Joint Legal
Custody
In a joint custody agreement, both parents share equal legal custody of the child. Neither parent's rights are superior unless specifically stated when making decisions about school, religion, marriage, and the military. The most common type of joint custody agreement is a 50/50 placement where each parent gets the child for an equal amount of time throughout the year. Joint custody is said to be in the best interest of the child according to state law. Communication and effort from both parents are necessary when making major life decisions for children.
Sole Legal
Custody
Courts don’t tend to support sole custody of children, which is why it is usually only received when one parent cannot perform their parental responsibilities or both parents can’t agree on major life decisions for their children. This includes decisions about religion and schooling. The mother normally has sole custody if the couple is unmarried at the time of the child’s birth unless a paternity action is established. However, distinct father’s rights apply to unmarried and divorced fathers. The parent that does not have full custody may be required to pay child support.Wisconsin Family Divorce Mediation Services
Placement & Custody
Divergent Laws family mediation services are designed to help parents who are struggling to come to an agreement regarding the custody of their children. Our goal is to help you come to a decision that will benefit everyone involved instead of going through the process alone. We facilitate every conversation to avoid taking your child custody case to court. A Guardian ad Litem (represents the child’s best interest during the case) is sometimes appointed by the court if parents are struggling to reach an agreement.
Racine’s Post-Judgement Child Custody & Placement Modification Services
Initial custody and placement arrangements may cease to work after several years due to moving locations, switching schools, and any other unforeseen changes. Divorce law in the state of Wisconsin sometimes allows parents to modify original placement schedules. Explore our co-parenting resources to make placement arrangements in the best interest for your child.
