Understanding Child Support Laws In Appleton, Wisconsin
Protecting your child’s financial future during and after a Wisconsin divorce is important – and that means understanding child support obligations is a key concern for most parents.
I am attorney Stephen Fozard, at Fozard Law Office LLC, and I can help protect your interests whether you anticipate paying child support or need to seek support for your children. From my Appleton office, I serve clients in Neenah, Oshkosh and the surrounding areas, helping resolve a variety of family law problems.
How Is Child Support Calculated In Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses the Percentage of Income Standard to determine child support obligations based on the paying parent’s gross income and the number of children. Courts consider both parents’ incomes, custody arrangements, health care costs, child care expenses and other relevant financial circumstances when determining final support amounts.
What Types Of Child Support Exist?
Wisconsin recognizes different categories of child support to address various aspects of a child’s financial needs. Basic support covers housing, food, clothing and general living expenses, while additional support may include medical insurance, child care costs and extraordinary expenses.
How Does Child Support Enforcement Work In Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has established comprehensive enforcement mechanisms to collect unpaid child support and modify existing orders when circumstances change. The state can garnish wages, intercept tax refunds, suspend licenses and take other collection actions against nonpaying parents.
Common Child Support Questions And Answers
These frequently asked questions address common concerns about Wisconsin child support laws and obligations:
How long do I have to pay child support?
Child support typically continues until the child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later. Support may extend beyond age 18 for children with special needs.
Can I claim my child as a dependent on my taxes?
The custodial parent generally claims the child as a dependent unless the divorce decree specifically allocates this right to the noncustodial parent.
What happens if my ex-spouse is not paying child support?
Wisconsin offers multiple enforcement options including wage garnishment, asset seizure, license suspension and contempt of court proceedings.
Contact Our Appleton Child Support Lawyer
Whether you need to establish, modify or enforce child support, call Fozard Law Office LLC at 920-880-1180 or reach out through our online contact form to schedule a consultation at my Appleton office.