Author Archives: David Kowalski

Posted inChild custody

Wisconsin unmarried fathers rights

Wisconsin unmarried fathers rights are not automatic in every case.  If the father and mother are married, the husband is presumed to be the father.   However, unmarried  fathers have no rights until they obtain a court paternity order.   Being named on the child’s birth certificate does NOT establish Wisconsin unmarried fathers rights. Even if the parents live and raise the child together, […]

Posted inDivorce

Same Wisconsin divorce lawyer for both spouses?

I am often asked by potential clients if both spouses can be represented by the same Wisconsin divorce lawyer.   The answer is no.   It is a conflict of interest.  A Wisconsin divorce lawyer’s ethical rules prohibit representing two parties in the same action who have adverse interests.  My duty to you, as the client, is to zealously advocate only your […]

Posted inPaternity

Wisconsin paternity update

The Court of Appeals recently decided a case addressing the ability of a biological parent to assert his Wisconsin paternity. The case is Stuart S. v. Heidi R. and can be found online at http://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=133315 In this case, Heidi R. and Scott R. were married, but split up for a time. During that time, Heidi […]

Posted inChild Support

Wisconsin child support for adult children

Wisconsin law does not require parents to pay child support after a child graduates high school. This is true even if the child is disabled, in college, or otherwise cannot care for himself. Once a child graduates high school, he is legally on is own. The family court has no authority to require parents to […]

Posted inGuardianship

Wisconsin child guardianship time limits

A recent Court of Appeals case provides a vivid reminder of Wisconsin child guardianship time limits. In Guardianship of Elizabeth M.H., http://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=128636, the Court ruled that the judge lost the authority to rule on foster parents’ guardianship petition because it was held after the 90-day time period required by law. The judge lost authority even […]

Posted inDivorce

Wisconsin divorce tax laws

Wisconsin divorce tax laws can have a serious effect on a spouse’s financial situation. Careful tax planning must occur before the divorce is granted. Following are some issues that I consider with all my clients: 1. Couples usually file married jointly during a marriage. However, after the separation, former spouses must file as either single […]

Posted inMediation

What is Wisconsin family mediation?

In divorce or child custody cases, family mediation is often required as a way to resolve the parents’ disputes out of court. Family mediation occurs when the parents meet with an objective, trained person in an attempt to settle their dispute. The mediator can be a lawyer, social worker, or someone else trained in mediation […]

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