Chapter 767

767.215(3) (3) Service. If only one party initiates the action, the other shall be served under ch. 801 and may serve a response or counterclaim within 20 days after the date of service, except that questions of jurisdiction may be raised at any time prior to judgment. Service shall be made upon the petitioner, and the original copy of the response shall be filed in court. If the parties together initiate the action with a joint petition, service of summons is not required.

767.215(4) (4) Extension of time for service.

767.215(4)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b) and s. 767.815, extension of time is governed by s. 801.15 (2).

767.215(4)(b) (b) The court may, upon the petitioner’s demonstration of good cause, and without notice, order one additional 60-day extension for service of the initial papers in the action if the extension motion is made within 90 days after filing the initial papers. If the extension motion is not made within the 90-day period, the court may grant the motion only if it finds excusable neglect for failure to act and good cause shown for granting the extension.

767.215(5) (5) Social security numbers.

767.215(5)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (am), when the petition under this section is filed with the court, the party filing the petition shall submit a separate form, furnished by the court, containing all of the following:

767.215(5)(a)1. 1. The name, date of birth, and social security number of each party.

767.215(5)(a)2. 2. The name, date of birth, and social security number of each minor child of the parties and of each child who was born to the wife during the marriage and who is a minor.

767.215(5)(am) (am) In an action to determine the paternity of a child, the party who filed the petition shall submit the form under par. (a) within 5 days after paternity is adjudicated.

767.215(5)(b) (b) A form submitted under this subsection shall be maintained with the confidential information required under s. 767.127 or maintained separately from the case file. The form may be disclosed only to the parties and their attorneys, a county child support enforcement agency, and any other person authorized by law or court order to have access to the information on the form.

767.215 History History: 1971 c. 220; 1977 c. 105; 1979 c. 32 ss. 50, 92 (4); 1979 c. 196; 1979 c. 352 s. 39; Stats. 1979 s. 767.085; 1985 a. 29; 1987 a. 332 s. 64; 1987 a. 355, 403; 1989 a. 31, 56, 132; 1993 a. 78, 481; 1995 a. 27 s. 9126 (19); 1995 a. 201, 404; 1997 a. 191; 2001 a. 61; 2005 a. 443 ss. 31, 46 to 49, 71, 83, 84; Stats. 2005 s. 767.215; 2007 a. 187; 2011 a. 32; 2017 a. 203.

767.215 Note NOTE: 2005 Wis. Act 443 contains explanatory notes.

767.217 767.217 Notice to Child Support Program.

767.217(1) (1) Notice of pleading or motion. In an action affecting the family in which either party is a recipient of benefits under ss. 49.141 to 49.161 or aid under s. 48.645, 49.19, or 49.45, each party shall, either within 20 days after serving the opposite party with a motion or pleading requesting the court to order or to modify a previous order relating to child support, maintenance, or family support, or before filing the motion or pleading in court, serve a copy of the motion or pleading on the county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) of the county in which the action is begun.

767.217(2) (2) Notice of appeal. In an appeal of an action affecting the family in which support or maintenance of a child of any party is at issue, the person who initiates the appeal shall notify the department of the appeal by sending a copy of the notice of appeal to the department.

767.217(3) (3) Noncompliance. A judgment in an action affecting the family may not be granted unless this section is complied with or a court orders otherwise.

767.217 History History: 1977 c. 418; 1979 c. 32 s. 50; 1979 c. 196; 1979 c. 352 s. 39; Stats. 1979 s. 767.15; 1983 a. 27; 1987 a. 413; 1995 a. 27 s. 9126 (19); 1995 a. 201, 289, 404; 1997 a. 27, 35; 2001 a. 61; 2005 a. 443 s. 72; Stats. 2005 s. 767.217; 2007 a. 20.

767.225 767.225 Orders during pendency of action.

