Archive: 2009

When Is Contempt Continuing?

Published: Monday, August 24th, 2009

As almost any family law attorney can attest, manipulative payors exist. Unfortunately, due to a recent decision from the Wisconsin Supreme Court, their gamesmanship may continue.

Potential Harm Averted in Tensfeldt Decision

Published: Monday, August 10th, 2009

While family lawyers were sleeping, two bullets were dodged with the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision in Tensfeldt v. Haberman, Or, more accurately, one bullet was dodged and one deflected for the time being.

Estate Plan Violated Divorce Agreement

Published: Monday, August 3rd, 2009

In the final days of the 2008-09 term, the Wisconsin Supreme Court decided Tensfeldt v. Haberman, and, although the factual situation is somewhat complicated, bear with me — it has some important family law and ethical implications.

Trial Court in Best Position to Exercise Discretion

Published: Monday, June 1st, 2009

The Court of Appeals decision in Heppner raises a number of serious questions, not the least of which is, whatever happened to trial court discretion?

Maintenance Must Continue, Consider Stocks

Published: Monday, May 25th, 2009

Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals issued one of the most … er … interesting decisions in family law in a long time.

Court’s Paternity Decision Follows Precedent

Published: Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Continued analysis of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals consolidated decision in Hendrick v. Hendrick and State v. Skarzynski.

Trial Judge Had Authority to Seek Paternity Testing

Published: Monday, March 16th, 2009

Garry and Jennifer Hendrick were married in early September of 1999. Jennifer’s daughter was born in late January of 2000. Before Jennifer started her divorce action against Garry, Garry had himself, the girl and the couple’s other child tested to see if he was their biological father. He is not. The State started a paternity action.

Disclosure of Interest Key to Setting Support Level

Published: Thursday, March 5th, 2009

The Court opf Appeals opinion in Stevenson creates some slightly “Itchy and Scratchy” issues and questions.

Dad Who Didn’t Disclose Must Pay Retroactive Support

Published: Thursday, February 26th, 2009

From the first two sentences of a recent Dist. II Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision, it was evident that it was not going to be good news for Jeffery B. Stevenson.