State: Wisconsin

Child support is money a parent pays to help cover the costs of raising their child after a divorce or separation. This support helps with food, clothing, education, and healthcare. Understanding how child support works can be confusing, and parents can face additional hurdles to establishing fair orders. This article will explain the basics of child support, including how it’s calculated and what parents need to know to care for their children. Our Wisconsin family law attorneys are here to help with all your family law concerns.

• Madison Fathers’ Rights
• Milwaukee Fathers’ Rights
• Wisconsin Child Support Modification
• Wisconsin Child Custody Questions
• Divorce in Wisconsin FAQs

Wisconsin Child Support

The purpose of child support is to provide for the children as if the parties had not separated. The Department of Children and Families uses percentage standards to determine a parent’s child support obligation (DCF 150.03).

Which percentage applies depends on:

• The number of children
• The custody arrangement
• Each parent’s income

The percentage standard is applied to the parent’s gross income.

For example, if the parties have one child and one parent has primary placement, the other parent would pay 17% of their gross income in child support. The court may deviate from these standards after considering many case-specific factors, including the cost of child care, the cost of travel to exercise placement, and the child’s specific needs. Health insurance and medical support may also be considered.

What is the Wisconsin Child Support Percentage?

Wisconsin uses a percentage of parental income to determine the child support obligation. The state of Wisconsin applies the following percentages to the parent’s income in its child support calculator:

• 17% of income for one child
• 25% of income for two children
• 29% of income for three children
• 31% of income for four children
• 34% of income for five or more children

If you pay support for more than one family (referred to as “serial family”), speak to your attorney. The Wisconsin court might adjust your support requirements.

How Long Are Child Support Obligations in Wisconsin?

Child support obligations in Wisconsin are meant to help your children receive what they reasonably need until they reach adulthood. In most cases, you must pay child support until your children reach 18. However, if your child is still in high school or is working toward a GED at 18, parents must pay Wisconsin child support until the child turns 19.

Under certain circumstances, you can modify child support, including if you or the other parent have a significant change in income or you changed time-sharing arrangements. Both parents have the right to request a review and modification of child support.

If your child has special needs that require ongoing care and support, the court can order child support beyond the age of 18. Both parents must understand the duration and conditions of their support obligations.

What Are a Parent’s Rights in a Wisconsin Child Support Case?

A parent has several rights in a Wisconsin child support case, including:

• Fair calculation of child support: You have the right to a fair and accurate calculation of your support payments. Wisconsin uses a percentage of income standard to determine the amount of support both parents pay. Support is based on both parents’ income, the number of children you have, and the amount of time you spend with the children.
• Right to request modification: If either parent has a significant change in circumstances, such as a major increase or decrease in income or a change in the child’s needs, you can ask the court to modify the child support order.
• Access to financial information: During modification proceedings, you have the right to see the other parent’s financial information. Transparency helps determine a more appropriate amount of support.
• Legal representation: You always have the right to have an attorney represent you during any child support action and modifications.
• Right to object and appeal: If you believe the child support order is unfair, you can object to the initial determination and appeal the decision.
• Enforcement: If you are receiving child support and your spouse is not paying, you have the right to enforce the order with the help of Wisconsin’s child support enforcement services and an attorney.

Why Wisconsin Parents Choose Cordell & Cordell Family Lawyers

In 1990, Joseph E. Cordell and his wife, Yvonne, founded Cordell & Cordell as a law firm focusing on divorce and family law. Our divorce attorneys thoroughly understand the challenges people face in family legal matters.

Clients who work with Cordell & Cordell appreciate our honesty and ability to go the extra mile to fight for their rights in family legal matters, including child custody and child support.

Client Experiences

“My attorney did a fantastic job, and twice now, this firm has helped me very much. My attorney a few years ago was also amazing. This firm has taken great care of me and is worth the money. Everything was exceptional.” — Christopher K.

“I thought the whole experience was very good. I wasn’t going to initially hire an attorney. To protect myself, I hired you guys. [My attorney] made it a comfortable experience. The whole team was great. We got a resolution that I was comfortable with, and it went quickly and smoothly.” — Joseph C.

“[My attorney] was very attentive, and I feel he really cared about the case and not just about the money.” — Isaac H.

Our Wisconsin Family Lawyers Care About Parents’ Rights

Cordell & Cordell is comprised of aggressive attorneys who are not afraid to take cases to court. We challenge the system and stand up for clients in domestic and child custody matters where necessary. We aren’t shy about fighting the biased nature sometimes found in family court, with judges, and even society.

Child support determination can be complex, and navigating the system can be overwhelming. At Cordell & Cordell, we understand the unique challenges you, as a parent, face during the child support process. We believe that every parents deserves fair treatment and to be a significant part of your children’s lives.

Whether working on an initial support order, modifying an existing support order, or dealing with time-sharing issues, we are here to provide guidance and representation of your rights. You should retain a Wisconsin family law attorney to help you during the child support process.

Are you facing a child support or divorce-related issue? Are you concerned that you cannot afford the amount of child support you’ve been ordered to pay? Contact Cordell & Cordell to schedule a consultation at 866-323-7529 or fill out our online contact form.