Fozard Law Office LLC FindLaw IM Template 2026-05-05T13:47:31Z https://www.fozardlawoffice.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1101206/2021/03/fozard-directory-image-75x75.jpg On Behalf of Fozard Law Office LLC <![CDATA[Co-Parenting after divorce: Putting your children first]]> https://www.fozardlawoffice.com/?p=46864 2025-05-19T16:02:06Z 2025-05-19T16:02:06Z Finding your co-parenting style How you interact with your former spouse sets the tone for your children's post-divorce experience. Not all co-parenting relationships are the same, and it is essential to identify which approach works for your situation. Three common co-parenting styles include:
  • High-conflict parenting: Characterized by ongoing disputes and inability to communicate effectively
  • Parallel parenting: Parents make independent decisions with minimal interaction
  • Productive co-parenting: Parents communicate respectfully and make joint decisions focused on children's needs
While parallel parenting might seem easier than dealing directly with your ex, productive co-parenting typically provides the most stability. This approach shows children that adults can work together despite differences.

Creating consistency between households

Kids thrive on predictability and clear expectations. When moving between two homes, consistent rules and routines help them feel secure despite the changes in their family structure. Consider these strategies:
  • Establish similar bedtimes, homework routines and basic rules in both homes
  • Share information about school events, health concerns and social activities promptly
  • Use a shared calendar app to track schedules and important dates
  • Discuss major decisions together before presenting them to your children
Consistency doesn't mean both homes must be identical, but agreeing on core values and expectations reduces confusion for your children. When they know what to expect, they can focus on being kids rather than worrying about conflicting rules.

Communicating effectively for your children's sake

The foundation of successful co-parenting is communication that focuses on your children's needs instead of old conflicts. This requires setting aside personal feelings to concentrate on healthy parenting. Improve your co-parenting communication with these approaches:
  • Treat interactions as business-like and child-focused
  • Choose appropriate communication methods (email, text, co-parenting apps)
  • Address only current parenting matters, not past relationship issues
  • Use "I" statements rather than accusations
  • Take breaks when emotions run high
Remember that your children benefit when they see their parents communicating respectfully. This teaches them valuable conflict resolution skills they'll use throughout their lives. Working with a skilled child custody attorney who understands Wisconsin family law can provide valuable guidance as you develop your co-parenting plan, especially when challenges arise or circumstances change.]]> On Behalf of Fozard Law Office LLC <![CDATA[Who can get child custody in a military divorce?]]> https://www.fozardlawoffice.com/?p=46831 2024-10-09T23:30:37Z 2024-10-09T23:30:37Z Child custody considerations Determining child custody is a complicated decision. Most parents need to negotiate before reaching an agreement. That is why the court prioritizes the child's best interests. Additionally, they will consider other factors such as:
  • The child’s age
  • The child’s relationship with each parent
  • The stability of their home environment
Military life often involves Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves. These relocations can disrupt your child's stability. In this case, the court may consider the impact of these changes when deciding custody arrangements. Therefore, a flexible parenting plan can be helpful for your family.

Legal protections for military parents

The Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects active-duty members. This includes protection from default judgments and the option to request delays in custody cases. These rules allow you to focus on your job while maintaining parental rights and obligations. The SCRA applies to all civil actions, including child custody and divorce. This way, your military service will not interfere with custody and support decisions. Additionally, the court must adjust hearing times if your service prevents you from attending. Furthermore, they cannot make decisions solely based on future or past deployments. So, you may be able to obtain custody despite future deployment plans.

What happens when a parent is on deployment?

You or the court may create a family care plan that designates arrangements during deployment. This plan determines where the child will stay during your absence. Consulting with the other parent and obtaining their agreement can be helpful when creating it. Additionally, an attorney familiar with military procedures can defend your interests. Flexibility and planning are crucial in military divorces involving children. Understanding these challenges can help you create a custody arrangement tailored to your needs. Moreover, seeking legal advice and support is essential in navigating these proceedings.]]> On Behalf of Fozard Law Office LLC <![CDATA[What unique challenges could you face during a military divorce?]]> https://www.fozardlawoffice.com/?p=46821 2024-06-10T19:15:01Z 2024-06-11T19:12:20Z Property division can involve military benefits. One key issue in military divorces is how it impacts military benefits like health care, housing allowances, and pension plans. The Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act (USFSPA) lets state courts split military retired pay as property during a divorce. How the court divides these benefits can depend on how long the marriage lasted and if it overlapped with military service.

Military service can complicate residency.

In divorce, couples might file in the state where either spouse has established their legal residence. However, military families often move around. This can make it tricky to meet residency requirements for filing for divorce. In addition, a servicemember’s residence may not be the same as their Home of Record. It can help to have a family law attorney who is familiar with military divorce help you determine where you should file for divorce.

A stay could delay a divorce.

The Service Members Civil Relief Act (SCRA) gives protections to active-duty military personnel. One aspect of the SCRA is that it allows servicemembers to delay or pause certain legal duties so they can focus fully on their work in the military. In terms of divorce, the SCRA allows an active-duty service member to ask for a "stay" or delay in the proceedings. This can temporarily stop the divorce process.

Deployment can interrupt custody arrangements.

Child custody in military divorces can be complex because of the possibility of deployment. Courts need to consider what is best for the child while also acknowledging the demands of military service. This might mean making flexible parenting plans or custody agreements that can adjust to the military parent's deployment schedule. It is essential for servicemembers and their spouses to be prepared for these unique challenges in the divorce process. With the right information and guidance, servicemembers and their spouses can address these challenges and make decisions that reflect their needs and wishes.]]> On Behalf of Fozard Law Office LLC <![CDATA[What happens if you can’t agree on a custody arrangement?]]> https://www.fozardlawoffice.com/?p=46820 2024-12-17T21:37:42Z 2024-06-10T19:13:20Z What are the types of custody in Wisconsin? In Wisconsin, legal custody and physical placement refer to two different aspects of parenting. Legal custody – sometimes simply called “custody” – refers to which parent makes major decisions about the child's life, including education, health care and religion. Physical placement refers to where the child lives and which parent cares for their daily needs. The court can grant parents one or both types, depending on their situation. For example, a parent who does not have placement may still have the right to be involved in decisions about their child’s life.

What details go into a Wisconsin custody decision?

Wisconsin courts use the "best interest of the child" standard to guide their decisions. This standard considers several factors to ensure that the custody arrangement serves the child's physical, emotional, and psychological needs. These include:
  • What the child wants –Courts may consider the child's preference, depending on the child's age and maturity.
  • What the parents want –The court takes the parents’ preferences into account when deciding a custody arrangement.
  • The parents’ relationship with each other – Shared custody requires parents to cooperate and communicate effectively regarding the child.
  • The child's relationships – A child’s connections to siblings and other loved ones as well as how well the child is adjusting to home, school and community can be key factors in their emotional well-being.
  • Each parent’s past responsibilities – The amount and quality of time each parent has spent with the child in the past and any necessary changes to the parents' custodial roles.
  • The health of both parents and the child– The mental and physical health of all parties involved can affect the parents’ ability to care for the child and the child’s specific needs.
  • The child’s welfare – The court seriously considers any evidence of abuse or neglect, issues with drugs or alcohol, or any other factor that might affect the child's safety.
Within each specific situation, the court attempts to create an arrangement that gives children as much time as possible with each parent. Custody disputes can be challenging for parents and children alike. However, understanding how the court makes decisions can help parents build a strategy that protects their connection with their child.]]>