767.225(1) (1) Temporary orders. Except as provided in ch. 822, in an action affecting the family the court may, during the pendency of the action, make just and reasonable temporary orders concerning the following matters:

767.225(1)(a) (a) Upon request of one party, granting legal custody of the minor children to the parties jointly, to one party solely, or to a relative or agency specified under s. 767.41 (3), in a manner consistent with s. 767.41, except that the court may order sole legal custody without the agreement of the other party and without the findings required under s. 767.41 (2) (b) 2. An order under this paragraph is not binding on a final custody determination.

767.225(1)(am) (am) Upon the request of a party, granting periods of physical placement to a party in a manner consistent with s. 767.41. The court shall make a determination under this paragraph within 30 days after the request for a temporary order regarding periods of physical placement is filed. If the court grants physical placement to one parent for less than 25 percent of the time, as determined under s. 49.22 (9), the court shall enter specific findings of fact as to the reasons that a greater allocation of physical placement with that parent is not in the best interests of the child.

767.225(1)(ap) (ap) Upon the request of a party, granting periods of electronic communication to a party in a manner consistent with s. 767.41. The court or circuit court commissioner shall make a determination under this paragraph within 30 days after the request for a temporary order regarding periods of electronic communication is filed.

767.225(1)(b) (b) Notwithstanding ss. 767.117 (1) (c) and 767.215 (2) (j), prohibiting the removal of minor children from the jurisdiction of the court.

767.225(1)(bm) (bm) Allowing a party to relocate and reside with a child pending a final hearing under s. 767.481 (3).

767.225(1)(c) (c) Subject to s. 767.85, requiring either party or both parties to make payments for the support of minor children, which payment amounts must be expressed as a fixed sum unless the parties have stipulated to expressing the amount as a percentage of the payer’s income and the requirements under s. 767.34 (2) (am) 1. to 3. are satisfied.

767.225(1)(d) (d) Requiring either party to pay for the maintenance of the other party. Maintenance under this paragraph may include the expenses and attorney fees incurred by the other party in bringing or responding to the action affecting the family.

767.225(1)(f) (f) Requiring either party to execute an assignment of income under s. 767.75 or an authorization for transfer under s. 767.76.

767.225(1)(g) (g) Requiring either party or both parties to pay debts or perform other actions in relation to the persons or property of the parties.

767.225(1)(h) (h) Notwithstanding ss. 767.117 (1) (b) and 767.215 (2) (i), prohibiting either party from disposing of assets within the jurisdiction of the court.

767.225(1)(i) (i) Requiring counseling of either party or both parties.

767.225(1)(k) (k) Subject to s. 767.85, requiring either party or both parties to maintain minor children as beneficiaries on a health insurance policy or plan.

767.225(1)(L) (L) Requiring either party or both parties to execute an assignment of income for payment of health care expenses of minor children.

767.225(1n) (1n) Considerations; stipulations; review.

767.225(1n)(a) (a) Before making a temporary order under sub. (1), the court shall consider those factors that the court is required by this chapter to consider before entering a final judgment on the same subject matter. In making a determination under sub. (1) (a) or (am), the court shall consider the factors under s. 767.41 (5) (am), subject to s. 767.41 (5) (bm).

767.225(1n)(b) (b)

767.225(1n)(b)1. 1. If the court makes a temporary child support order that deviates from the amount of support that would be required by using the percentage standard established by the department under s. 49.22 (9), the court shall comply with the requirements of s. 767.511 (1n).

767.225(1n)(b)2. 2. If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a party has engaged in a pattern or serious incident of interspousal battery, as described under s. 940.19 or 940.20 (1m), or domestic abuse, as defined in s. 813.12 (1) (am), and makes a temporary order awarding joint or sole legal custody or periods of physical placement to the party, the court shall comply with the requirements of s. 767.41 (6) (f) and, if appropriate, s. 767.41 (6) (g).

767.225(1n)(b)3. 3. If the court or circuit court commissioner requires one party to cover the child under a health insurance policy or plan under sub. (1) (k), the court or circuit court commissioner shall order the party to provide to the other party a health insurance identification card for the child. Section 767.513 (2m) (b) and (c) applies to a failure to comply with a temporary order under this subdivision.

