- DivorceA relatively new approach to family disputes in Wisconsin is called Collaborative Divorce. The twin goals of this approach are to avoid the added stress and animosity that often result from the adversarial system, and to resolve disputes jointly by meeting the needs of both parties and the children.
- Child SupportWisconsin, like all states, has implemented child support guidelines pursuant to federal mandates. These guidelines provide a formula for child support based upon income, placement schedule, and other factors. One might reasonably expect this child support formula to put an end to child support-related litigation. But in practice, the guidelines are just the beginning. For example, courts must accurately determine income figures, evaluate earning capacity, exercise discretion in deciding whether to deviate from the guidelines. Child support issues can arise repeatedly within a case as the parties’ circumstances change.
- Child Custody and VisitationDivorce in Wisconsin is governed by Chapter 767 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Whether you plan to represent yourself or hire an attorney to represent you, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with these statutes, and particularly the substantive subsections that are relevant to your circumstances: Child Custody, Placement, and Visitation (
- PaternityDetermination of paternity – the identity of a child’s father – is governed in Wisconsin by Wis. Stat. Secs. 767.80 - 767.895. The sections below discuss some of the more common issues that can arise regarding determinations of paternity. As discussed below, in some cases one man is the child’s biological father and another man is the child’s legal father. Paternity Acknowledgment
- Spousal SupportWessel, Lehker & Fumelle is a small law firm in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin. We have been providing exceptional service to clients since 1995. We practice primarily in all areas of family law, including divorce, post-divorce issues, paternity, custody, child support, spousal maintenance, property division, and interstate issues. The firm is staffed by Madison divorce lawyers Keith R. Wessel, Gregory J. Fumelle, and Kristen E. Lehker, and by legal assistant Ingrid Laas.
- Legal SeparationWhy, then, do people seek a legal separation rather than a divorce? Some people seek a legal separation for religious reasons. Sometimes getting a legal separation rather than a divorce allows one party to continue to provide group health insurance for the other party, depending upon the terms of the health insurance policy. Wis. Stats. Sec. 632.897(2)(a). This can be financially beneficial for both parties because a party who is able to continue health insurance for a legally separated spouse might have a reduced exposure to making maintenance payments. In this situation Attorneys Wessel, Lehker, and Fumelle advise our clients to insist on an order that holds open maintenance and requires a review of maintenance if the legal separation is converted to a divorce.
- Criminal DefenseAttorney Keith Wessel started the firm in 1995. He began his practice in criminal law and family law. He now works primarily in the area of family law. Prior to going to law school Attorney Wessel worked extensively in politics as a photographer and field organizer. He continues to seek law reform because of this experience.
- Misdemeanors
- Land Use and Zoning
- Probate