Family Law

Nov 23, 2012

BEV BUTULA: For state law, it’s all in the family

Those who regularly practice family law are most likely familiar with the ABA Family Law Section’s “Family Law in Fifty States.”

Sep 25, 2012

FAMILY LAW: Disability payments, a bitter ex and lessons learned

Some times the lessons from caselaw could not be more obvious.

Aug 10, 2012

FAMILY LAW: Personal proclivity of judges plays a role in cases

As a sports fan, it’s frustrating to watch Olympic events that have subjective scoring, such as gymnastics and my favorite, synchronized swimming (is that really a sport?). It is so much easier to determine winners and losers where the results are objective, like in swim[...]

Jul 26, 2012

FAMILY LAW: State needs to divorce itself from these family law rules

I recently gave the Wisconsin Court of Appeals credit for changing, perhaps intentionally or inadvertently, one of the sillier family law rules in Wisconsin with its decision in Tierney v. Berger, No. 2011AP565.

Jul 20, 2012

FAMILY LAW: The law sometimes works in mysterious ways

The law sometimes works in mysterious ways.

Jul 9, 2012

FAMILY LAW: 10 things divorce lawyers should say

Smart Money Magazine recently published an article titled “10 Things Divorce Attorneys Won't Say.” My response: If there are things divorce lawyers won’t tell their clients, it’s probably because they’re untrue.

Jun 15, 2012

FAMILY LAW: Court of Appeals’ decision important for what it didn’t do

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals’ decision in Nehls v. Nehls, No. 2011AP2330 (filed June 13), marked the first family law case recommended for publication by the appellate court since March 6, 2012.

May 7, 2012

FAMILY LAW: State Supreme Court decision leaves confusion in its wake

It is bad enough that the Wisconsin Supreme Court is wrong on the public policy regarding the modifiability of child support. Now, thanks to an April decision, the justices not only continue to be wrong about the public policy involved -- they also have confused what should be simple law.

Mar 30, 2012