1997 Wisconsin Act 191

767.265 (2h) If a court-ordered assignment does not require immediately effective withholding and a payer fails to make a required maintenance, child support, spousal support or family support payment within 10 days after its due date, within 20 days after the payment's due date the court or family court commissioner shall cause the assignment to go into effect by providing notice of the assignment in the manner provided under sub. (2r) and shall send a notice by regular mail to the last-known address of the payer. The notice sent to the payer shall inform the payer that an assignment is in effect and that the payer may, within a 10-day period, by motion request a hearing on the issue of whether the assignment should remain in effect. The court or family court commissioner shall hold a hearing requested under this section subsection within 10 working days after the date of the request. If at the hearing the payer establishes that the assignment is not proper because of a mistake of fact, the court or family court commissioner may direct that the assignment be withdrawn. If the payer does not request a hearing, the court or family court commissioner shall send notice of the assignment to the person from whom the payer receives or will receive money. Either party may, within 15 working days after the date of the a decision by a family court commissioner under this section subsection, seek review of the decision by the court with jurisdiction over the action.

191,413 Section 413 . 767.265 (2r) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.265 (2r) Upon entry of each order for child support, maintenance, family support or support by a spouse and upon approval of each stipulation for child support, unless the court finds that income withholding is likely to cause the payer irreparable harm or unless s. 767.267 applies, the court shall provide notice of the assignment by regular mail or by facsimile machine, as defined in s. 134.72 (1) (a), or other electronic means to the last-known address of the person from whom the payer receives or will receive money. The notice shall provide that the amount withheld may not exceed the maximum amount that is subject to garnishment under 15 USC 1673 (b) (2). If the clerk of court or support collection designee, whichever is appropriate, does not receive the money from the person notified, the court shall provide notice of the assignment to any other person from whom the payer receives or will receive money. Notice under this subsection may be a notice of the court, a copy of the executed assignment or a copy of that part of the court order directing payment.

191,414 Section 414 . 767.265 (2r) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Acts 27 and .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:

767.265 (2r) Upon entry of each order for child support, maintenance, family support or support by a spouse and upon approval of each stipulation for child support, unless the court finds that income withholding is likely to cause the payer irreparable harm or unless s. 767.267 applies, the court, family court commissioner or county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) shall provide notice of the assignment by regular mail or by facsimile machine, as defined in s. 134.72 (1) (a), or other electronic means to the last-known address of the person from whom the payer receives or will receive money. The notice shall provide that the amount withheld may not exceed the maximum amount that is subject to garnishment under 15 USC 1673 (b) (2). If the department or its designee, whichever is appropriate, does not receive the money from the person notified, the court, family court commissioner or county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) shall provide notice of the assignment to any other person from whom the payer receives or will receive money. Notice under this subsection may be a notice of the court, a copy of the executed assignment or a copy of that part of the court order directing payment.

191,415 Section 415 . 767.265 (3h) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.265 (3h) A person who receives notice of assignment under this section or s. 767.23 (1) (L), 767.25 (4m) (c) or, 767.51 (3m) (c) or 767.62 (4) (b) 3. or similar laws of another state shall withhold the amount specified in the notice from any money that person pays to the payer later than one week after receipt of notice of assignment. Within 5 days after the day the person pays money to the payer, the person shall send the amount withheld to the clerk of court or support collection designee, whichever is appropriate, of the jurisdiction providing notice or, in the case of an amount ordered withheld for health care expenses, to the appropriate health care insurer, provider or plan. With each payment sent to the clerk of court or support collection designee, the person from whom the payer receives money shall report to the clerk or support collection designee the payer's gross income or other gross amount from which the payment was withheld. Except as provided in sub. (3m), for each payment sent to the clerk of court or support collection designee, the person from whom the payer receives money shall receive an amount equal to the person's necessary disbursements, not to exceed $3, which shall be deducted from the money to be paid to the payer. Section 241.09 does not apply to assignments under this section.

