The legal community can strengthen families by providing, training, and supporting attorneys for parents involved in the child welfare system, says Alaina Fahley, who discusses what high quality parent representation would look like in Wisconsin.

Exposure to domestic violence can have serious health effects for children, according to recent scientific studies. Tiffany Highstrom gives a broad overview of these studies on the link between early childhood exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and children’s physical and health risks. “While exposure to IPV leaves no actual bruises, it has real effects on the health of the child. Research suggests that intervention can be effective in mitigating those effects,” she writes.

When helping clients navigate the complexities of selling or refinancing an existing home or purchasing a new home during a divorce, it's important to understand the ever-changing real property landscape and the client's circumstances. Here's how to guide clients through this emotional and potentially discouraging transaction.

Jill Kastner says lawyers can help combat domestic violence by volunteering to assist survivors.

Adversarial, collaborative, cooperative, or mediation? Choosing the method in family law matters depends on your client’s situation. Margaret Hickey discusses what to consider when selecting an approach to resolving family law cases.

Mediation may seem like a traffic jam, but with the right mediation tools situations can successfully merge into a solution. James Mathie lists a few ways lawyers can set up a mediation for success.

In 2018 the Legislative Council established a study committee to address potential changes to child support and the notion of presumed equal placement. Twelve measures are moving forward. Here is a summary of each measure, and the case for or against the action.

For anyone handling marital property issues, Marital Property Law & Practice in Wisconsin, from State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE®, provides a practical guide that answers your in-depth questions and saves you time with its quickly accessible forms and flowcharts.

What type of personal service is required in Wisconsin when proceeding with a contempt motion in family law cases? David A. Karp discusses the relevant statutory provisions and case law.

Family Care is a Medicaid long-term care program that allows eligible Wisconsin to reside in their own homes while receiving high-quality support and care management. Julianne Cox discusses the program, enrollment, and its benefits and services.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has ruled against a grandmother who wanted more visitation time with her granddaughter, concluding grandma did not overcome a presumption that favors parental decisions concerning their kids.

Morgan Stippel provides a step-by-step guide for obtaining injunctions to help protect domestic abuse survivors, and their pets, from abuse and harassment.

A Legislative Council Study Committee recently proposed changes to child placement and support laws in Wisconsin. Tiffany Highstrom reviews the committee’s proposals and their potential impact on family law.

A new federal law expands protections for domestic abuse victims with provisions that apply to the victim's household pets, emotional support and service animals.

The Family Law Section is offering 12 scholarships to its Annual Family Law Workshop in Door County, on Aug. 1-3, 2019, at Stone Harbor Resort and Conference Center in Sturgeon Bay.

A judge who became Facebook “friends” with a pending litigant before deciding the case created a risk of actual bias such that the case must be reversed and remanded for a rehearing before a different judge, a state appeals court has ruled.

Mandatory mediation in elder law can save court resources and reach creative solutions that preserve family relationships and allow the elder’s voice to be heard, says Julie Short.

Recent Wisconsin Supreme Court oral arguments in Michels v. Lyons dissected the constitutionality of a grandparent visitation statute. Tiffany Highstrom and Sara Vanden Brook discuss the court’s recent oral arguments regarding the statute and cases involved.

​2003 Wis. Act 130 created a rebuttable presumption that when one party engaged in domestic abuse, joint or sole custody to the abusive parent is contrary to the child's best interest. Rather, the safety and well-being of the abused parent and child become paramount concerns when determining custody and placement. Research shows that this has not countered the trend toward joint legal custody and more equalized physical placement.

When you represent noncitizen clients, immigration issues may overlap with family law issues. Cassel Villarreal details one particular issue – the I-864 Affidavit for Support, where a citizen sponsor agrees to financially support their immigrating spouse – and how it comes to play in divorce.

From initial client interviews to postjudgment actions, Family Law in Wisconsin: A Forms and Procedures Handbook covers all aspects of family law. State Bar of Wisconsin PINNACLE’s best-selling reference is newly supplemented for 2018.

May parties stipulate to a lower standard for modification of custody and placement in the initial years following a judgment? James C.W. Bock explores case law and legislative intent involving the “best interest of the child” custodial standard.

Called the "fastest-growing foster care initiative," kinship placement and adoption is on the rise. Kaitlyn Dvorak discusses what guardians ad litem should keep in mind about the benefits and challenges of recommending placement with family members.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has accepted certification of a case involving the standard for determining court-ordered grandparent visitation, giving the court the opportunity to clarify this area of law.

The Wisconsin Legislature recently made significant changes to the law that governs when one divorced parent seeks to relocate far the child’s other parent. Tiffany Highstrom details the new procedures and standards applicable under the Act.