Parenting & Kids

  1. How to Co-Parent with a High-Conflict Ex

    Ending a relationship is difficult, especially when children are involved. Many parents worry that a divorce or separation will have lasting effects on their children. In many cases, however, it isn’t the separation itself that causes the greatest challenges—it’s the conflict that continues afterward. Children generally adjust much better when parents can communicate respectfully, avoid…

  2. When is Curfew for Children in Wisconsin

    Many parents think of a curfew as a household rule, requiring children to be home by a certain time and to send a text if plans change. However, in some Wisconsin communities, staying out too late can lead to a citation for the child and sometimes even the parent. Is There a Statewide Curfew for…

  3. Past Due Child Support in Wisconsin

    When parents separate, divorce, or otherwise raise a child in different households, one parent may be ordered to pay child support to the other. But what happens when those payments are missed or only partially paid? That unpaid amount is known as child support arrears. How Is Past-Due Child Support Tracked? Wisconsin child support payments…

  4. Signing Away Parental Rights in Wisconsin

    The phrase “signing away parental rights” makes the process sound much simpler than it is. A parent may wish to give up their own rights to their child, or the other parent may seek to have those rights terminated, but neither can happen through a signature or private agreement alone. In Wisconsin, parental rights can…

  5. How Long Can You Leave a Child Unattended in Wisconsin?

    Most parents eventually face the question of whether a child is ready to spend some time alone. It may be for a quick errand, time between school and work, or another situation in which constant supervision is not realistic. But how long can a child legally be left unattended in Wisconsin? Does Wisconsin Set a…

  6. What Happens if a Married Woman Gets Pregnant by Another Man

    Many times in complex and sensitive family law cases, we see situations where a woman becomes pregnant while still married. If a married woman gets pregnant by another man, the husband is typically presumed to be the legal father. This complicates the divorce and raises questions about financial responsibility, legal obligations, and parental rights. Can…

  7. Does a Child Decide Where They Want to Live in Wisconsin?

    Does a Child Choose Who They Live With in Wisconsin? No. Under Wisconsin law, a child does not legally decide where they want to live until they turn 18 or graduate from high school. Until a child reaches the age of legal adulthood, parents must follow the existing court orders regarding custody and physical placement,…

  8. How Long Do Custody Battles Take and What Factors Make Them Drag Out

    When parents begin the custody process, one of the first questions they ask is how long it will take. It is an understandable concern. Custody battles are emotionally exhausting and financially draining, and most parents simply want to reach stability for themselves and their children as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer….

  9. Common Questions a Guardian ad Litem Will Ask You and Your Child

    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 child-related issues independently, the court appoints an…

  10. 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 restrictions for doing so? What is the burden of proof? What type of evidence does one need to modify the existing…

  11. How to Handle a Divorce Peacefully

    How to Handle a Divorce Peacefully: A Guide to Constructive Transitions Divorce is traditionally associated with courtroom battles, heated arguments, and emotional upheaval. However, it doesn’t have to be a destructive process. With the right mindset and professional guidance, you can navigate this life transition with dignity. At Karp & Iancu, S.C. Family & Divorce…

  12. Proving You’re a Capable Parent in Court: What Judges Really Look For

    When a custody dispute reaches the courtroom, emotions run high, and both parents often feel the need to prove that they are the better parent. The truth is, Wisconsin courts are not interested in who is the “better” parent in a subjective sense. They want evidence that both parents can meet their child’s needs and…

  13. How Fathers Can Improve Their Chances of Custody

    When a father walks into my office worried about losing time with his children, I understand his concern completely. There’s a long-standing assumption that mothers have an advantage in custody cases, but that belief is outdated. Wisconsin law doesn’t favor mothers over fathers; it favors what’s in the best interests of the child. That means…

  14. What Percentage of Fathers Win Custody and Why the Playing Field Is Changing

    For generations, fathers entering custody disputes have feared an uphill battle. Many walk into court assuming the mother will automatically receive primary custody and that their role will be limited to weekend visits or child support payments. While that perception was once grounded in reality, it no longer reflects the truth of how family law…

  15. Do Mothers or Fathers Get More Custody? Understanding Wisconsin’s 50/50 Standard

    When parents separate, one of the most pressing and emotional questions is, “Who gets more custody—the mother or the father?” For years, many assumed that mothers automatically had the advantage. But as Wisconsin family law has evolved, that belief no longer reflects reality. At Karp & Iancu, we’ve seen firsthand how the courts have shifted…

  16. Should You Fight for Full Custody? How to Know When It’s Worth It

    When emotions run high during a divorce or custody dispute, it is natural for parents to want full control over their child’s care. Hurt feelings, anger, or a sense of injustice often lead parents to believe that fighting for full custody is the only way to protect their child or gain closure. But in many…

  17. Co-Parent Harassment: When Conflict Crosses the Line and What to Do About It

    When parents separate or divorce, they often imagine that co-parenting will get easier with time. In reality, some conflicts only begin after the court orders are in place. While disagreements are expected, there is a point where constant hostility, name-calling, or excessive communication becomes something more serious. That is when ordinary conflict turns into co-parent…

  18. How Does the Court Decide the Custody and Placement of Children?

    How is Child Custody Determined in Wisconsin? In Wisconsin, child custody and placement are determined based on the “best interest of the child” standard. Under Wisconsin Statute § 767.41, courts begin with a legal presumption favoring joint legal custody, meaning both parents share major decision-making authority. Courts evaluate specific factors, including the child’s wishes, the…

  19. Navigating Custody Battles: What to Do (and Not Do) in a Custody Battle

    Custody battles are often the most challenging part of a divorce, especially when emotions run high. In our interview, we discussed some of the most important dos and don’ts when it comes to fighting for custody of your children. Here’s a breakdown of that advice. The Importance of Co-Parenting: A Must for Custody Battles One…

  20. Release of medical records in a custody battle.

    When is a party required to release their medical records when going through a divorce where custody and/or placement of the parties’ minor children is being contested? The general answer is that medical records are privileged and confidential and a person cannot be forced to release their medical records without their consent. There are some…

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