By: WISCONSIN LAW JOURNAL STAFF//November 13, 2023//
WI Court of Appeals – District I
Case Name: Courtney Roelandts v. C. F.
Case No.: 2020AP001751
Officials: White, C.J., Donald, P.J., and Dugan, J.
Focus: Chile Abuse Injunction
Christopher appeals the orders enjoining him from contact with his children, Gregory and Jessica, for a period of five years pursuant to WIS. STAT. § 813.122(5)(dm) (2021-22). Christopher argues that the circuit court failed to make the necessary factual findings to support its conclusion that there were reasonable grounds to believe Christopher abused or will abuse his children. The appeals court concludes that the circuit court’s findings were sufficient to support granting the injunctions and affirm those parts of the orders. However, the circuit court’s findings to support the length of the injunctions are insufficient. The appeals court reverses those parts of the orders and remands to the circuit court with instructions to exercise discretion in describing what length of injunction was appropriate, with appropriate factual findings to support its reasoning.
Affirmed in part, reversed in part and remanded
Decided 11/7/23