191,416 Section 416 . 767.265 (3h) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Acts 27 and .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:

767.265 (3h) A person who receives notice of assignment under this section or s. 767.23 (1) (L), 767.25 (4m) (c), 767.51 (3m) (c) or 767.62 (4) (b) 3. or similar laws of another state shall withhold the amount specified in the notice from any money that person pays to the payer later than one week after receipt of notice of assignment. Within 5 days after the day the person pays money to the payer, the person shall send the amount withheld to the department or its designee, whichever is appropriate, or, in the case of an amount ordered withheld for health care expenses, to the appropriate health care insurer, provider or plan. With each payment sent to the department or its designee, the person from whom the payer receives money shall report to the department or its designee the payer's gross income or other gross amount from which the payment was withheld. Except as provided in sub. (3m), for each payment sent to the department or its designee, the person from whom the payer receives money shall receive an amount equal to the person's necessary disbursements, not to exceed $3, which shall be deducted from the money to be paid to the payer. Section 241.09 does not apply to assignments under this section.

191,417 Section 417 . 767.265 (3m) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.265 (3m) Benefits under ch. 108 may be assigned and withheld only in the manner provided in s. 108.13 (4). Any order to withhold benefits under ch. 108 shall be for an amount certain may be for a percentage of benefits payable or for a fixed sum, or for a combination of both in the alternative by requiring the withholding of the greater or lesser of either a percentage of benefits payable or a fixed sum. When money is to be withheld from these benefits, no fee may be deducted from the amount withheld and no fine may be levied for failure to withhold the money.

191,418 Section 418 . 767.265 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.265 (4) A withholding assignment or order under this section or s. 767.23 (1) (L), 767.25 (4m) (c) or , 767.51 (3m) (c) or 767.62 (4) (b) 3. has priority over any other assignment, garnishment or similar legal process under state law.

191,419 Section 419 . 767.265 (6) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.265 (6) (a) Except as provided in sub. (3m), if after receipt of notice of assignment the person from whom the payer receives money fails to withhold the money or send the money to the clerk of court or support collection designee or the appropriate health care insurer, provider or plan as provided in this section or s. 767.23 (1) (L), 767.25 (4m) (c) or, 767.51 (3m) (c) or 767.62 (4) (b) 3., the person may be proceeded against under the principal action under ch. 785 for contempt of court or may be proceeded against under ch. 778 and be required to forfeit not less than $50 nor more than an amount, if the amount exceeds $50, that is equal to 1% of the amount not withheld or sent.

191,420 Section 420 . 767.265 (6) (a) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Acts 27 and .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:

767.265 (6) (a) Except as provided in sub. (3m), if after receipt of notice of assignment the person from whom the payer receives money fails to withhold the money or send the money to the department or its designee or the appropriate health care insurer, provider or plan as provided in this section or s. 767.23 (1) (L), 767.25 (4m) (c), 767.51 (3m) (c) or 767.62 (4) (b) 3., the person may be proceeded against under the principal action under ch. 785 for contempt of court or may be proceeded against under ch. 778 and be required to forfeit not less than $50 nor more than an amount, if the amount exceeds $50, that is equal to 1% of the amount not withheld or sent.

191,421 Section 421 . 767.265 (6) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.265 (6) (b) If an employer who receives an assignment under this section or s. 767.23 (1) (L), 767.25 (4m) (c) or, 767.51 (3m) (c) or 767.62 (4) (b) 3. fails to notify the clerk of court or support collection designee, whichever is appropriate, within 10 days after an employe is terminated or otherwise temporarily or permanently leaves employment, the employer may be proceeded against under the principal action under ch. 785 for contempt of court.

191,422 Section 422 . 767.265 (6) (b) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Acts 27 and .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:

767.265 (6) (b) If an employer who receives an assignment under this section or s. 767.23 (1) (L), 767.25 (4m) (c), 767.51 (3m) (c) or 767.62 (4) (b) 3. fails to notify the department or its designee, whichever is appropriate, within 10 days after an employe is terminated or otherwise temporarily or permanently leaves employment, the employer may be proceeded against under the principal action under ch. 785 for contempt of court.

191,423 Section 423 . 767.265 (6) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.265 (6) (c) No employer may use an assignment under this section or s. 767.23 (1) (L), 767.25 (4m) (c) or, 767.51 (3m) (c) or 767.62 (4) (b) 3. as a basis for the denial of employment to a person, the discharge of an employe or any disciplinary action against an employe. An employer who denies employment or discharges or disciplines an employe in violation of this paragraph may be fined not more than $500 and may be required to make full restitution to the aggrieved person, including reinstatement and back pay. Except as provided in this paragraph, restitution shall be in accordance with s. 973.20. An aggrieved person may apply to the district attorney or to the department for enforcement of this paragraph.

