Flaherty Law discusses the changes to child custody and child placement law in Wisconsin.
CUSTODY, PLACEMENT, AND VISITATION IN WISCONSIN
On Custody and Visitation, the Wisconsin Courts believe that it is beneficial for the child to spend time with both biological parents and will always work towards shared custody and visitation rights.
Child Custody can be awarded to a relative of the child, child welfare agency, county department, or department of children and families where both parents of the child are unfit, and cannot be awarded custody.
A Child Custody Award Decision is made with the best interest of a child as a standard to determine who custody will be awarded to, and what kind of custody can be awarded in the State of Wisconsin.
This checklist to help determine who the Child’s primary caretaker is can be used to decide who is awarded primary custody.
The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families discusses the different types of Custody and placement including Joint Custody, Sole Custody, split, shared, and primary placement.
Supervised Visitation is ordered in Wisconsin where a parent is a threat to the child whether physically or emotionally, and the parent would have to go through the child, the other parent, and the Court to regain normal visitation rights.
The Guardian ad litem in Wisconsin is appointed by the court to act as an investigator on behalf of the child to look out for their best interest and make recommendations to the court.
Attorney ad litem is the child’s legal representative that acts as an attorney for the child.
Unfit Parenting claims are not seriously looked into in Wisconsin however parents are usually advised by their attorneys to avoid unfair claims tied to their individual pain and anger from the divorce.
Restraining Orders can adversely affect the decision to grant Custody and Visitation rights to a co-parent, however, instead of a complete prohibition, a judge might decide to grant supervised visitation rights to parents to ensure the child’s protection.
Reasons a Court will grant sole custody or primary placement to one parent
Frequently asked Questions on Custody or Visitation Interference are answered by Findlaw and is a must-read before you violate that court order or interfere in your co-parent’s visitation or custody rights.
Common Legal Issues and Questions in Child Custody were answered in a pamphlet sponsored by the state bar of Wisconsin addressing common legal issues and questions in child custody.
Solutions for High-Conflict Co-parents who cannot on their own reach a point where they can interact in a civil manner with each other
Positive Co-Parenting has numerous benefits for the children who are usually directly affected by the decisions of their parents, and for the parents who have the responsibility of ensuring it.
Long-Term Effect of Divorce on Children
SELF HELP RESOURCES
Wisconsin Circuit Court forms including placement orders, parenting plans, temporary orders with and without minor children, and marital settlement agreements amongst others can be completed, filled, and printed out for use in the Circuit Court.
Co-parenting plan template for Wisconsin co-parents that need to put together a working plan to meet the needs of their children.
Wisconsin Family Court Information by County
Supervised Visitation Directory for Wisconsin
OTHER RESOURCES
Tutorial Video for Family forms in Milwaukee, WI
How to go about a Child Custody or Placement case
Tips for Co-Parenting and Conflict Resolution in Wisconsin
Tips for Creating a Wisconsin Parenting Plan
Tips for Co-Parenting after Divorce
Tips for Better Co-Parenting after Divorce
ON BLENDED AND STEP FAMILIES
Wisconsin blended family and Estate Planning
ON WISCONSIN CHILD TAX CREDITS
Wisconsin Child Tax Credits after Custody Case
IRS news on claiming a child as a dependent when parents are divorced, separated or living apart
CO-PARENTING HELP APPS help co-parents share information in a secure and neutral environment.