767.225(1n)(c) (c) A temporary order under sub. (1) may be based upon the written stipulation of the parties, subject to the approval of the court. Temporary orders made by a circuit court commissioner may be reviewed by the court.

767.225(2) (2) Notice of motion for order. Notice of motion for an order or order to show cause under sub. (1) may be served at the time the action is commenced or at any time after commencement and shall be accompanied by an affidavit stating the basis for the request for relief.

767.225(3m) (3m) Availability of domestic abuse restraining order. If a circuit court commissioner believes that a temporary restraining order or injunction under s. 813.12 is appropriate in an action, the circuit court commissioner shall inform the parties of their right to seek the order or injunction and the procedure to follow. On a motion for such a restraining order or injunction, the circuit court commissioner shall submit the motion to the court within 5 working days.

767.225 History History: 1971 c. 149; 1971 c. 211 s. 126; 1971 c. 220, 307; 1975 c. 283; Sup. Ct. Order, 73 Wis. 2d xxxi (1976); 1977 c. 105; 1979 c. 32 ss. 50, 92 (4); 1979 c. 111, 196; 1979 c. 352 s. 39; Stats. 1979 s. 767.23; 1983 a. 27; 1983 a. 204 s. 22; 1983 a. 447; 1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (9); 1987 a. 355, 364, 413; 1989 a. 212; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 78, 481, 490; 1995 a. 27 ss. 7100h, 9126 (19); 1995 a. 70, 404; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 16, 61; 2003 a. 130, 326; 2005 a. 174, 342; 2005 a. 443 ss. 86 to 91; Stats. 2005 s. 767.225; 2007 a. 96; 2017 a. 203; 2021 a. 35, 37.

767.225 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. DCF 150, Wis. adm. code.

767.235 767.235 Trial or hearing on judgment.

767.235(1) (1) Before court. In an action affecting the family, all hearings and trials to determine whether judgment shall be granted, except hearings under s. 757.69 (1) (p) 3., shall be before the court. Testimony shall be taken by the reporter and shall be transcribed and filed with the record if so ordered by the court. Custody proceedings have priority in being set for hearing.

767.235(2) (2) Appearance of litigants. Unless nonresidence in the state is shown by competent evidence, service is by publication, or the court for other good cause orders otherwise, both parties in actions affecting the family shall appear upon the final hearing or trial. An order of the court to that effect shall be procured by the moving party, and shall be served upon the nonmoving party before the hearing or trial. No order is required in the case of a joint petition.

767.235(3) (3) Exclusion from courtroom. The court may on its own motion, or on motion of any party to an action affecting the family, exclude from the courtroom all persons other than the parties, their attorneys and any guardians ad litem.

767.235 History History: 2005 a. 443 ss. 65, 67, 77, 93.

767.235 Note NOTE: 2005 Wis. Act 443 contains explanatory notes.

767.241 767.241 Award of attorney fees and other fees and costs.

767.241(1) (1) Court authority. The court, after considering the financial resources of both parties, may do the following:

767.241(1)(a) (a) Order either party to pay a reasonable amount for the cost to the other party of maintaining or responding to an action affecting the family and for attorney fees to either party.

767.241(1)(b) (b) If one party receives services under s. 49.22 or services provided by the state or county as a result of an assignment of income under s. 49.19, order the other party to pay any fee chargeable under s. 49.22 (6) or the cost of services rendered by the state or county under s. 49.19.

767.241(2) (2) Preaction and postaction fees. Any amount ordered under sub. (1) may include sums for legal services rendered and costs incurred prior to the commencement of the proceeding or after entry of judgment.

767.241(3) (3) To whom paid. The court may order that the amount be paid directly to the attorney or to the state or the county providing services under s. 49.22 or 49.19, who may enforce the order in its name.

767.241(4) (4) Payment by state or county.

767.241(4)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b), no court may order payment of costs under this section by the state or any county which may be a party to the action.

767.241(4)(b) (b) The court may order payment of costs under this section by the department or its designee, whichever is appropriate, in an action in which the court finds that the record of payments and arrearages kept by the department or its designee is substantially incorrect and that the department or its designee has failed to correct the record within 30 days after having received information that the court determines is sufficient for making the correction.