191,424 Section 424 . 767.265 (6m) of the statutes is created to read:

767.265 (6m) A county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) may convert a support amount in an order for income withholding under this section that is expressed as a percentage of income to the equivalent sum certain amount for purposes of enforcing a child support order in another state under subch. V or VI of ch. 769. Nothing in this subsection authorizes a change, or may be construed to change, the support obligation specified in the underlying child support order.

191,425 Section 425 . 767.27 (2m) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act 27, is amended to read:

767.27 (2m) In every action in which the court has ordered a party to pay child support under s. 767.25 or , 767.51 or 767.62 (4) or family support under s. 767.261 and the circumstances specified in s. 767.075 (1) apply, the court shall require the party who is ordered to pay the support to annually furnish the disclosure form required under this section and may require that party to annually furnish a copy of his or her most recently filed state and federal income tax returns to the county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) for the county in which the order was entered. In any action in which the court has ordered a party to pay child support under s. 767.25 or , 767.51 or 767.62 (4) or family support under s. 767.261, the court may require the party who is ordered to pay the support to annually furnish the disclosure form required under this section and a copy of his or her most recently filed state and federal income tax returns to the party for whom the support has been awarded. A party who fails to furnish the information as required by the court under this subsection may be proceeded against for contempt of court under ch. 785.

191,426 Section 426 . 767.29 (1m) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.29 (1m) (intro.) Notwithstanding ss. 767.25 (6), 767.261 and, 767.51 (5p) and 767.62 (4) (g), if the clerk of court or support collection designee receives support or maintenance money that exceeds the amount due in the month in which it is received and that the clerk or support collection designee determines is for support or maintenance due in a succeeding month, the clerk or support collection designee may hold the amount of overpayment that does not exceed the amount due in the next month for disbursement in the next month if any of the following applies:

191,427 Section 427 . 767.29 (1m) (intro.) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Acts 27 and .... (this act), is repealed and recreated to read:

767.29 (1m) (intro.) Notwithstanding ss. 767.25 (6), 767.261, 767.51 (5p) and 767.62 (4) (g), if the department or its designee receives support or maintenance money that exceeds the amount due in the month in which it is received and that the department or its designee determines is for support or maintenance due in a succeeding month, the department or its designee may hold the amount of overpayment that does not exceed the amount due in the next month for disbursement in the next month if any of the following applies:

191,428 Section 428 . 767.29 (3) of the statutes is renumbered 767.29 (3) (a).

191,429 Section 429 . 767.29 (3) (b) of the statutes is created to read:

767.29 (3) (b) If a child who is the beneficiary of support under a judgment or order is placed by court order in a child caring institution, juvenile correctional institution or state mental institution, the right of the child to support during the period of the child's confinement, including any right to unpaid support accruing during that period, is assigned to the state. If the judgment or order providing for the support of a child who is placed in a child caring institution, juvenile correctional institution or state mental institution includes support for one or more other children, the support that is assigned to the state shall be the proportionate share of the child placed in the institution, except as otherwise ordered by the court or family court commissioner on the motion of a party.

191,430 Section 430 . 767.295 (2) (a) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.295 (2) (a) (intro.) In an action for modification of a child support order under s. 767.32, an action in which an order for child support is required under s. 767.25 (1) or, 767.51 (3) or 767.62 (4) (a) or a contempt of court proceeding to enforce a child support or family support order in a county that contracts under s. 49.36 (2), the court may order a parent who is not a custodial parent to register for a work experience and job training program under s. 49.36 if all of the following conditions are met:

191,431 Section 431 . 767.295 (2) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.295 (2) (c) If the court enters an order under par. (a), it shall order the parent to pay child support equal to the amount determined by applying the percentage standard established under s. 49.22 (9) to the income a person would earn by working 40 hours per week for the federal minimum hourly wage under 29 USC 206 (a) (1) or equal to the amount of child support that the parent was ordered to pay in the most recent determination of support under this chapter. The child support obligation ordered under this paragraph continues until the parent makes timely payment in full for 3 consecutive months or until the person participates in the program under s. 49.36 for 16 weeks, whichever comes first. The court shall provide in its order that the parent must make child support payments calculated under s. 767.25 (1j) or (1m) or, 767.51 (4m) or (5) or 767.62 (4) (d) 1. or (e) after the obligation to make payments ordered under this paragraph ceases.

