Divorce is a difficult time for any family, but the process becomes even more complex when children are involved. You still have all the same issues of dividing assets, determining spousal support, and rearranging your living situations, but now you also have to decide what will happen with your children.

Guillien Van Nuland LLC in La Crosse, WI, offers representation and legal advice to those seeking a divorce, including those with children. The attorneys will help you sort out issues of child support and child custody/placement.

Child Support

Child support is paid by one or both parents to provide for the needs of any child who is under 18 or still in high school. The amount of child support due will vary based on both parents' incomes, the child's placement, and any special needs of the child. 

Child Custody

There are two components to this issue: legal custody and physical custody or placement. The court's presumption is for both parents in the divorce to have equal legal custody over a child, with neither being able to override the other. However, if this is determined not to be in the best interests of the child, one parent may be awarded sole legal custody.

The issue of physical custody or placement is treated separately. Either the parents will be awarded shared time with the children, with both having a say in the child's day-to-day maintenance and routine, or one parent will be awarded primary physical placement while the other receives periods of secondary placement. The best interests of the child are the court's primary concern.  There are a number of factors that courts take into consideration when determining the best interests of children. Your attorney may submit a proposal regarding child custody and placement for the courts review.

If you are facing divorce, now is the time to consult an attorney and begin answering the difficult questions. Call Guillien Van Nuland, LLC at (608) 782-4411 to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys to assist you with this process.