Child Support

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Get the Legal Guidance You Need From a Trusted Child Support Attorney in Wisconsin

Child Support Legal Services: Protecting Your Parental Rights

Child support ensures that both parents contribute to their child’s financial needs. Whether you are seeking fair support payments or defending against excessive obligations, Gerard Law Firm helps parents understand their rights and responsibilities under Wisconsin law.

Why Choose Gerard Law For Your Child Support Case?

Child support cases can be financially and emotionally challenging, impacting both parents and children. At Gerard Law Firm, we understand that fair and sustainable child support arrangements are essential for securing your child’s well-being while protecting your financial future.

With deep experience in Wisconsin family law, a client-focused approach, and a proven track record, we are committed to ensuring child support orders are fair, enforceable, and aligned with Wisconsin law. Whether you are establishing a new support order, seeking a modification, or dealing with unpaid child support, we provide the legal guidance and advocacy you need to protect your rights and your child’s financial security.

  • At Gerard Law Firm, we have a history of success in representing clients across various legal matters. Our results speak for themselves, showcasing our ability to secure favorable outcomes in even the most challenging cases.

  • We understand that every legal case is unique. That's why we offer personalized attention to each client, ensuring that your specific needs and concerns are addressed. Attorney Benjamin Gerard takes the time to get to know you and your case, providing tailored legal strategies that work for you.

  • Gerard Law Firm is deeply rooted in southeastern Wisconsin. Our familiarity with the local courts, judges, and legal procedures in Delavan, Lake Geneva, Janesville, and surrounding areas gives us a distinct advantage. This local expertise allows us to navigate the legal landscape efficiently and effectively, providing you with the best possible representation.

  • We are dedicated to providing high-quality legal services that exceed our clients' expectations. From our initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we strive for excellence in everything we do. Our commitment to excellence ensures that you receive the best legal representation available.

  • At Gerard Law Firm, our clients are our top priority. We believe in open communication, transparency, and building strong attorney-client relationships. Our client-focused approach means that you can trust us to be responsive, accessible, and dedicated to achieving the best outcome for your case.

Child Custody & Visitation Services We Offer

Child support plays a crucial role in ensuring that children receive the financial support they need from both parents. Wisconsin law establishes clear guidelines for calculating, modifying, and enforcing child support orders, but every case is unique. Whether you are seeking fair payment amounts, requesting modifications due to changing circumstances, or dealing with unpaid child support, our firm provides strategic legal representation to help you protect your rights and financial stability.

We handle complex child support cases, including those involving self-employed parents, high-income earners, and paternity disputes, ensuring that each client receives a fair and legally sound outcome.

Calculating Child Support Payments

Wisconsin law determines child support based on each parent’s income, the number of children, and the custody arrangement. The state uses a percentage-based formula, but in cases involving shared custody, high-income parents, or unique financial situations, the court may adjust payments. We help parents understand how their financial obligations are determined and ensure fair and appropriate support orders.

Paternity & Child Support

If parents are unmarried, establishing legal paternity is necessary before the court can issue a child support order. A paternity determination can also impact custody and visitation rights. We assist both mothers and fathers in filing or contesting paternity actions, ensuring that financial responsibilities and parental rights are properly established.

Child Support for High-Income & Self-Employed Parents

Standard child support calculations may not be appropriate for business owners, freelancers, or high-income earners with fluctuating income. Courts may consider additional factors such as business expenses, bonuses, and non-traditional earnings when determining fair payment amounts. We help clients present accurate financial records to ensure a fair and sustainable child support order.

Enforcement of Existing Child Support Obligations

When a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, legal enforcement measures may be necessary. Wisconsin allows enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, driver’s license suspension, and tax refund interception to recover unpaid support. We help parents navigate the enforcement process to ensure financial stability for their child.

Parenting Plans & Visitation Rights

Developing a structured parenting plan helps establish a stable routine for your child and minimizes conflict between parents. Courts encourage co-parenting arrangements, ensuring both parents maintain meaningful relationships with their children. Our firm helps draft, negotiate, and enforce parenting plans, ensuring that visitation schedules are practical, fair, and legally enforceable.

Child Support, Custody, & Visitations

Child support and custody are separate legal matters, but many parents have concerns about how support payments impact visitation rights. Courts do not allow a parent to withhold visitation due to unpaid support, nor can support payments be avoided by reducing parenting time. We help parents understand their rights and obligations while advocating for fair arrangements that serve the child’s best interests.

The Child Support Process In Wisconsin

Navigating the child support process can be overwhelming, but understanding each step can help reduce stress and uncertainty. Wisconsin courts prioritize ensuring that child support arrangements are fair, appropriate, and in the best interests of the child. The process typically involves legal filings, income evaluations, temporary support orders, and final court determinations.

Our firm will guide you through each step, ensuring you are prepared for calculating support obligations, requesting modifications, enforcing court orders, and resolving disputes effectively.

  • The process begins when one parent files a petition for child support with the local family court. If parents are unmarried, a paternity determination may be required before support can be established. The court will assess financial records, parenting time, and state guidelines when determining an initial order.

  • During the legal process, courts may issue temporary child support orders to provide financial stability while the case is pending. These temporary payments are based on immediate needs and may differ from the final order issued at the conclusion of the case.

  • If a parent experiences a significant financial change, they may petition the court for a modification of child support. If a parent refuses to pay court-ordered support, enforcement measures—such as wage garnishment, license suspension, or contempt of court actions—may be taken to ensure compliance.

Common Questions About Child Support in Wisconsin

Many parents have concerns about how child support is determined, modified, and enforced. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about child support in Wisconsin.

How is child support calculated in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin uses a percentage-based formula to determine child support, factoring in:

  • Each parent’s gross income (including wages, bonuses, and other earnings)

  • The number of children being supported

  • The custody arrangement (primary placement vs. shared placement)

  • Any special expenses, such as medical costs or daycare

In cases where parents share equal custody or where one parent is self-employed or a high-income earner, the court may deviate from standard guidelines to ensure fairness.

Does Wisconsin child support law favor mothers over fathers?

No. Wisconsin child support laws are gender-neutral, meaning both parents have equal financial responsibility for their child. Courts base support orders on income and custody arrangements, not gender. If a father has primary custody, the mother may be required to pay support.

Can I modify an existing child support order?

Yes, but courts require proof of a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

  • Job loss or income changes (higher or lower earnings)

  • Increased medical or educational expenses for the child

  • Changes in custody or parenting time

A modification request must be filed with the court, and approval is not guaranteed unless the change is significant and ongoing.

What happens if a parent refuses to pay child support?

If a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, Wisconsin courts may take enforcement actions, including:

  • Wage garnishment (automatic deductions from paychecks)

  • Driver’s license suspension

  • Seizure of tax refunds or bank accounts

  • Contempt of court penalties, including fines or jail time

If you are struggling to collect child support, legal assistance can help ensure enforcement.

Does child support affect custody and visitation?

No. Child support and custody are separate legal matters. A parent cannot withhold visitation rights due to unpaid support, and a parent cannot avoid support obligations by reducing parenting time. Courts enforce these issues separately to protect the child’s best interests.

Do I have to go to court to settle child support?

Not always. Many child support cases are resolved through negotiation or mediation. However, if parents cannot agree, the court will determine the appropriate support amount based on Wisconsin guidelines and financial evidence presented by both sides.

Contact Gerard Law Firm Today

At Gerard Law Firm, we provide strategic legal guidance to help you navigate your case with confidence. We can help you achieve the best possible outcome.