191,432 Section 432 . 767.30 (1) of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act 27, is amended to read:

767.30 (1) If the court orders any payment for support under s. 48.355 (2) (b) 4., 48.357 (5m), 48.363 (2), 938.183 (4), 938.355 (2) (b) 4., 938.357 (5m) or 938.363 (2), support or maintenance under s. 767.08, child support, family support or maintenance under s. 767.23, child support under s. 767.25, maintenance under s. 767.26, family support under s. 767.261, attorney fees under s. 767.262, child support or a child's health care expenses under s. 767.477, paternity obligations under s. 767.458 (3), 767.51 or 767.62 (4), support arrearages under s. 767.293 or child or spousal support under s. 948.22 (7), the court may provide that any payment be paid in the amounts and at the times that it considers expedient.

191,433 Section 433 . 767.303 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.303 (1) If a person fails to pay a payment ordered for support under s. 767.077, support under s. 767.08, child support or family support under s. 767.23, child support under s. 767.25, family support under s. 767.261, revised child or family support under s. 767.32, child support under s. 767.458 (3), child support under s. 767.477, child support under s. 767.51, child support under s. 767.62 (4) (a), child support under ch. 769 or child support under s. 948.22 (7), the payment is 90 or more days past due and the court finds that the person has the ability to pay the amount ordered, the court may suspend the person's operating privilege, as defined in s. 340.01 (40), until the person pays all arrearages in full or makes payment arrangements that are satisfactory to the court, except that the suspension period may not exceed 5 years. If otherwise eligible, the person is eligible for an occupational license under s. 343.10 at any time.

191,434 Section 434 . 767.305 of the statutes, as affected by 1997 Wisconsin Act 27, is amended to read:

767.305 Enforcement; contempt proceedings. In all cases where a party has incurred a financial obligation under s. 48.355 (2) (b) 4., 48.357 (5m), 48.363 (2), 767.23, 767.25, 767.255, 767.26, 767.261, 767.262, 767.293, 767.458 (3), 767.477, 767.51, 767.62 (4), 938.183 (4), 938.355 (2) (b) 4., 938.357 (5m) or 938.363 (2) and has failed within a reasonable time or as ordered by the court to satisfy such obligation, and where the wage assignment proceeding under s. 767.265 and the account transfer under s. 767.267 are inapplicable, impractical or unfeasible, the court may on its own initiative, and shall on the application of the receiving party, issue an order requiring the payer to show cause at some reasonable time therein specified why he or she should not be punished for such misconduct as provided in ch. 785.

191,435 Section 435 . 767.32 (1) (b) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:

767.32 (1) (b) 4. A difference between the amount of child support ordered by the court to be paid by the payer and the amount that the payer would have been required to pay based on the percentage standard established by the department under s. 49.22 (9) if the court did not use the percentage standard in determining the child support payments and did not provide the information required under s. 46.10 (14) (d), 767.25 (1n) or, 767.51 (5d) or 767.62 (4) (f), whichever is appropriate.

191,436 Section 436 . 767.32 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.32 (2m) Upon request by a party, the court may modify the amount of revised child support payments determined under sub. (2) if, after considering the factors listed in s. 767.25 (1m) or, 767.51 (5) or 767.62 (4) (e), as appropriate, the court finds, by the greater weight of the credible evidence, that the use of the percentage standard is unfair to the child or to any of the parties.

191,437 Section 437 . 767.32 (2s) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.32 (2s) In an action under sub. (1), the court may not approve a stipulation for the revision of a judgment or order with respect to an amount of child support or family support unless the stipulation provides for payment of an amount of child support or family support that is determined in the manner required under s. 46.10 (14), 767.25 or, 767.51 or 767.62 (4), whichever is appropriate.

191,438 Section 438 . 767.37 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.37 (1) (a) In any action affecting the family, if the court orders maintenance payments or other allowances for a party or children or retains jurisdiction in such matters, the written judgment shall include a provision that disobedience of the court order with respect to the same is punishable under ch. 785 by commitment to the county jail or house of correction until such 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. The written judgment in any action affecting the family shall include the social security numbers of the parties and of any child of the parties. The findings of fact and conclusions of law and the written judgment shall be drafted by the attorney for the moving party, and shall be submitted to the court and filed with the clerk of the court within 30 days after judgment is granted; but if the respondent has been represented by counsel, the findings, conclusions and judgment shall first be submitted to respondent's counsel for approval and if the family court commissioner has appeared at the trial of the action, such papers shall also be sent to the family court commissioner for approval. After any necessary approvals are obtained, the findings of fact, conclusions of law and judgment shall be submitted to the court. Final stipulations of the parties may be appended to the judgment and incorporated by reference therein.

