Archives: Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Perhaps the greatest gray area in family law in Wisconsin deals with retirement. First, there is no definitive answer to the question, “When can I retire?” Second, there is no definitive answer to the question, “If I can retire, will spousal support be terminated or simply reduced?” A recent Wisconsin Court of Appeals decision does not do much to answer either question.

If there is a support obligation, the choice of employment must take it into account.

Joint legal custody is a nice term with no practical meaning.

In a recent opinion the District 4 Court of Appeals misapplied Wisconsin statutes regarding the meaning of joint custody. Fortunately, it was an unpublished decision. Unfortunately, it is an authored opinion, so it can be cited for its persuasive value.

“Getting it right” meant ruling that only gifts and inheritances, whenever received, are exempt.

A contempt finding against the husband in a divorce case who quit his job and stopped making all court-ordered payments.

The possible effect of Daubert on family law.

The statutes regarding post-judgment modification and removal are confusing. And unfortunately, a recent Court of Appeals decision makes them even more so.

The litigation lasted for 17 years – 10 years longer than the marriage itself!

While some appellate arguments can be mundane and boring, others, especially at the U.S. Supreme Court level, present the legal system at its best: A high level discussion of how the law affects society and should be used to improve the world we live in.