Child custody and support in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin rules for parents who divorce, from official sources: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026
Quick answer
Wisconsin law uses the term “legal custody and physical placement (joint legal custody is presumed)” for custody. Parenting class: If you have minor children, you must complete any parenting program your county requires (FA-4100V).
- Custody term
- Legal custody and physical placement (joint legal custody is presumed)
- Child support agency
- Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Child Support
Custody terms in Wisconsin
Legal custody and physical placement (joint legal custody is presumed)
Mediation
If parents dispute custody or placement, the court will order at least one mediation session (first session free; fee up to $200); parenting plans must be given to the mediator 10 days before. DV exceptions apply. (Wis. Stat. 767.405; FA-4100V)
Parenting class in Wisconsin
If you have minor children, you must complete any parenting program your county requires (FA-4100V).
Child support in Wisconsin
Child support follows Wisconsin's guidelines. For help setting up or collecting it, contact the state's child support agency.
Children in a Wisconsin divorce: what the process includes
Custody
The court's orders use Wisconsin's term for custody: legal custody and physical placement (joint legal custody is presumed).
Parenting class
Take the parenting class described above if Wisconsin requires it in your case.
Mediation
If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.
The child support agency
For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.
Questions about custody and child support in Wisconsin
What is child custody called in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses the term “legal custody and physical placement (joint legal custody is presumed)”.
Do parents have to take a class in a Wisconsin divorce?
If you have minor children, you must complete any parenting program your county requires (FA-4100V).
Which agency handles child support in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Child Support.
Is mediation required for custody in Wisconsin?
If parents dispute custody or placement, the court will order at least one mediation session (first session free; fee up to $200); parenting plans must be given to the mediator 10 days before. DV exceptions apply. (Wis. Stat. 767.405; FA-4100V)
More about divorce in Wisconsin
- All Wisconsin divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin divorce forms and filing fees
- Divorce timeline estimator for Wisconsin
- Divorce checklist for Wisconsin
- How to file for divorce without a lawyer
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
Custody and support in nearby states
Sources
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.