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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.
New CLE courses will likely make little difference
Published: Thursday, August 14th, 2025
Consider a recent order from the Wisconsin Supreme Court. SC order No. 2025WI37 will allow Wisconsin lawyers to receive continuing legal education credit for courses in cultural competency and reduction in bias. Taking these courses are, at least for now, voluntary. The rule passed by a 4-3 vote with Justices Brian Hagedorn, Rebecca Grassl Bradley and Annette Kingsland Ziegler dissenting.
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.