767.241 History History: 1977 c. 105; 1979 c. 32 s. 50; 1979 c. 352 s. 39; Stats. 1979 s. 767.262; 1983 a. 27; 1993 a. 481, 490; 1995 a. 201, 279, 404; 1997 a. 27, 35, 252; 2005 a. 443 ss. 99, 112; Stats. 2005 s. 767.241.

767.241 Annotation An allowance of $1,000 attorney fees on appeal, after the award of a generous property settlement, constituted a penalty for appealing. Molloy v. Molloy, 46 Wis. 2d 682, 176 N.W.2d 292 (1970).

767.241 Annotation Attorney fees on appeal depend on need, ability to pay, and whether there is a reasonable ground for the appeal. Klipstein v. Klipstein, 47 Wis. 2d 314, 177 N.W.2d 57 (1970).

767.241 Annotation An order for attorney fees is enforceable by contempt. The court cannot enter a judgment in favor of the attorney directly. Before a contempt order is issued, the defendant must have notice of an application by the spouse to whom the fees are payable. O’Connor v. O’Connor, 48 Wis. 2d 535, 180 N.W.2d 735 (1970).

767.241 Annotation Denial of the wife’s motion for her husband to contribute to attorney fees to prosecute the wife’s appeal was an abuse of discretion when the issues in the case were vigorously contested and in no way frivolous. Markham v. Markham, 65 Wis. 2d 735, 223 N.W.2d 616 (1974).

767.241 Annotation A circuit court does not have subject matter jurisdiction in a divorce action to determine attorney fees between an attorney and client who the attorney continues to represent in the divorce action. Stasey v. Stasey, 168 Wis. 2d 37, 483 N.W.2d 221 (1992).

767.241 Annotation Nonmarital assets may be considered in determining whether to order one party to contribute to the other’s fees. Doerr v. Doerr, 189 Wis. 2d 112, 525 N.W.2d 745 (Ct. App. 1994).

767.241 Annotation Under Ondrasek, 126 Wis. 2d 469 (1985), the overtrial doctrine may be invoked in family law cases when one party’s unreasonable approach to litigation causes the other party to incur extra and unnecessary fees. The public policy that an innocent party who is the victim of overtrial should not be burdened with the payment of extra and unnecessary attorney fees occasioned by the other party is equally applicable with respect to guardian ad litem fees. Hottenroth v. Hetsko, 2006 WI App 249, 298 Wis. 2d 200, 727 N.W.2d 38, 05-1212.

767.251 767.251 Content, preparation, and approval of judgment.

767.251(1) (1) Content. In an action affecting the family, if the court orders maintenance payments or other allowances for a party or children or retains jurisdiction in those matters, the written judgment shall include a statement that disobedience of the court order is punishable under ch. 785 by commitment to the county jail or house of correction until the judgment is complied with and the costs and expenses of the proceedings are paid or until the party committed is otherwise discharged, according to law. Final written agreements and stipulations of the parties shall, unless set forth in the judgment, be appended to the judgment and incorporated by reference.

767.251(2) (2) Preparation. The findings of fact, conclusions of law, and the written judgment shall be drafted by the petitioner unless the court otherwise directs, and shall be submitted to the court and filed with the clerk of the court within 30 days after judgment is granted.

767.251(3) (3) Approval. The draft findings, conclusions, and judgment shall be approved by all counsel appearing, including a guardian ad litem and county child support enforcement agency attorney, and any other person designated by the court or local rule. After necessary approvals are obtained, the findings of fact, conclusions of law, and judgment shall be submitted to the court.

767.251 History History: 2005 a. 443 ss. 169, 170.

767.251 Note NOTE: 2005 Wis. Act 443 contains explanatory notes.

767.264 767.264 Dismissal; vacation; substitution or withdrawal of attorney.

767.264(1) (1) Opportunity to respond. An action affecting the family may not be dismissed under s. 805.04 (1) unless all the parties who have appeared in the action have been served with a copy of the notice of dismissal and have had an opportunity to file a responsive pleading or motion.

