Dedicated Child Custody Attorney Advocating for Menomonee Falls Parents
Divorce is always more complicated and oftentimes more emotionally fraught if children are involved. Deciding where a child resides and whether both parents will have visitation can be difficult for all parties to agree upon. Thus, this is the most critical portion of any divorce case. Attorney John F. Zeckel understands the magnitude of this decision and will listen carefully to your legal wishes and zealously advocate for your position.
How is Child Custody & Support Determined in Wisconsin?
If you and your spouse cannot mutually agree upon a custody and visitation agreement and schedule, a Wisconsin court will do so for you. The state assumes liability for ensuring this decision is made in the best interests of the child or children in question. Once custody is determined, the amount of child support owed will be based on the placement of the children. These payments are intended to help or assist the parent that has been awarded custody of the children pay for their care, such as basic necessities, medical care, educational costs, and more.
Our Comprehensive Child Custody & Support Services
Our firm handles all types of custody and support matters for our valued clients, including:
Custody Disputes
If you are currently in the middle of a heated child custody dispute, you are not alone. Throughout the state, many couples filing for divorce find themselves in a tricky situation regarding child custody. Our firm will guide and assist you in resolving custody and placement issues either during a divorce or in a post-divorce setting through mediation or in court.
Fathers’ Rights
Many fathers facing divorce or a paternity issue are concerned as to whether their parental rights will be protected and how the child custody case will conclude. If you are a father engaged in a situation such as this, you will need an attorney who is well-versed in this area of the law and who can assist you in understanding the complexity of the legal issues involved. We will tirelessly advocate for you and your paternal rights.
Grandparent Rights
As a grandparent with a son or daughter going through divorce, you may have rights to visit your grandchildren. In special circumstances, you may even have the right to pursue custody of your grandchildren if you believe that neither parent is fit to care for the children or meet other specific legal criteria. We can help you assert visitation rights and/or establish legal guardianship of your grandchildren.
Mothers’ Rights
If you are a mother filing for divorce, you may have concerns regarding the custody of your children and child support payments. If the court designates you as the primary care giver, the court will award child support to you. This child support is meant to help you provide for your children’s needs. It is predicated on the time you have placement of your children, your financial circumstances, and other important factors.
Relocation of a Child
Once a divorce is granted, generally the court will not modify the custody or placement orders for a period of at least two years. Both parents are expected to abide by the court orders in place or face legal repercussions. Should either party wish to relocate from the state of Wisconsin, they must seek court approval to do so.
Types of Child Custody
Generally the courts favor issuing a joint custodial order so both parents have some input regarding their children’s education, healthcare, and religion. The courts typically do not favor sole legal custody unless the parties cannot communicate effectively regarding those issues or there is a history of problems on the part of one parent.
Post-Divorce Custody Disputes
Once custody and placement orders have been issued by the court, they may not be changed for a period of two years unless there is irreparable harm being done to the child or children. After two years, the moving partner must show a substantial change in circumstances to be successful in changing the current court order.
Don’t Attempt to Tackle This Issue Alone!
We know you are acutely aware of just how high the stakes are when it comes to the care of your children. If there was ever a time in your life to secure high-quality legal representation, this is it. Attorney John F. Zeckel, S.C. has over 30 years of experience helping families navigate this difficult process and can do the same for you and your children.