191,439 Section 439 . 767.45 (1) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.45 (1) (intro.) The following persons may bring an action or motion, including an action or motion for declaratory judgment, for the purpose of determining the paternity of a child or for the purpose of rebutting the presumption of paternity under s. 891.405 or 891.41 (1):

191,440 Section 440 . 767.45 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.45 (1) (c) A Unless s. 767.62 (1) applies, a man presumed to be the child's father under s. 891.405 or 891.41 (1).

191,441 Section 441 . 767.45 (1) (k) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.45 (1) (k) In conjunction with the filing of a petition for visitation with respect to the child under s. 767.245 (3), a parent of a person who has filed a declaration of paternal interest under s. 48.025 or with respect to the child or a parent of a person who, before April 1, 1998, signed and filed a statement acknowledging paternity under s. 69.15 (3) (b) 3. with respect to the child.

191,442 Section 442 . 767.45 (5) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.45 (5) (b) An action under this section may be joined with any other action for child support and shall be governed by the procedures specified in s. 767.05 relating to child support, except that the title of the action shall be “In re the paternity of A.B." The petition shall state the name and date of birth of the child if born or that the mother is pregnant if the child is unborn, the name of any alleged father, whether or not an action by any of the parties to determine the paternity of the child or rebut the presumption of paternity to the child has at any time been commenced, or is pending before any judge or court commissioner, in this state or elsewhere. If a paternity judgment has been rendered, or if a paternity action has been dismissed, the petition shall state the court which rendered the judgment or dismissed the action, and the date and the place the judgment was granted if known. The petition shall also give notice of a party's right to request a genetic test under s. 49.225 or 767.48.

191,443 Section 443 . 767.45 (5m) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.45 (5m) Except as provided in ss. 767.458 (3), 767.465 (2) and (2m), 767.477, 767.62 and 769.401, unless a man is either presumed the child's father under s. 891.41 or (1), is adjudicated the child's father either under s. 767.51 or by final order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction in another state or has acknowledged himself to be the child's father under s. 767.62 (1) or a substantially similar law of another state, no order or temporary order may be entered for child support, legal custody or physical placement until the man is adjudicated the father using the procedure set forth in ss. 767.45 to 767.60. Except as provided in ss. 767.477, 767.62 and 769.401, the exclusive procedure for establishment of child support obligations, legal custody or physical placement rights for a man who is neither not presumed the child's father under s. 891.41 nor (1), adjudicated the father or acknowledged under s. 767.62 (1) or a substantially similar law of another state to be the father is by an action under ss. 767.45 to 767.60 or under s. 769.701. No person may waive the use of this procedure. If a presumption under s. 891.41 (1) exists, a party denying paternity has the burden of rebutting the presumption.

191,444 Section 444 . 767.45 (6m) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.45 (6m) The attorney designated under sub. (6) (a) shall commence an action under this section on behalf of the state within 6 months after receiving notification under s. 69.03 (15) that no father is named on the birth certificate of a child who is a resident of the county if paternity has not been acknowledged under s. 767.62 (1) or a substantially similar law of another state or adjudicated, except in situations under s. 69.14 (1) (g) and (h) and as provided by the department by rule.

191,445 Section 445 . 767.45 (6p) of the statutes is repealed.

191,446 Section 446 . 767.455 (5g) (form) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

767.455 (5g) (form) 2. You have the right to be represented by an attorney. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the court will appoint one for you only upon one or more of the genetic tests taken during the proceedings showing if the results of one or more genetic tests show that you are excluded as the father and that the statistical probability of your being the father is less than 99.0%. In order to determine whether you are entitled to have an attorney appointed for you, you may call the following telephone number .... .

191,447 Section 447 . 767.455 (5g) (form) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

767.455 (5g) (form) 3. You may request genetic tests which will indicate the probability that you are or are not the father of the child. The court or county child support agency will order genetic tests on request by you, the state or any other party. Any person who refuses to take court-ordered genetic tests may be punished for contempt of court.

