Family — child support — modification

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Wisconsin Court of Appeals

Civil

Family — child support — modification

Julie Rhoades, pro se, appeals a February 2013 postdivorce order modifying child support. Rhoades argues the court improperly deviated from the support percentage guidelines because (1) the court failed to set forth a proper rationale, (2) her ex-husband Guy Stillwell withdrew his competing motion to modify support, and (3) Stillwell failed to provide complete and accurate financial information. Stillwell, pro se, cross-appeals, arguing the court lacked jurisdiction to enter the order because the parties lived in Minnesota and he had filed a support motion in a Minnesota court. We conclude the court erred by failing to set forth a proper rationale for deviating from the support guidelines. Further, we reject Stillwell’s cross-appeal. Accordingly, we reverse and remand for the circuit court to appropriately exercise its discretion concerning modification of child support, retroactive to the filing of Stillwell’s initial October 2011 motion to reduce support. We affirm regarding the court’s determination it had jurisdiction. This opinion will not be published.

2013AP496 In re the marriage of: Stillwell v. Stillwell

Dist III, St. Croix County, Cameron, J., Per Curiam

Attorneys: For Appellant: Stillwell, Julie K., pro se; For Respondent: Stillwell, Guy W., pro se