Establishing Paternity & Legal Rights in Wisconsin

When a child is born to unmarried parents in Wisconsin, the mother automatically holds sole legal custody until a formal court order is issued. Being listed on a birth certificate, living together, or maintaining a committed relationship does not grant automatic legal custody rights or enforceable child support.

Obtaining a formal Judgment of Paternity through the court system establishes a binding legal foundation that protects both parents:

• For Fathers: Secures formal legal custody, decision-making authority, and enforceable placement (parenting time) schedules.
• For Mothers: Establishes a legal framework to secure court-ordered child support, health insurance coverage, recovery of birthing expenses and shared parental obligations.

Modifications, County Actions & Order Enforcement

Paternity proceedings extend beyond the initial agreement. Attorney Megan Phillips represents both mothers and fathers across all stages of paternity matters, including:

• Modifying Existing Judgments: Updating custody, placement, or child support orders when income, work schedules, or family needs change over time.
• County Agency Proceedings: Navigating actions initiated by county Child Support Agencies to ensure proper genetic testing and accurate financial calculations.
• Enforcement & Defense: Addressing violations of placement orders or non-payment of court-ordered support.

Whether you are a father seeking to establish parental rights, a mother securing financial support for your child, or a parent needing to modify a prior court order, Attorney Megan Phillips provides the balanced, candid guidance and strategic representation required to achieve a fair outcome.