Secure Child Custody in Wisconsin
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is child custody determined in Wisconsin?
Parents either come to an agreement on child custody or the court decides. When the court has to decide, they use the child custody factors outlined in the Wisconsin state statutes.
What is the most important factor when determining child custody?
The most important factor in the eyes of the court is the best interest of the child. All of the other factors are specific ways to find what is in their best interest.
What is child custody?
Child custody is the legal ability of a parent to make major decisions in a child’s life. Major decisions include decisions about health, education, culture, religion, and extracurricular activities.
What is physical placement?
Physical placement is where the child is and which parent is responsible for them. Different placement schedules are better for different situations. You can work with the other party and the court to find the best schedule for your situation.
What is an unfit parent in Wisconsin?
An unfit parent is a parent that cannot take care of a child. This can be for a variety of reasons such as addiction, abuse, or neglect. The parent that can take care of the child usually gets sole custody in these situations. If you are worried about your child’s safety right now, don’t wait for the court, call the police.
What rights do fathers have in Wisconsin?
If a father has established paternity, they have just as many rights to the child as the mother. The court assumes there will be 50/50 custody and placement, so they start at an equal point. However, if one parent shows they are not able to take care of the child, the other will get more custody.
Is Wisconsin a mother or father state?
Wisconsin is not a mother state nor a father state. Rather, Wisconsin is a “child’s best interest” state. If the child should have more time with the father, that is how the court will decide. The father’s rights to the child are the same as a mother’s.
Can a mother take a child away from the father?
If there is already a custody and placement schedule, neither parent can take the child from the other parent. If a parent is keeping the child when they are supposed to give the child back, then there are issues that the court needs to solve.