Retirement accounts and pensions are often among the largest assets in a married couple’s estate. When a couple decides to get a divorce, these assets must be divided between the spouses alongside multiple other types of marital property. It is important to understand the issues that will need to be considered when dividing retirement benefits. This can ensure that the financial interests of both spouses will be protected, and it can help them make informed decisions about their future.

Options for Dividing Retirement Accounts and Pensions

Retirement savings accounts, including 401Ks or IRAs, usually consist of money that is deducted from a person's income and invested in financial funds. These accounts will grow over time, providing the account holder with income they can use to meet their needs after their retirement. Pension benefits are similar, although they usually will not require deductions from a person's income. Instead, they will consist of ongoing benefits that will be paid from a pension fund after retirement.

If you are a divorced parent in Wisconsin who is owed child support, you may be wondering about your options for enforcing the court's orders and ensuring that the other parent provides the financial support your children need. The good news is that there are a number of methods that can be used to enforce child support orders in Wisconsin. By understanding the options available and working with an attorney to address these issues, you can take steps to ensure that your ex complies with the court's orders.

Methods of Child Support Enforcement in Wisconsin

When child support orders are put in place by a family court judge, a parent will be required to make all payments on time and in full. Any missed payments must be made up, and interest will be charged until the past-due amounts are paid off. In situations where a parent has not met their obligations, courts may take actions such as:

A divorce can be a difficult and emotional situation for your entire family. As you and your spouse address issues related to the end of your marriage, you will need to separate multiple aspects of your lives, including determining where each of you will live and how you will divide the different assets you own. If you or your spouse own a family business together, or if either or both of you are involved in business ventures with other family members, these issues can complicate the situation even more. There are several important considerations to take into account when navigating your divorce and determining how your family business will be affected. Here are some issues you will need to be aware of during the divorce process:

Business Valuation

In a divorce or family law case involving parents, the court must determine what is in the best interests of the children. This includes deciding how parents will share custody of their children. Child custody cases will address legal custody, or the rights of parents to make decisions about issues such as education and medical care for children, as well as physical placement, or the time that children will spend with each parent. In some cases, Wisconsin courts may impose restrictions on child custody if this is necessary to protect the children's safety and well-being. Parents will need to understand when these types of restrictions may be put in place and how they can protect their parental rights while providing for their children's best interests.

What Are Restrictions on Child Custody?

Courts may decide to place legal limitations upon one or both parents that will apply when they spend time with their children, interact with the other parent, or make decisions about child-related issues. In some cases, a parent may be restricted to supervised visitation with their children, and they may be required to spend time with children in a public place while under the supervision of a social worker or another person. Parents may be required to exchange children in public locations or through third parties. If children's health and safety may potentially be at risk, a parent may be prohibited from using drugs or alcohol before or during their visitation time, or they may not be allowed to have children stay overnight in their home. A parent may also be required to receive treatment for substance abuse or psychological treatment to address mental health issues, or they may be ordered to participate in a domestic abuse prevention program.

When Child Custody Restrictions May Be Put in Place

A court may decide to implement restrictions if there is evidence that these measures are necessary to protect the safety, health, and well-being of a minor child. For example, if one parent has been convicted of domestic violence or has a history of drug or alcohol abuse, the court may impose restrictions to ensure that children will not be placed in a situation where they could suffer harm. In these situations, visitation with a parent could be limited to supervised visits at an approved facility or location until it is determined that they no longer pose a threat to their children's health or safety during periods of physical placement.

In Wisconsin, a guardian ad litem (GAL) is an individual appointed by the court to advocate for the best interests of children in family law cases involving child custody or placement disputes. GALs are independent from both parties, and they make recommendations to the court based on their evaluation of what is in the best interests of the child. By understanding how a GAL may affect a child custody case, parents can make sure they take the correct steps to protect their rights while also preparing to provide for their children's needs going forward.

What Does a Guardian Ad Litem Do?

A GAL’s primary role is to investigate and evaluate matters concerning the welfare of minor children affected by family law cases, including those involving divorce, paternity, or custody of children when parents are unmarried. They will advocate for the best interests of the children involved in a case, and during their investigation, they may look at whether domestic abuse has occurred or whether there are any safety issues that affect children. They may also take a child's wishes into consideration.

The GAL will typically meet with all relevant parties involved in a case, including both parents and any other people who may have a significant influence on the child's well-being. They may also review documents related to the case and speak with other parties who have important information about the child’s situation, such as doctors, therapists, teachers, child care providers, or extended family members. Additionally, they may observe interactions between parents and their children during visitation or exchange times, and they may visit each parent’s home to determine if it is suitable for raising children.