767.264(2) (2) Attorney fees and other amounts owing.

767.264(2)(a) (a) Upon making an order for dismissal of, for substitution of attorney in, for withdrawal of attorney from, or for vacation of a judgment granted in an action affecting the family, the court shall, prior to or in its order, grant separate judgment in favor of an attorney who has appeared for a party to the action and in favor of a guardian ad litem for a party or a child for the amount of fees and disbursements to which the attorney or guardian ad litem is, in the court’s judgment, entitled and against the party responsible for the fees and disbursements.

767.264(2)(b) (b) Upon making an order for dismissal of an action affecting the family or for vacation of a judgment granted in the order, the court shall, prior to or in its order of dismissal or vacation, preserve the right of the state or a political subdivision of the state to collect any arrearages, by an action under this chapter or under ch. 785, owed to the state if either party in the case was a recipient of aid under ch. 49.

767.264 History History: 2005 a. 443 ss. 33, 92, 114.

767.264 Note NOTE: 2005 Wis. Act 443 contains explanatory notes.

767.264 Annotation Sub. (3) (a) [now sub. (2) (a)] is strictly construed to apply to those situations expressly set forth in the statute, such as orders for dismissal, substitution of attorneys, and vacation of judgments, in actions affecting families. In other cases an action to recover legal fees may be instituted. Kotecki & Radtke, S.C. v. Johnson, 192 Wis. 2d 429, 531 N.W.2d 606 (Ct. App. 1995).

767.264 Annotation The only reasonable meaning of sub. (3) (a) [now sub. (2) (a)] is that it gives the court authority to enter a judgment for the fees owed by the client to an attorney who is permitted by order of the court to withdraw, regardless when or if the client retains another attorney to replace the withdrawing attorney in that action. Kohl v. DeWitt Ross & Stevens, 2005 WI App 196, 287 Wis. 2d 289, 704 N.W.2d 586, 04-0328.

767.264 Annotation The Federal Tax Consequences of Divorce. Meldman & Ryan. 57 MLR 229 (1974).

767.273 767.273 Allowances pending appeal. In an action affecting the family pending in appellate court, an allowance for suit money, counsel fees, or disbursements in the court or for temporary maintenance or support payments to the spouse or the children during the pendency of the appeal may be made by the proper trial court upon motion made and decided after entry of the order or judgment appealed from and prior to the return of the record to appellate court. If the allowance is ordered before the appeal is taken, the order shall be conditioned upon the taking of the appeal and is not effective until the record is transmitted to appellate court.

767.273 History History: 1975 c. 94; 1977 c. 105; 1977 c. 187 s. 89; 1979 c. 32 s. 50; 1979 c. 352 s. 39; Stats. 1979 s. 767.39; Sup. Ct. Order, 146 Wis. 2d xiii (1988); 2005 a. 443 s. 176.

767.273 Note NOTE: 2005 Wis. Act 443 contains explanatory notes.

767.281 767.281 Filing procedures and orders for enforcement or modification of judgments or orders.

767.281(1) (1) Applicability. This section applies to all enforcement or modification petitions, motions or orders to show cause filed for actions affecting the family under s. 767.001 (1) (i).

767.281(1m) (1m) Generally. Except as provided in sub. (2), if a petition, motion, or order to show cause requesting enforcement or modification of a judgment or order in an action affecting the family that was granted by a court of this state is filed in a county other than the county in which the judgment or order was rendered, the petitioner or party bringing the motion or order to show cause shall send a copy of the petition, motion, or order to show cause and summons to the clerk of the court in which the judgment or order was rendered. If a question arises as to which court should exercise jurisdiction, a conference involving both judges, all counsel, and guardians ad litem may be convened under s. 807.13 (3) to resolve the question. The petitioner shall send a copy of any order rendered pursuant to the petition, motion, or order to show cause to the clerk of the court in which the original judgment or order was rendered.

767.281(2) (2) Support or maintenance orders.