Child Support Strategy & Advocacy

Wisconsin relies on statutory guidelines to set child support, but standard formulas do not always account for the full financial reality of your family. In specific circumstances, valid legal arguments can be made to deviate from standard guidelines or negotiate how "income" is calculated. Proceeding without experienced counsel risks an unworkable support order that can be exceptionally difficult to modify later.

We assist clients across all aspects of child support, including:

• Establishing & Modifying Support: Securing fair initial awards or petitioning for adjustments when income or placement schedules change.
• Pursuing Guideline Deviations: Identifying unique circumstances that justify stepping outside standard state formulas.
• Contempt Defense: Defending parents facing enforcement actions or allegations of non-payment.

Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)

In Wisconsin, spousal support is legally referred to as maintenance. State statutes and case law govern whether maintenance should be awarded, the amount, and how long payments should continue. Because maintenance is deeply fact-specific, securing a fair outcome requires strategic analysis. Waiving your right to maintenance in a divorce final judgment is permanent. Once waived, the court cannot reinstate it in the future.

If you have a claim for maintenance, or need to protect against an unreasonable request, we explore creative financial solutions tailored to your circumstances, such as:

• Asset Trade-Offs: Negotiating a larger share of marital assets in place of ongoing monthly payments.
• Lump-Sum Buyouts: Resolving maintenance obligations in a single structured payment.
• Tax-Advantaged Structuring: Crafting payment terms to optimize tax consequences for both parties.

We provide the thorough analysis and candid guidance you need to safeguard your financial stability.