Get help from a custody lawyer in Madison

A custody lawyer helps parents set or change custody and visitation, focused on what courts decide by — the child's best interests.

Questions to ask before you hire
  • How many cases like mine have you handled in Madison?
  • Do you think mine will settle or go to trial?
  • How long do cases like this usually take here?
  • How do you charge, and what's the retainer?
  • How will you keep me updated?
Free — no cost to youConfidentialUp to 4 attorneys contact you
Tell us about your case
Step 1 of 2

Free and confidential. Get contacted by custody lawyers in Madison.

What do you need help with?
Are children involved?
Do both sides agree?

7 attorneys in Madison

S

Sponsored · CGM Preferred Member

Sinkin Law Office — San Antonio, TX

Attorneys in San Antonio, TX. Sinkin Law Office — visit the website for details.

Visit website →

CGM Local in Madison

Page 1 of 2Next

More results from the web

Wisconsin Family Law guides

All law guides →

Plain-English guides to the law. General information, not legal advice.

Adoption Process in Wisconsin
Wisconsin adoption involves consent rules, a court-supervised home study, and (for newborn adoptions) a state-specific revocation window. Generally irrevocable after signing absent fraud/duress.
Maintenance in Wisconsin: How It Works
Wisconsin calls it maintenance. Discretionary; courts examine multiple factors.
Annulment in Wisconsin
An annulment in Wisconsin declares that a marriage was never legally valid — different from divorce, which ends a valid marriage. Grounds vary; common ones include Mental incapacity, intoxication, force.
Child Custody and Best Interests of the Child in Wisconsin
Wisconsin child-custody decisions are governed by the "best interests of the child" standard. Statutory presumption favoring joint legal custody. Maximum periods of physical placement with each parent are required when consistent with the child's best interests.
Child Emancipation in Wisconsin
Wisconsin child emancipation generally requires age Common-law or older, plus showing the minor can support themselves and emancipation is in their best interest.
Child Relocation Rules in Wisconsin
Wisconsin child-relocation requires court approval (or other parent's consent) for most moves that materially affect parenting time. Notice required.
Child Support Calculations in Wisconsin
Wisconsin calculates child support using the Percentage of Income model. The non-custodial parent's income is multiplied by a fixed percentage (set by statute and tied to the number of children) to produce the support amount.
Cohabitation Agreements + Unmarried Couples in Wisconsin
Wisconsin unmarried couples have NO automatic rights to property, support, or inheritance — cohabitation agreements + careful estate planning are the only protection. "Common-law marriage" is rare + specific.
Collaborative Divorce in Wisconsin
Wisconsin collaborative divorce — both parties + attorneys agree NOT to litigate, instead use team approach with neutrals. If process fails, attorneys must withdraw, creating strong incentive to settle.
Common-Law Marriage in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does NOT recognize common-law marriage. Cohabitation alone — even for decades — does not create marriage rights here.
Family-Court Contempt in Wisconsin
Wisconsin family-court contempt enforces divorce decrees, child-support orders, and custody arrangements — civil contempt for compliance, criminal contempt for punishment. Jail time is real possibility for willful violators.
Divorce Grounds in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a pure no-fault state — divorce is granted on the basis of an irretrievable breakdown. No fault grounds are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do courts decide custody?

By the child's best interests — each parent's involvement, stability, the child's needs and sometimes the child's wishes.

Can a custody order be changed?

Yes, usually when circumstances change significantly. A lawyer can tell you if your situation qualifies.

Do I need a family lawyer if we agree on everything?

Not always, but a lawyer can make sure the agreement is complete, fair and enforceable — especially when children, a home or retirement accounts are involved.

How much does a family lawyer in Madison cost?

Most charge hourly against a retainer; some offer flat fees for uncontested matters. Ask for the fee structure in writing at your first meeting.

What should I bring to my first meeting?

Any court papers, a list of assets and debts, recent pay stubs and tax returns, and notes on your children's schedule if custody is involved.

How many custody lawyers are listed in Madison?

There are currently 7 custody lawyers listed in Madison on CGMIMM.