Child Custody, Placement and Support

Child Custody, Placement and Child Support Lawyers in Madison, Janesville, and Dodgeville, Wisconsin

A divorce or breakup is especially stressful when children are involved. At Murphy Desmond S.C., our child custody and child support lawyers focus on resolving family legal disputes efficiently and effectively. Our top concern is achieving results that are in the best interest of the children involved.

Child Custody in Wisconsin

Our child custody lawyers have extensive experience helping families with custody and placement matters. There are generally two types of custody that the court will grant:

  • Legal custody: This involves a parent's right to make decisions regarding education, religion, health care and other issues on behalf of his/her children.
  • Physical custody (also called Placement): This involves deciding the primary residence of the children.

Custody may be granted to both parents jointly (joint custody), or one parent (sole legal custody). The State of Wisconsin works to place children with both parents if it is in the children’s best interests.

How is a child’s best interests determined? The court applies a list of factors, including:

  • The relationship between the parent and child
  • The needs of the child
  • The ability of the parents to make joint decisions
  • The geographical distance between the parents
  • The wishes of the child, if he or she is old enough to make an informed decision
  • History of substance abuse or domestic abuse by a parent

Our family law attorneys try to come to an agreement that suits all parties. If there is difficulty reaching a compromise, we can ask that the court appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of the children. At Murphy Desmond, our lawyers can also act as a guardian ad litem in divorce cases.

Dedicated Child Support Lawyers

In addition to resolving custody matters, child support must also be determined. Our attorneys provide dedicated representation to parents who are either seeking or have been ordered to pay child support. While the amount of child support is generally determined by law, exceptions and modifications can be sought if there are special circumstances or a change in circumstances after the divorce.

Call for a consultation with a Murphy Desmond Child Support Attorney

If you are divorcing or ending a relationship with the parent of your child, contact Murphy Desmond’s child custody attorneys by calling 608.257.7181 or emailing us at email@murphydesmond.com.