Archives: Divorce

Picking the right divorce lawyer shouldn’t just turn on their retainer.

It is bad enough that the Wisconsin Supreme Court is wrong on the public policy regarding the modifiability of child support. Now, thanks to an April decision, the justices not only continue to be wrong about the public policy involved — they also have confused what should be simple law.

Revenge stories are always fun and all of us divorce lawyers have a few to share. But, none of mine can top the one concerning an ex-girlfriend dentist pulling out all of her ex-boyfriends teeth.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court’s decision in May not only shows that the court has the public policy wrong on child support, but has now made it even more confusing.

Is maintenance still relevant in the 21st Century? A recent article in The New York Times raises that issue, discussed how various states are considering and some enacting laws designed to make maintenance or alimony more equitable.

Recently, a New York became the sixth, and largest, state, plus the District of Columbia, to recognize same-sex marriage. If the current trend continues, more and more states will also legalize two men or two women entering into the same legal relationship as possible for a man and a woman.

This article will first examine the historical development of the concept of impermissible double counting, next examine the recent case (McReath v. McReath) and suggest what courts should do if the issue presents itself.

Listening to oral arguments is generally frustrating for me. Case in point: On Oct. 6, the Wisconsin Supreme Court heard oral arguments in May v. May.

On July 12, the Wisconsin Supreme Court issued its opinion in McReath v. McReath, involving the challenging issues of salable goodwill and double-counting of property and income. In a case involving important issues, how did the court do? Overall, pretty well.

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.