As of Jan. 1, 2019, maintenance payments will no longer be tax deductible to the payer or taxable income to the payee under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. But is it a cause for panic? David Karp examines the differences between taxable maintenance andnon-taxable maintenance under the Act.

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.

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.

On Jan. 1, 2019, child support maintenance is no longer deductible in divorce. Gregg Herman discusses the issue, and what it means for families undergoing divorce – and who will be paying the price.

Dividing retirement accounts during a divorce is not a straight-forward process. To avoid post-divorce litigation, it is vital to do the proper work on the front end, says David Kowalski.

Recently published legislation requires attorneys to add their name and state bar number when drafting pleadings for otherwise self-represented litigants. Donna Ginzl discusses changes in Wisconsin Act 317.

There is validity in the moral principle that as a society we have a responsibility to ensure the protection of our most vulnerable members of the society, writes Mark Fremgen.

With many family law litigants going without counsel, we need to be relevant to assist clients and add value to the divorce process, writes Margaret Hickey. One way to do that: Knowledge of elder law.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act imposes sweeping changes in the tax code. Some of the most dramatic changes will affect taxpayers going through a divorce. David Karp discusses the changes that family law attorneys should be aware of.

The Family Law Section proposed two pieces of legislation to address practice issues in family law. Cassel Villarreal discusses the two bills, detailing the proposed changes in existing law.

The number of self-represented parties in family courts continues to rise. Susan Hansen discusses the issue and what family lawyers can do in response.

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families recently proposed to Chapter 150 Child Support Percentage of Income Standard. Tiffany Highstrom discusses the proposed changes which, if implemented, will impact how child support functions in Wisconsin.

The legal framework in determining third-party visitation is different from the legal framework for awarding physical placement in a divorce or paternity action. Cassel Villarreal outlines an analysis for determining third-party visitation.

For solo and small firms, limited scope representation is a milestone for efficient, cost-effective representation, and is exceptionally practical in family law settings. James Bock discusses this recently enacted rule and its potential application in family law matters.

As of July 1, 2017, lawyers serving as mediators can draft, amend, and file legal documents for litigants going through a family law case. David Karp discusses this new amendment to the Supreme Court Rules and provides a sample acknowledgement that complies with the new amendment.

The new Family Law Section Blog will provide section members with valuable information concerning issues that are important to attorneys with a special interest in family law.