Understanding Wisconsin Child Custody Options

 Posted on November 09, 2023 in Divorce

While the overall divorce process can be emotionally draining, those involving child custody can be especially stressful. Parents need to understand that once the issue is resolved and the court has made its decision, they will now have to co-parent together, and any residual feelings left by a bitter custody battle can get in the way of that, making a significant impact on their child’s life.

The following are some factors to remember as you navigate through this process. Having a skilled Wisconsin family lawyer advocating for you will ensure your parental rights are protected, and your child's best interests remain top priority.

Prioritizing Your Child's Well-Being

Child custody disputes can often become acrimonious, but it is crucial to remember that the child's well-being should always come first. When the court makes its final decision, it is doing so based on the best interest of the child doctrine. The judge will consider your child’s age, physical and emotional needs, and the ability of each parent to provide a stable and nurturing home.

Custody and Placement

In Wisconsin, the court will grant either joint or sole custody to the parents, based on the circumstances of the case:

• Joint custody – Both parents share legal custody. This means both parents share in making important decisions about the child, such as medical treatments, education, religion, etc.

• Sole custody is where just one parent has the authority to make those decisions without requiring them to consult with the other parent.

Where the child will live physically is referred to as “placement” under Wisconsin custody law:

• Primary placement – When the child will live most of the time with one parent.

• Shared placement – When the child spends at least 25 percent of the time with one parent, the court refers to this as shared placement.

• Split placement – When the couple has more than one child and each parent will have primary placement of at least one child.

Contact a Rock County, WI Family Lawyer for Legal Assistance

If a child is older, the court will often consider their wishes, considering the child’s age and maturity level. It is important to have a family lawyer who will not only protect your parental rights but also advocate for your child. Children thrive on stability and continuity. They need to have a consistent routine to ensure their life remains as uninterrupted as possible during the child custody process. Your attorney should also be committed to ensuring the establishment of a custody arrangement that promotes that stability with minimal disruption to their life.

If you are facing a custody battle, call John T. Fields & Associates, LLC at 608-729-3590 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our dedicated Madison, WI child custody attorneys and find out how we can help.