Waukesha County Child Custody Lawyer
Child Custody and Placement Attorney Serving Brookfield, Wisconsin
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.
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.
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.
