Parenting & Kids

  1. 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….

  2. 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…

  3. 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…

  4. 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…

  5. 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…

  6. 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 There’s a long-standing assumption that mothers have an advantage in custody cases, but that belief is outdated.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…

  7. 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…

  8. 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…

  9. 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…

  10. 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…

  11. 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…

  12. 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…

  13. 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…

  14. What is a Vocational Examination?

    Many times in divorce cases, we recommend that clients undergo a vocational examination, or the opposing counsel may request that a party submit to an independent vocational examination. What is a vocational examination, and what purpose does it serve? A vocational examination is a process in which a professional trained and experienced in employment matters…

  15. The guardian ad litems’ investigation.

    Most litigants going through a custody battle in Wisconsin have heard of the appointment of a guardian ad litem. Most seem to lack an understanding of what the guardian ad litem is required to do or what type of an investigation needs to be undertaken. A guardian ad litem is required any time there is…

  16. How Many Bedrooms Does a Parent Need in Wisconsin?

    TL;DR Summary for How Many Bedrooms Does a Parent Need in Wisconsin? No law in Wisconsin: There is no law requiring each child to have their own bedroom or bed for overnight placement during or after a divorce. Common sense prevails: Sleeping arrangements such as shared bedrooms or beds are generally acceptable when appropriate for…

  17. What Is CS in Divorce?

    Child support, custody, and spousal maintenance (alimony) are some of the most emotional aspects of a divorce. Child support, often abbreviated as “CS,” refers to the financial payments made by one parent to the other to help cover a child’s living expenses. Here’s a closer look at how these matters are determined in Wisconsin and…

  18. What Is the Biggest Mistake in a Custody Battle?

    Custody battles can be emotionally charged, and the decisions made can affect both the parents and the children for years to come. Here’s an in-depth look at common mistakes, the best approaches to custody disputes, and the actions that could harm your case. The Biggest Mistakes Parents Make in Custody Battles One of the biggest…

  19. Child Support: How Do You Calculate Income?

    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 Start When Calculating Income For Child Support…

  20. Child Relocation in Wisconsin – 150 miles or 100 miles? Which Wisconsin law applies?

    There are laws that apply to removing children away from the other parent. During the divorce case, there is a prohibition on moving the children more than 100 miles away from the other parent. Once divorced, there is also a statutory prohibition on removing the children more than 100 miles from the other parent. The…

Featured Review of
Karp & Iancu, S.C. Family & Divorce Lawyers
by Douglas T. on Google

"The representation by Karp & Iancu that I received was very helpful to guide me through the difficult passage from marriage to divorce. I would highly recommend retaining Karp & Iancu as they were able to provide highly valuable information and guidance to reach an amicable settlement with my spouse."

We’re Proud of Our 5.0 Rating Across 400+ Reviews on Google