Lawyers for child support disagreements in Southeastern Wisconsin

Whether you are just gathering information or looking to seek more child support, it's important to realize both parents are responsible for supporting their children financially.

While child support can vary family to family and situation to situation, there is a way for you to estimate approximately how much it may be depending on different placement schedules.

Explore some of the basic rules governing child support in Wisconsin below:

Income-based child support payments

Child support in Wisconsin is determined by the income of the parent who does not have primary placement. For a shared placement schedule, both parents’ income is taken into consideration. “Income” in this circumstance refers to all sources, both taxable and untaxable. An untaxable source like a retirement fund 401(k) is considered income under Wisconsin statutes. Other income sources include wages, bonuses, tips, commissions, and interest made on assets such as a house or other properties.

It's easier to remember what sources are not considered "income". Public assistance like social security and food stamps are considered when assessing child support. Check out our easy-to-use Wisconsin child support calculator for an estimate of your monthly payments.

WI Child Support Calculator Easy-To-Use Estimator

How do you calculate a child support payment in Wisconsin?

If the paying parent’s gross income is between $1,350 and $7,000 each month, use the following information:

1 Child: 17% of income
2 Children: 25% of income
3 Children: 29% of income
4 Children: 31% of income
5 or more children: 34% of income

A Conversion Table for specific monthly income with child support rates can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Children and Family website.

There are separate tables and rates for low income and high-income earners. If the paying parent is earning less than $1,350 gross each month, see the Low Income Payer Table. For payers making over $7,000 per month, check out the High Income Payer document.

Of course, there are exceptions to these guidelines since every situation is different. If you have a complex case, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your options.

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Frequently asked questions about child support in Wisconsin:

If you're still wondering about child support laws in Wisconsin, here are some of the frequently asked questions:

I don’t think my child’s parent is using the child support the way it should be. What can I do?

Child support is intended to go toward your child’s welfare, which includes rent, food, clothes, etc. Some of these things such as rent and food overlap where the other parent may benefit from. If you are concerned your child is being neglected, you could try to contact the Department of Health and Human Services to see what can be done.

Be aware that the state and federal governments do not have jurisdiction or laws governing how these payments are actually spent.

If the other parent is refusing to let me see the child, can I stop paying child support?

Seeing your children does not affect your child support obligation. Your obligation first and foremost is to care for your children, so do not stop paying.

If your court-ordered child placement schedule is being violated, you can file for contempt for failing to adhere to a court order. Contact one of our attorneys today to find out all your options going forward.

What happens if I do not pay my child support?

If you don’t pay court-ordered child support, you will be actively violating a court order and you may be held in contempt of court. This could result in fines, jail, suspension of your driver’s license or recreational licenses, or you could even be referred to the District Attorney for review for a possible criminal case.

Child support is not something to ignore. If there is a change in circumstances and you are unable to pay the required support, file a motion with the court to modify the amount immediately.

My child is now 18. Why do I still have to pay?

Wisconsin law requires the payment obligation to continue until the youngest child turns 18, or in some cases 19 if they are pursuing high school education or a GED. Learn more about child support termination.

Can my child support payments be modified?

Yes, child support modification in Wisconsin is possible. A child support order can only be changed by a court.

Contact the Divergent Family Law divorce attorneys today.

Meeting With a Divorce Lawyer: 3 Things You Need to Discuss

Taking that leap toward starting a divorce can be a daunting and emotional experience. As you prepare to consult with an attorney, make sure you are prepared to discuss important details to your case. There are three main things that always come up in a consult:

1. Property Division and Assets

In a divorce, there will have to be a division of property owned by each party. At your initial consultation, you should have a rough idea of all the major property, assets, and debts in the marriage. Documentation plays a crucial role in divorce, so getting the documentation together on all of the assets and debts is a key move to organize yourself for your consultation.

2. Child Support, Placement, and Custody

If there are minor children that are a product of your marriage, you are going to have to come up with a child support, placement, and custody plan. In Wisconsin, child support should be expected because both parents are legally obligated to financially support their children. In divorces, placement and support tend to be the most difficult issues to resolve. It is imperative that you work with your attorney, letting them know all of the skeletons in your closet so they can work with you to deliver the best results for you. At the end of the day, each party needs to keep the children’s best interest on the forefront of their mind when discussing this topic.

3. Attorney Fee Structure and Timeline

When finding a Wisconsin family law attorney, you want to ensure that their fees and fee structure are well within your budget. A respectable attorney will be up front and forward with their costs, meaning no hidden fees. Be prepared to discuss fees with an attorney and know realistically what you can afford up front or if you need a payment plan.

An attorney can also go over a timeline as to the divorce. In Wisconsin, there is a minimum 120 day waiting period, but an experienced attorney can discuss with you the realistic timeline for a divorce.

The best thing to do is to have an attorney who understands you unique position and who is willing to fight for you. It is important you are able to trust and confide in your divorce lawyer and that you choose one who is experienced in family law.