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WLJ not invited to the party: State Bar closes doors to media

Published: Monday, June 10th, 2024

Remember when your kid wanted to throw a birthday party, and they had to invite the whole class? You know, because it was the right thing to do? Yes, even that kid that no one liked got an invite, and the party went off without a hitch.

Be Careful What You Bargain For, You Might Just Get It

Published: Thursday, July 14th, 2011

When the Wisconsin Supreme Court chose to accept review of Topolski v. Topolski, I wondered why, especially after the court had rejected review of several family law cases where its input would’ve been useful. On July 8, the high court issued its decision, which – yawn – did nothing to change my mind, or to justify the time and effort expended by this court in granting review.

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.

The Barry Bonds Divorce Case

Published: Wednesday, September 20th, 2000

In Bonds v. Bonds, the California Supreme Court held that the failure of a spouse to secure independent legal representation during negotiations with the spouse who was promoting entry into a prenuptial agreement does not, per se, invalidate the agreement at the time of divorce.

Family Law Update for May 2019

Published: Wednesday, May 1st, 2019

In this Issue: Supplement to State Bar’s Family Law in Wisconsin, UCCJEA case and more!

Methods for Settlement Negotiations

Published: Wednesday, September 16th, 2015

My column in this issue of Inside Track, published by the Wisconsin State Bar, is entitled: Methods for Settlement Negotiations.

Life means life, or not

Published: Thursday, May 16th, 2024

Before April 24, 2024, Roger G. Merry was a licensed lawyer in the State of Wisconsin despite numerous disciplinary actions.

Are lawyers more ethical?

Published: Monday, July 24th, 2023

As usual, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued a slew of cases in June, clearing the calendar for the end of their term. Of the cases filed, only two were disciplinary cases.

The age of settlement: Peace rather than war

Published: Tuesday, February 21st, 2023

For the last several years, I have noted the dwindling number of family law cases decided by the appellate courts. Last year set a new record low – there were zero family law cases decided by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

A resource for family law cases

Published: Monday, October 17th, 2022

Without question, the biggest change in family law in my years of practice is the trend to settle cases rather than litigate. What was once routine has become rare.