Custody & Divorce in Wisconsin

What is the Child Custody process in Wisconsin?

Step 1: Developing a Plan

After the initial divorce papers are filed you should begin immediately working on your financial disclosure statement (otherwise known as FDS) and your proposed parenting plan.

The FDS is required to disclose your assets and debts. This information will be used to help set child support payments. The parenting plan is a document outlining the weekly overnight schedule, as well as the resolutions to any future issues like who gets the child during holidays and birthdays. The weekly overnight schedule will also be taken into account when determining child support payments.

Step 2: Parenting Class & Mediation

If you or your spouse are unable to come to an agreement regarding the parenting plan the court will order the parents to pay for parenting classes as well as mediation. The court uses these tools to help parents come to an agreement.

Step 3: Failed Mediation = Court-Ordered Plan

If mediation fails, the court will appoint a guardian ad litem^[1] (otherwise known as GAL), who is an attorney for the child. The GAL works for the court to put the child in the best possible scenario at the end of the trial, not for the parents or on the behalf of the parents. The GAL will investigate the work schedule of the parents, who has been the primary caregiver to the child thus far in their life, and the willingness of each parent to support the other parent's involvement in the child's life.

After the GAL completes their investigation they will make a recommendation to the court regarding the custody (major decision making) and placement (where the child resides and when). The court, in 90% of cases, will take the recommendation of the GAL, which means your interactions with the GAL are important.