In Wisconsin, with few exceptions, parents have a duty to financially support their children. This is characterized as Child Support. Child Support, if ordered, lasts until the minor child reaches the age of eighteen (18), or nineteen (19) if the child is still enrolled in high school or GED course.

How Child Support is Determined

Child Support determinations in Wisconsin involve several factors. These factors can become exhaustive but primarily pertain to the following: Number of overnights a parent has with a child; a parent’s gross income; and credits that include but are not limited to having to provide for daycare or health insurance coverage.

During a child support analysis income is usually the most contested factor. Issues arise when an individual is self-employed or otherwise has gross income that is difficult to verify. Here at J.G. Law LLC we pay very close attention to detail and have the experience to advocate for our client’s in these situations.

To understand your potential child support exposure here in Wisconsin feel free to use the following link: Chapter 150 of the Department of Children and Families. The standard percentage of income in Wisconsin for Child Support is:

• 17% of income for 1 child
• 25% of income for 2 children
• 29% of income for 3 children
• 31% of income for 4 children
• 34% of income for 4 or more children

Courts in Wisconsin primarily defer to these guideline amounts, although exceptions may occur. To find out if your scenario qualifies as an exception, please contact one of our experienced attorney’s today.

Past Due Child Support

During the pendency of a child support case it is common for a parent to fall behind and owe what are called arrearages. Arrearages can result in being found in contempt of the courts, which could impact your ability to carry a valid license or even result in jail time. Additionally, past due support cases can expand up to twenty (20) years from when the youngest child turns eighteen (18).
Whether you owe, or are owed past due child support, you will benefit from having an experienced attorney guide you through the legal process in order to enforce or prevent these alternate solutions.
To protect your rights, give us a call!