Family & Divorce

Physical placement disputes are often some of the most contested issues in family law cases. The current physical placement standard directs courts to maximize the time children spend with each parent consistent with their best interest. This strikes a thoughtful and flexible balance that a more inflexible presumption of equal placement cannot match. By focusing on the unique circumstances, needs, and family dynamics of each case, the existing framework preserves both parental involvement and judicial discretion. This ensures that


Continue Reading Why Wisconsin’s Balance Placement Standard Works without a Presumption of Equal Time

The division of life insurance policies is a topic that often does not receive enough attention in Wisconsin divorce cases. Yet depending on how a policy is owned, funded, and structured, it can raise important financial issues during a property division.
Insurable Interest Comes First
Before discussing division, it is important to understand who can legally take out a life insurance policy. A person may only insure another individual if they have what is called an insurable interest. This
Continue Reading Life Insurance Policies in a Wisconsin Divorce Action

When parents in Sheboygan, Random Lake, or Mequon cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court often steps in to make these life-altering decisions. In many contested cases, a judge will order a custody evaluation. This process involves a neutral professional, such as a psychologist or social worker, who investigates the family dynamic and provides a recommendation to the court.

Parents often feel overwhelmed by the scrutiny of an evaluation. Understanding Wisconsin Child Custody Evaluations: What Factors Do Judges
Continue Reading Wisconsin Child Custody Evaluations: What Factors Do Judges Consider?

When parents get divorced, establishing paternity, or facing custody and placement disputes, they must seek court intervention.

Many parents expect that equal (50/50) shared placement of the children is the standard placement schedule that every court uses unless there is evidence that one party is a “bad parent.” Even some legal professionals or court officials seem to be operating under this assumption.

Haley Bjorn headshot

Haley Bjorn, Arizona State 2023, is a staff attorney with Judicare Legal Aid, Wausau. She


Continue Reading The Myth of 50/50 Placement: What Wisconsin Law Actually Requires

Divorce may not be easy—but Wisconsin just made the process a little less stressful. With the passage of a new law allowing Divorce by Affidavit (2025 Senate Bill 189), many couples can now finalize their divorce without any court appearance. This change is a major step toward making the legal system more efficient, accessible, and compassionate for families navigating this transition.
What Is Divorce by Affidavit?
Divorce by Affidavit allows qualifying couples to complete their divorce through notarized written


Continue Reading Wisconsin Offers No-court Divorce: Introducing Divorce by Affidavit

Your guide to building lasting bonds with your children through effective communication and growth, to create a winning custody strategy.

Why Family Law is About More Than Paperwork
At HKK Law Offices we view every case as a chance for transformation. When families move through conflict, they often emerge with clearer relationships, steadier finances, and a renewed sense of purpose. Custody isn’t just a legal award. It is an opportunity to become a stronger, healthier, consistent, and more engaged
Continue Reading Transforming Custody Challenges into Stronger Connections

For fathers in Sheboygan, Random Lake, Mequon, and across Wisconsin, the legal relationship with a child born outside of marriage is vital. Establishing paternity means more than simply having your name on a birth certificate; it locks in essential rights and obligations for both the parent and the child. This process provides you with the opportunity to seek custody and placement, while ensuring your child has access to essential benefits.

Whether you are preparing for a birth or seeking
Continue Reading Understanding Paternity Laws in Wisconsin: What Fathers Need to Know

Here is an update from Attorney Emily Dudak Leiter of The Law Center, S.C., regarding Davis v. Ermold and Moore:

As most have heard already, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal constructed by Kim Davis and Liberty Counsel, which was attempting to overturn Obergefell and marriage equality. The Supreme Court declined to review the case last week, and they did so without comment. That is a huge relief. That means nothing is imminent.

I wanted to


Continue Reading Update Regarding Davis V. Ermold And Moore

One of the hardest decisions estate planning clients face is naming the guardians of their minor children. In fact, in my experience, the inability to reach such a decision can greatly frustrate the estate planning process for clients, leading them to delay, postpone, or even abandon the process entirely. Although this decision is incredibly important, it can be modified in the future should circumstances change. It is far better to nominate a guardian in your will and then modify


Continue Reading 7 Factors to Consider When Choosing Guardians for Minor Children

In August of this year, the US Post Office announced a new rule that included without much fanfare a MAJOR change in when letters are postmarked. Under this new rule, most letters will no longer be postmarked on the day the letter is received by a post office but instead postmarked a day later when the letter is processed at a regional mail processing facility.
It is important that mailers understand the distinction between the date when the Postal
Continue Reading Postmark changes at the Post Office and late mail

Posted on October 22, 2025 in Family Law
Reports that Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift were considering a prenuptial agreement before getting married spread as fast as Swift’s chart-topping hits. While most people will never live in that kind of spotlight, the reason for a prenup remains the same: Wealth changes the stakes of marriage.

For high-net-worth individuals in Milwaukee and throughout Wisconsin, a prenuptial agreement (or “prenup”) is not a sign that two engaged people do not love
Continue Reading Ironclad Prenups Aren’t Just for Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift

For individuals who are unmarried or contemplating a second or third marriage, understanding how a prenuptial agreement can protect assets brought into the relationship is essential. Wisconsin is a marital property state. In Wisconsin, all assets (real estate, bank accounts, income, etc.) acquired by either spouse during the marriage carry with them a presumption that they are marital property. Consequently, these assets are considered equally owned by both spouses. Marital property or marital assets are owned equally by the
Continue Reading Understanding the Impact of Long-Term Marriage on Prenuptial Agreements: Key Considerations for Asset Division

Divorce marks the closing of one chapter, and the beginning of another. Amid the legal paperwork, emotional transitions, and shifting routines, updating your estate plan may not be on your priority list. But that’s exactly why it deserves your attention now, because it’s a chance to take control and build clarity into your new life.

In Wisconsin, the law provides some built-in protections. Once a divorce (or annulment) becomes final, many references to an ex-spouse in wills, trusts, or
Continue Reading Starting Fresh: Turning Post-Divorce Estate Planning into Peace of Mind

One of the biggest surprises for parents in family court is learning what judges don’t consider when deciding child support. Many people walk in with misconceptions, thinking it’s about who bought the last birthday gift, who’s the “better parent,” or whether paying for extra clothes and school supplies will reduce their support amount.

The reality? Child support in Wisconsin is primarily driven by numbers, documentation, and state guidelines—not who tells the most emotional story in court.

As a family
Continue Reading How Wisconsin Judges Really Decide Child Support

At HKK Law Offices, we know that custody and placement cases in Wisconsin are some of the most emotional and challenging moments parents face. These cases aren’t about quick fixes or shortcuts—they’re about presenting strong evidence, credible witnesses, and focusing on what truly matters: the best interest of your child.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through a real custody case we handled in Southeast Wisconsin, showing how careful preparation and the right strategy helped our client gain custody
Continue Reading How to Win Custody and Placement in Wisconsin: Real Strategies That Work

Divorcing in Wisconsin Can Be Challenging, So You Must Understand its “No-Fault” Laws.
Divorce is a complex and often emotional journey. For those living in Sheboygan, Random Lake, or Mequon, understanding Wisconsin’s specific laws is the first step toward a clear path forward.

One of the most common questions divorce lawyers hear is, “How does Wisconsin’s ‘no-fault’ divorce law impact spousal support and property division?” It is a crucial question because the answer helps you understand what to expect.
Continue Reading How Wisconsin’s ‘No-Fault’ Divorce Law Impacts Spousal Support and Property Division