By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 04, 2023
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Parents must come to an agreement on child custody when they separate. These arrangements include how they will make major decisions regarding their child moving forward (referred to as "legal custody") and how they will share time with the child (referred to as "parenting time," "timesharing," or "physical custody," depending on the state). If parents are unable to come to an agreement, courts will decide the best course of action based on state child custody laws.
Wisconsin follows the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which is intended to minimize interstate child custody conflicts. This article provides a brief overview of child custody laws in the state of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin child custody laws stipulate that a child's wishes may be taken into account as a factor when deciding legal custody and physical placement. Learn more about Wisconsin child custody laws in the table below, along with links to related articles and resources. See FindLaw's Child Custody section for additional information.
Code Section |
§ 767.24 et seq. of the Wisconsin Statutes |
|---|---|
Year Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Adopted |
2005 |
Joint Custody an Option? |
Yes, § 767.24(2) |
Grandparent Visitation Rights Recognized? |
Yes, § 767.43 |
Child's Own Wishes Considered? |
Yes |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you and your child's other parents are separating, you might not agree on who gets custody of the child or what the custody arrangement looks like. There are many other factors to consider in these determinations, but the court's primary concern is the best interests of the child. One of the best ways to get a handle on the process is to seek guidance from an experienced family law attorney.
Contact a qualified attorney.
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