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Waukesha County Child Custody Lawyer

Comprehensive Child Custody Guidance in Brookfield, WI

Child custody is among the most contentious and emotional aspects of any divorce. Neither parent wants to lose time with the kids, but they must also juggle the realities of modern life. Anything from distance between parents to work schedules can make it impossible to share equal custody.

If you’re involved in a custody battle, you need a firm that can help you work toward a fair, reasonable compromise. At The Law Offices of Mark S. Knutson, S.C., our lawyers have over 60 years of combined experience. We can help resolve your custody disputes amicably. When compromise is impossible, we can argue for you in court, proving that your continued involvement is best for your children.

If you need help with child custody issues in Waukesha County and surrounding areas, trust our team of lawyers to help. Contact us online or call us now at (262) 205-0705 for a consultation.

Ways of Determining Child Custody in Wisconsin

Negotiating Terms

Whenever possible, it is always advisable to settle divorce decisions on your own. Mediation is a good option for people willing to work together.

In mediation, you meet with a legal professional. This person works for both spouses, and they are not trying to help either person “win.” Mediation is designed to get both parties talking and listening. Your mediator has special psychological training to help facilitate these talks. They can keep the conversation moving when there is a roadblock, and they can help keep everyone cool in times of frustration. As a
legal professional, your mediator can also offer suggestions for difficult conflicts.

Through mediation, you can create the terms of your divorce with your spouse. There are many benefits to doing so. It saves both time and money, as you are attending only meetings with your mediator. You can also maintain your privacy since the details of your marriage are kept out of court. Because you agree to all terms, mediation also gives you power over your divorce.

Finally, it can give you one last project to work on with your spouse. This can help you leave the marriage on a positive note, which will be helpful as you co-parent in the future.

Our team can help mediate your divorce, reaching fair solutions for everyone involved.

Learn more about our Brookfield divorce attorney.
Going to Court

Unfortunately, not all couples can handle matters themselves. They need a higher legal authority to make decisions for them. In these cases, it will be necessary to argue for child custody in court.

Family court is like any other trial. It requires investigation, evidence, witnesses, examination, and cross-examination.

Our team will treat your child custody dispute with care, compassion, and tenacity. We want to make sure that you receive the parental rights you are due, and we can argue your case in court.

Different Types of Child Custody

Legal Custody

Parents can have authority over certain decisions in the child’s life. This is called “legal custody.” Typically, these decisions involve educational and healthcare concerns.
You can share legal custody equally, or you can have sole power over these decisions. It is also possible for one parent to have healthcare authority while the other handles education. A parent can share authority over one matter and have no power over another. There are several possible combinations of legal custody.

Physical Custody

Physical custody refers to the time you have the children in your home for an extended period. Even if it is for only one weekend a month, this is still considered joint, physical custody.
You can have physical custody without legal custody and vice versa. Physical custody may also be known as physical placement.

Child Visitation Rights

Visitation is not the same as physical custody. It is specifically scheduled time you spend with the kids. Even if you are alone with them, you will eventually bring them back to the custodial parent.
Electronic visitation is just as valid as physical visitation. This includes scheduled phone calls, video chats, and so on. If it is a part of your parenting plan, it cannot be blocked by the other parent.

Can a Father Get Full Custody in Wisconsin?

Yes, fathers can get full custody in Wisconsin. Full or sole custody is given to one parent once proven that the other parent is unfit. An unfit parent is unsuitable if they threaten the child's physical or mental well-being.

Can Parents Agree to No Child Support in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, parents can't agree to waive child support. However, they can decide to halt it temporarily. A judge may accept such an agreement if both parents can support the child on their respective incomes or decide on other means of payment.

Only a court can change a child support order.

Learn more about child support in Wisconsin here.

Contact Our Child Custody Attorney in Waukesha County Today

Our firm understands the need to be with your kids and to have a say in their upbringing. Courts always want to operate in the best interests of children. We can help build a case that proves you are necessary for the child, and your continued involvement will improve their well-being. Our team understands how painful child custody concerns can be, and we will approach your case with the care and dedication you deserve.

Our attorneys are here to help Waukesha County with all their child custody needs. From creating a parenting plan to handling a dispute, we are here for you. For a consultation, call (262) 205-0705 today or contact us online.

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What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

The Law Offices of Mark S. Knutson, S.C. is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

Excellence

To relentlessly pursue delivery of outstanding results in everything we do.
Integrity

We believe in providing legal counsel that is both fair and transparent. We commit to being honest, trustworthy, respectful and ethical in our actions.
Client Focus

Our focus is to fully understand our clients’ needs, challenges, objectives and goals and to maximize the value of our services to them including safeguarding the security and confidentiality of their information.
Compassionate

Family law is a deeply emotional area of the law to work within. As such, we understand that your family law matter is personal and private. We authentically and genuinely want to help resolve your family law problems and are uniquely qualified to do so.
Caring

Estate planning can be difficult to confront. No one likes to think about the time when they’ll pass away, let alone what that will mean for their loved ones. Rest assured, though, that our caring professionals will guide you through this emotionally complicated process to craft unique solutions that can help you feel confident about your family’s future.

When the Time Is Right, Call for Help

We offer extended consultations in person, on zoom or by telephone. If regular business hours don’t fit your schedule, we’ve made additional hours available by appointment for your convenience.