Ending a marriage can be extremely difficult for many reasons. For some couples, their union ends in heartbreak with much tension between them. In other cases, the split is more peaceful, and ending the marriage allows the couple to close a chapter of their life in anticipation of a fresh start. Whatever the reasons, if you are a parent who is considering a divorce, it is important to realize that even though your marriage is over, your role as a parent does not stop. You will always be in your ex-spouse’s life, because you share children together, and it is both of your jobs to ensure your children are taken care of after the divorce.

Filing a Parenting Plan

Planning for how you will raise your children together after your Wisconsin divorce can be a tedious process. Wisconsin courts require parents to attend mediation sessions in order to create a parenting plan. If you and your spouse are able to reach a resolution on a parenting plan, the court will typically approve it, as long as the terms of the plan are reasonable, and both parents voluntarily agree to it. If the court waives the need for mediation, or if you and your spouse attended mediation and were unable to come to a mutual arrangement on matters, you will each have to submit a proposed parenting plan to the court in writing within 60 days.