What courts consider when evaluating relocation motions and disputes between parents.
Congratulations! Your company just offered you the opportunity to start a higher-paying position in a new city. After some research, you discover that moving to this city would not only increase your wage, but also provide your child with a better education and superior athletic programs. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. There’s just one problem…you are divorced and have no idea how to go about
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Latest from Hawley, Kaufman & Kautzer, S.C. Blog
New Wisconsin Court Policy Addresses Generative AI
Key takeaways on AI use in court filings, disclosure requirements, and potential consequences for violations in Wisconsin’s Fourth Judicial District.
As Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) becomes integrated into legal practices, new policies are needed to ensure its safe and ethical use. On September 23rd, 2026, the Wisconsin Circuit Court’s Fourth Judicial District issued a new Interim Policy establishing guidelines for the use of generative artificial intelligence in circuit court proceedings in the district. The Fourth Judicial District includes Calumet,
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What Counts as Marital Waste in Wisconsin?
What happens when a spouse gives away marital assets before divorce?
John and Alex have been married for 8 years, and have accumulated around $200,000 in marital assets. Now, they are going through a divorce and must gather their financial information to determine how the marital property will be divided.
While reviewing their financial records, Alex discovers some withdrawals from their joint marital account that were made several months ago. Alex doesn’t recall making these transactions herself and cannot
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Is Your Divorce Public in Wisconsin?
Understanding public records, court access, and privacy in Wisconsin family law cases.
If you’re going through a divorce or custody matter, you might be wondering, “Can my ex or employer look up information about my case?” The short answer is: usually, yes. In Wisconsin, most family court cases are public record, but that does not mean every detail is public. There are specific protections you can obtain, but first you must know what they are and how you can
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Baby’s Here! The Wisconsin New Parent Legal & Financial Checklist
From birth certificates to guardianship: the practical steps every Wisconsin family needs to take in year one.
September is often associated with more birthdays than any other month of the year, meaning many families are welcoming a new baby and adjusting to life as new parents. Between feedings, diaper changes, doctor appointments, and sleepless nights, it can be difficult to think about much beyond the next few hours.
Amid the excitement, however, there are several important legal and financial
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Modifying Spousal Support in Wisconsin: Income Changes & Cohabitation
What you need to know when your ex files to change your maintenance order.
You’ve been served. Just a few years after the divorce, your ex Dan has filed a motion to modify the maintenance order. Under the original order, he was required to pay you $2,000 per month. Dan alleges that his prior employment changed, and he is now earning substantially less income. He also cites concerns that you have been living with a significant other.
Your mind
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Can I Move Out of State With My Child After a Divorce?
A family lawyer explains the Wisconsin Relocation Statute and the step-by-step process for obtaining approval to move with your child.
“Am I stuck living in the same town because of my legal custody and physical placement orders?”
“I want to move out of Wisconsin…is that even allowed?”
It is natural for parents to feel overwhelmed when considering a move. This is especially true when child custody and placement orders are involved. As a Wisconsin family law attorney, I
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When Can My Child Decide Where They Want to Live?
A guide to Wisconsin custody and placement laws, court-appointed professionals, and how your child’s wishes impact custody decisions.
“Once my son turns 14, he’ll finally get to decide which parent he wants to live with. ”
As a Wisconsin family law attorney, I’ve heard this assumption from countless clients navigating paternity, divorce, or post-divorce matters. Unfortunately, this is not true. Under Wisconsin law, children under the age of 18 never truly get to choose which parent they
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Turning 18: Legal, Financial, and Practical Considerations for Young Adults and Their Parents
A helpful guide for parents and young adults navigating the legal transition into adulthood in the state of Wisconsin.
Eighteen is often viewed as a milestone year filled with graduation parties, first jobs, military enlistments, trade school plans, college move-in days, and newfound independence. What many families don’t realize is that turning 18 also brings significant legal changes. Overnight, a child becomes an adult in the eyes of the law.
As an estate planning attorney, these are some of
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The Importance of Completing a Proposed Parenting Plan
What Wisconsin parents should know about the 14 mandatory elements of a parenting plan.
For many parents, entering a family law matter raises questions about how this major life transition may impact their child or children. Where will our child live? How will parenting time be divided? Who will make important decisions for our child?
Courts address many of these concerns through child custody and physical placement orders. In Wis. Stat. §767.41(5)(am)(1) the first factor listed for the court
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What High Conflict Parents Get Wrong About Child Custody
Winning the text argument won’t win your custody case. Learn how to navigate high-conflict co-parenting and custody and placement matters in Wisconsin.
It all started with a simple text.
Can I pick the kids up early tonight? We’re going on a trip tomorrow so I’d like to give them time to pack.
The request may seem reasonable, but in a high-conflict co-parenting situation, even one text can spiral into an all-out battle.
You’ve been irritated with your ex for
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Divorce or Legal Separation: Which Option Is Right for You?
Understand the key differences between divorce and legal separation in Wisconsin, including filing requirements, legal rights, and what each option means for your future.
There are many reasons an individual may be interested in a legal separation over a divorce, or vice versa. Factors such as religious or personal beliefs, the possibility of reconciliation, or the desire to maintain certain financial or insurance benefits may lead someone to choose a legal separation rather than a divorce. On the other
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Spousal Social Security Benefits in Wisconsin: Eligibility, Benefits, and Divorce Considerations
Learn who qualifies, how much you may receive, and how spousal Social Security benefits can impact retirement and maintenance after divorce.Social Security benefits are a crucial source of retirement income for many individuals. However, one valuable benefit is often overlooked or misunderstood: spousal Social Security benefits. If you are eligible, spousal Social Security benefits provide monthly payments based on your current or former spouse’s earnings record. The maximum spousal benefit is up to 50% of the higher earner’s Full
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Marital Property Agreements: Planning for the Future, Not Planning for Divorce
One of the most rewarding parts of estate planning is guiding individuals and families as they prepare for the future. We discuss protecting children, preserving family assets, planning for retirement, and creating a legacy for the next generation. Occasionally, those conversations lead to the topic of a Marital Property Agreement (MPA), sometimes called a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. When that happens, many couples become understandably uncomfortable.
A common reaction is:
“If we’re planning to spend the rest of
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New Rules for Reporting Income Changes in Family Court
Learn who must report income changes, what counts as gross income, and how Wisconsin’s updated law could affect your support obligations.
Each year, Wisconsin law requires parents with a shared placement arrangement and a court order for child support, maintenance, or family support to exchange financial information, including documentation of their gross income. This requirement helps ensure that support obligations remain fair and allows parties to determine whether they need to adjust support. However, the payor
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Understanding Witness Testimony in Wisconsin Family Law
Can a Witness Write a Letter Instead of Testifying in Family Court? The short answer: probably not.
Family law matters include and are not limited to divorces, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, termination of parental rights, and adoption. Family law cases involve what matters most: one’s children, finances, and dignity. As a result, the parties involved often find themselves in disputes.
The Role of Witnesses in Court
At a hearing, a court
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