A person going through a divorce where there is contested custody litigation will be expected to meet with the court appointed Guardian ad Litem. What should you expect when meeting with the Guardian ad litem? You probably will have a number of questions and concerns going into the meeting; What is the guardian ad litem…
Parenting & Kids
Articles categorized by what phase of divorce you're currently experiencing:
Articles categorized by topic and areas of your life most affected by a divorce:
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What is a Vocational Examination?
Many times in divorce cases, we recommend to our clients that they undergo a vocational examination, or the opposing counsel, requests that the party submit to an independent vocational examination. What is a vocational examination and what purpose does it serve? A vocational examination is a process where a person trained and experienced in employment…
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Hold Open Child Support?
Can you waive or hold open child support? The answer to the former is no and the answer to the latter is yes. You cannot waive child support pursuant to a martial settlement agreement, as it is a right that belongs to the child. However, parties can agree in their marital settlement agreement, to “hold…
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Restricted and Supervised Visitation
When a party going through a divorce is concerned that the other parent may pose a risk to the children, what safeguards can be put in place by the court to protect the children during their periods of placement? First, there must be a showing that the parent poses a legitimate risk of exposing the…
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Cell Phones for Children?
You are divorced and your ex blocks communication when the children are with them, so you decide to go out and purchase a cell phone for them, so they can call you anytime and you can call them, when they are with the other parent. Is that a good idea? Is it allowed? Must the…
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Collecting Retroactive Child Support in Wisconsin
When can you collect back child support owed? From the birth of the children? From the time you separate? From the time you file a motion with the court? From the time the other party is served with the motion for court? From the time you are in court and the court orders support? TL;DR…
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Qualifications to be a Guardian ad litem in Wisconsin
There is probably not a day that goes by that I am not responding to a question on AVVO or Lawyers.com about a party going through a divorce and a bitter custody battle, complaining that the Guardian ad litem is not doing their job, is biased, and wants them removed from the case. I thought…
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What Does “Reasonable Times, Reasonable Notice” Visitation Mean?
TL;DR Summary of What Does “Reasonable Times, Reasonable Notice” Visitation Mean? “Traditional placement” gives one parent primary custody (>75% of overnights), while the other has visitation rights, often under vague “reasonable times, reasonable notice” terms. This arrangement requires the non-custodial parent to ask for permission to see their children, effectively giving the primary parent veto…
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Legal Separation vs. Divorce In Wisconsin
What is Legal Separation in Wisconsin? A Legal Separation in Wisconsin is different than simply living apart. Physically separating is not the same as legally separating. If you physically separate without taking any further legal action, you remain legally married and will continue to enjoy (or suffer) all the rights and responsibilities that come with…
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Common Questions a Guardian ad Litem Will Ask You and Your Child
BEST Guardian Ad Litem Home Visit Checklist What Not to Say to a Guardian Ad Litem and What to Expect the First Time You Meet A Guardian ad Litem investigation typically occurs when the parties involved are unable to reach an agreement on custody or placement decisions for their children. When the parties cannot resolve…
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When a woman is married and pregnant from another man.
Many times in family law cases, we see situations where a woman becomes pregnant while still married. The husband by law, is presumed to be the biological father of the child. It complicates the divorce. If either the mother or her husband raise the issue with the trial court that the husband may not be…
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Understanding the Role of a Guardian ad Litem in Wisconsin Family Court
What Is The Purpose Of Guardian ad Litem In Wisconsin Family Court? If there is a custody or placement dispute involving your children during the divorce process, the court may appoint a Guardian ad Litem to perform an investigation and make a recommendation to the court. A Guardian ad Litem is an attorney who is…
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Law School Scholarships in Wisconsin
Law School Scholarships for Wisconsin Residents Scholarships for Current or Future Law Students from Wisconsin Karp & Iancu Law Firm Scholarship Karp & Iancu Law Firm, divorce lawyers in Wisconsin, is pleased to offer a scholarship for Wisconsin residents pursuing a legal education. This scholarship supports high school seniors in Wisconsin who plan to…
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The Importance of Hiring a Family Law Attorney in Milwaukee
People often ask, “Do I even need to hire a Milwaukee divorce lawyer?” The short answer is, “no.” However, you also don’t need to hire an obstetrician to deliver your baby. Nature will take its course with or without the doctor there. But sometimes it is nice to have someone who can intervene when there…
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Nesting: An Alternative Placement Arrangement
When most think of divorced families with children, they think of the children being shuffled to and from one parent’s house to the other. But there is another option–nesting arrangements. A nesting arrangement is when the children stay in the familial home and the parents rotate in and out depending on their placement schedule. A…
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Child Support: How Do You Calculate Income?
I was asked the other day when computing child support, what should you be looking at? Should you be looking at current income, last year’s income, year to date income, or some combination of all the above? What is the most accurate portrayal of a person’s income for purposes of calculating child support? Where to…
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When can you request a change in Custody in Wisconsin?
We take numerous inquiries day in and day out from individuals who have gone through a family law case and are interested in changing custody. How does one go about it? Are there time restricitions for doing so? What is the burden of proof? What type of evidence does one need to modify the existing orders?…
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150 miles or 100 miles? Which Wisconsin law applies?
I receive a fair number of phone calls and on line inquiries about what a person is required to do to move away following a divorce. What notice is required? Do I have to file a motion? What reasons do I need to move? How long will the process take? How much will it cost?…
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How to prove a parent is “unfit.”
Almost every other phone call or on line inquiry we receive, concerns a post judgment custody issue where someone wants to prove or allege the other parent is “unfit.” The idea is they want to obtain primary placement of the children, and in many cases, also involves pre-judgment matters. How do you go about proving…
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Can you get your own Guardian ad litem appointed?
Interestingly, over the last few days, several people have asked me the same question; that is, can you get your own guardian ad litem appointed, or bring some other person to court for your child as their guardian ad litem? The answer under Wisconsin law is “no.” The court appoints the guardian ad litem. Whenever…
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