191,448 Section 448 . 767.455 (5g) (form) 7. of the statutes is amended to read:

767.455 (5g) (form) 7. If you fail to appear at any stage of the proceeding, including a scheduled court-ordered genetic test, the court will enter a default judgment finding you to be the father. A default judgment will take effect 30 days after it is served on or mailed to you at your address on file with the court, unless within those 30 days you present to the court evidence of good cause for your failure to appear or your failure to have undergone a court-ordered genetic test. You need not appear at the time and place specified in the summons if you complete the attached waiver of first appearance statement and deliver it to the court by the date specified in the waiver of first appearance statement.

191,449 Section 449 . 767.455 (5r) (form) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

767.455 (5r) (form) 2. I understand that I will be notified by the court of all future stages in the proceeding and agree to appear at those stages. If I fail to appear at any stage, including a scheduled court-ordered genetic test, the court will enter a default judgment finding me to be the father. A default judgment will take effect 30 days after it is served on or mailed to me, unless within those 30 days I present to the court evidence of good cause for my failure to appear or my failure to have undergone a court-ordered genetic test.

191,450 Section 450 . 767.458 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.458 (1) (c) Except as provided under sub. (1m) and s. 767.463, the respondent may request the administration of genetic tests which either demonstrate that he is not the father of the child or which demonstrate the probability that he is or is not the father of the child;

191,451 Section 451 . 767.458 (1) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.458 (1) (d) Except as provided under sub. in subs. (1m) and (2) and s. 767.463, the court will order genetic tests upon the request of any party; and

191,452 Section 452 . 767.458 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.458 (2) At the first appearance, if it appears from a sufficient petition or affidavit of the child's mother or an alleged father, or from sworn testimony of the child's mother or an alleged father, that there is probable cause to believe that any of the males named has had sexual intercourse with the mother during a possible time of the child's conception, the court may, or upon the request of any party shall, order any of the named persons to submit to genetic tests. The tests shall be conducted in accordance with s. 767.48. The court is not required to order a person who has undergone a genetic test under s. 49.225 to submit to another genetic test under this subsection unless a party requests additional tests under s. 767.48 (2).

191,453 Section 453 . 767.458 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.458 (3) At the first appearance, if a statement acknowledging paternity under s. 69.15 (3) (b) 1. or 3. that was signed and filed before April 1, 1998, is on file, the court may enter an order for child support, legal custody or physical placement and, if the respondent who filed the statement does not dispute his paternity, may enter a judgment of paternity.

191,454 Section 454 . 767.463 of the statutes is created to read:

767.463 Dismissal if adjudication not in child's best interest. Except as provided in s. 767.458 (1m), at any time in an action to establish the paternity of a child, upon the motion of a party or guardian ad litem, the court or court commissioner under s. 757.69 (3) (g) may, with respect to a man, refuse to order genetic tests, if genetic tests have not yet been taken, and dismiss the action if the court or court commissioner determines that a judicial determination of whether the man is the father of the child is not in the best interest of the child.

191,455 Section 455 . 767.465 (1m) of the statutes is created to read:

767.465 (1m) Judgment when mother fails to appear. Notwithstanding sub. (1), a court may enter an order adjudicating the alleged father, or man alleging that he is the father, to be the father of the child under s. 767.51 if the mother of the child fails to appear at the first appearance, unless the first appearance is not required under s. 767.457 (2), scheduled genetic test, pretrial hearing or trial if sufficient evidence exists to establish the man as the father of the child.

191,456 Section 456 . 767.465 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.465 (2) (a) Except as provided in sub. (2m), if a respondent is the alleged father and fails to appear at the first appearance, unless the first appearance is not required under s. 767.457 (2), scheduled court-ordered genetic test, pretrial hearing or trial, the court shall enter an order adjudicating the respondent to be the father and appropriate orders for support, legal custody and physical placement. The orders shall be either served on the respondent or mailed by regular, registered or certified mail, to the last-known address of the respondent. The orders shall take effect 30 days after service or 30 days after the date on which the orders were mailed unless, within that time, the respondent presents to the court or court commissioner under s. 757.69 (3) (g) evidence of good cause for failure to appear or failure to have undergone a court-ordered genetic test.

191,457 Section 457 . 767.466 (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:

767.466 Motion to reopen judgment based on statement acknowledging paternity. (intro.) A judgment which adjudicates a person to be the father of a child and which was based upon a statement acknowledging paternity that was signed and filed before April 1, 1998, may, if no trial was conducted, be reopened under any of the following circumstances: