767.015 History
History: 1975 c. 283;
1979 c. 32 s.
50; Stats. 1979 s. 767.015.
767.02
767.02
Actions affecting the family. 767.02(1)
(1) Actions affecting the family are:
767.02(1)(d)
(d) Legal separation (formerly divorce from bed and board).
767.02(1)(i)
(i) To enforce or modify a judgment or order in an action affecting the family granted in this state or elsewhere.
767.02(1)(k)
(k) Concerning periods of physical placement or visitation rights to children, including an action to prohibit a move with or the removal of a child under
s. 767.327 (3) (c).
767.02(2)
(2) "Divorce" means divorce from the bonds of matrimony or absolute divorce, when used in this chapter.
767.02 Annotation
A circuit court does not have subject matter jurisdiction in a divorce action to determine attorney's fees between an attorney and client whom the attorney continues to represent in the divorce action. In re Marriage of Stasey v. Stasey, 168 W (2d) 37, 483 NW (2d) 221 (1992).
767.02 Annotation
Section 767.02 (1) (i) allows all actions to modify a judgment in an action affecting marriage to be commenced in any court having jurisdiction under 767.01. 68 Atty. Gen. 106.
767.02 Annotation
Post-divorce judgment venue in multicounty situations. Whipple. WBB Oct. 1987.
767.02 Annotation
The 1977 amendments to the Wisconsin Family Code. Perkins, 1978 WLR 882.
767.025
767.025
Filing procedures and orders for enforcement or modification of judgments or orders in actions affecting the family. The following filing procedures shall apply to all enforcement or modification petitions, motions or orders to show cause filed for actions affecting the family under
s. 767.02 (1) (i):
767.025(1)
(1) 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 which was granted by a court of this state is filed in a county other than the county in which the judgment 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 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 this petition, motion or order to show cause to the clerk of the court in which the original judgment or order was rendered.
767.025(2)(a)(a) Except as provided in
ch. 769, if the petition, motion or order to show cause is for enforcement or modification of a child support, family support or maintenance order, the petition, motion or order to show cause shall be filed in the county in which the original judgment or order was rendered or in the county where the minor children reside unless any of the following applies:
767.025(2)(a)1.
1. All parties, including the state or its delegate if support, support arrearages, costs or expenses are assigned under
ch. 49, stipulate to filing in another county.
767.025(2)(a)2.
2. The court in the county which rendered the original judgment or order orders, upon good cause shown, the enforcement or modification petition, motion or order to show cause to be filed in another county.
767.025(2)(b)
(b) If the parties have stipulated to filing in another county under
par. (a) 1., 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 the summons to the clerk of court in the county in which the original judgment or order was rendered.
767.025(2)(c)
(c) If the court in the county which rendered the original judgment or order orders the petition, motion or order to show cause to be filed in another county under
par. (a) 2., the petitioner or party bringing the motion or order to show cause shall attach a copy of the order when filing the petition, motion or order to show cause in the other county.
767.025(3)
(3) Except as provided in
s. 769.316 (3), if an enforcement or modification petition, motion or order to show cause is filed in a county other than the county in which the original judgment or order was rendered under
sub. (2) (a), the clerk of court or support collection designee, whichever is appropriate, from the county that rendered the original judgment or order shall send a copy of any payment records associated with the original judgment or order of child support, family support or maintenance to the clerk of court in the county in which the petition, motion or order to show cause is filed.
767.025(4)
(4) If a petition, motion or order to show cause for enforcement or modification of a child support, family support or maintenance order is filed and heard in a county other than the county in which the original judgment or order was rendered, any judgment or order enforcing or modifying the original judgment or order shall specify the clerk of circuit court or support collection designee to whom payments of support or maintenance are payable and the clerk of circuit court or support collection designee to whom payments of arrearages in support or maintenance, if any, are payable.
767.025 Annotation
Venue for a petition to modify or enforce an out-of-state custody decree is the county where the judgment is filed even though the judgment may be filed in any county. Sharp v. Sharp, 185 W (2d) 416, 518 NW (2d) 254 (Ct. App. 1994).
767.03
767.03
Annulment. No marriage may be annulled or held void except pursuant to judicial proceedings. No marriage may be annulled after the death of either party to the marriage. A court may annul a marriage entered into under the following circumstances:
767.03(1)
(1) A party lacked capacity to consent to the marriage at the time the marriage was solemnized, either because of age, because of mental incapacity or infirmity or because of the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other incapacitating substances, or a party was induced to enter into a marriage by force or duress, or by fraud involving the essentials of marriage. Suit may be brought by either party, or by the legal representative of a party lacking the capacity to consent, no later than one year after the petitioner obtained knowledge of the described condition.
767.03(2)
(2) A party lacks the physical capacity to consummate the marriage by sexual intercourse, and at the time the marriage was solemnized the other party did not know of the incapacity. Suit may be brought by either party no later than one year after the petitioner obtained knowledge of the incapacity.
767.03(3)
(3) A party was 16 or 17 years of age and did not have the consent of his or her parent or guardian or judicial approval, or a party was under 16 years of age. Suit may be brought by the underaged party or a parent or guardian at any time prior to the party's attaining the age of 18 years, but a parent or guardian must bring suit within one year of obtaining knowledge of the marriage.
767.03(4)
(4) The marriage is prohibited by the laws of this state. Suit may be brought by either party within 10 years of the marriage, except that the 10-year limitation shall not apply where the marriage is prohibited because either party has another spouse living at the time of the marriage and the impediment has not been removed under
s. 765.24.
767.03 History
History: 1977 c. 105;
1979 c. 32 ss.
50,
92 (2); Stats. 1979 s. 767.03.
767.03 Annotation
See note to 767.32, citing In re Marriage of Falk v. Falk, 158 W (2d) 184, 462 NW (2d) 547 (Ct. App. 1990).
767.03 Annotation
Although a marriage may be "void", the marriage governs the parties' legal relations unless it is annulled. Sinai Samaritan Medical Center, Inc. v. McCabe, 197 W (2d) 709, 541 NW (2d) 190 (Ct. App. 1995).
767.04
767.04
Actions to affirm marriage. When the validity of any marriage shall be denied or doubted by either of the parties the other party may commence an action to affirm the marriage, and the judgment in such action shall declare such marriage valid or annul the same, and be conclusive upon all persons concerned.
767.04 History
History: 1979 c. 32 s.
50; Stats. 1979 s. 767.04.
767.045
767.045
Guardian ad litem for minor children. 767.045(1)(a)(a) The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor child in any action affecting the family if any of the following conditions exists:
767.045(1)(a)1.
1. The court has reason for special concern as to the welfare of a minor child.
767.045(1)(a)2.
2. The legal custody or physical placement of the child is contested.
767.045(1)(b)
(b) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor child in any action affecting the family if the child's legal custody or physical placement is stipulated to be with any person or agency other than a parent of the child or, if at the time of the action, the child is in the legal custody of, or physically placed with, any person or agency other than the child's parent by prior order or by stipulation in this or any other action.
767.045(1)(c)
(c) The attorney responsible for support enforcement under
s. 59.53 (6) (a) may request that the court or family court commissioner appoint a guardian ad litem to bring an action or motion on behalf of a minor who is a nonmarital child whose paternity has not been adjudicated for the purpose of determining the paternity of the child, and the court or family court commissioner shall appoint a guardian ad litem, if any of the following applies:
767.045(1)(c)1.
1. Aid is provided under
s. 46.261,
48.57 (3m),
49.19 or
49.45 on behalf of the child, or benefits are provided to the child's custodial parent under
ss. 49.141 to
49.161, but the state and its delegate under
s. 49.22 (7) are barred by a statute of limitations from commencing an action under
s. 767.45 on behalf of the child.
767.045(1)(c)2.
2. An application for legal services has been filed with the child support program under
s. 49.22 on behalf of the child, but the state and its delegate under
s. 49.22 (7) are barred by a statute of limitations from commencing an action under
s. 767.45 on behalf of the child.
767.045(1)(d)
(d) A guardian ad litem appointed under
par. (c) shall bring an action or motion for the determination of the child's paternity if the guardian ad litem determines that the determination of the child's paternity is in the child's best interest.
767.045(2)
(2) Time for appointment. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem under
sub. (1) (a) 1. or
(b) whenever the court deems it appropriate. The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem under
sub. (1) (a) 2. at the time specified in
s. 767.11 (12) (b), unless upon motion by a party or its own motion, the court determines that earlier appointment is necessary.
767.045(3)
(3) Qualifications. The guardian ad litem shall be an attorney admitted to practice in this state. No person who is an interested party in a proceeding, appears as counsel in a proceeding on behalf of any party or is a relative or representative of an interested party may be appointed guardian ad litem in that proceeding.
767.045(4)
(4) Responsibilities. The guardian ad litem shall be an advocate for the best interests of a minor child as to paternity, legal custody, physical placement and support. The guardian ad litem shall function independently, in the same manner as an attorney for a party to the action, and shall consider, but shall not be bound by, the wishes of the minor child or the positions of others as to the best interests of the minor child. The guardian ad litem shall consider the factors under
s. 767.24 (5) and custody studies under
s. 767.11 (14). The guardian ad litem shall review and comment to the court on any mediation agreement and stipulation made under
s. 767.11 (12). Unless the child otherwise requests, the guardian ad litem shall communicate to the court the wishes of the child as to the child's legal custody or physical placement under
s. 767.24 (5) (b). The guardian ad litem has none of the rights or duties of a general guardian.
767.045(5)
(5) Termination and extension of appointment. The appointment of a guardian ad litem under
sub. (1) terminates upon the entry of the court's final order or upon the termination of any appeal in which the guardian ad litem participates. The guardian ad litem may appeal, may participate in an appeal or may do neither. If an appeal is taken by any party and the guardian ad litem chooses not to participate in that appeal, he or she shall file with the appellate court a statement of reasons for not participating. Irrespective of the guardian ad litem's decision not to participate in an appeal, the appellate court may order the guardian ad litem to participate in the appeal. At any time, the guardian ad litem, any party or the person for whom the appointment is made may request in writing that the court extend or terminate the appointment or reappointment. The court may extend that appointment, or reappoint a guardian ad litem appointed under this section, after the final order or after the termination of the appeal, but the court shall specifically state the scope of the responsibilities of the guardian ad litem during the period of that extension or reappointment.
767.045(6)
(6) Compensation. The guardian ad litem shall be compensated at a rate that the court determines is reasonable. The court shall order either or both parties to pay all or any part of the compensation of the guardian ad litem. In addition, upon motion by the guardian ad litem, the court shall order either or both parties to pay the fee for an expert witness used by the guardian ad litem, if the guardian ad litem shows that the use of the expert is necessary to assist the guardian ad litem in performing his or her functions or duties under this chapter. If both parties are indigent, the court may direct that the county of venue pay the compensation and fees. If the court orders a county to pay the compensation of the guardian ad litem, the amount ordered may not exceed the compensation paid to private attorneys under
s. 977.08 (4m) (b). The court may order a separate judgment for the amount of the reimbursement in favor of the county and against the party or parties responsible for the reimbursement. The court may enforce its orders under this subsection by means of its contempt power.
767.045 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 50W (2d) vii (1971);
1977 c. 105,
299;
1979 c. 32 ss.
50,
92 (4);
1979 c. 196;
1979 c. 352 s.
39; Stats. 1979 s. 767.045;
1987 a. 355; Sup. Ct. Order, 151 W (2d) xxv (1989);
1993 a. 16,
481;
1995 a. 27,
201,
289,
404.
767.045 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1990: This section clarifies and expands s. 767.045, as it was amended by
1987 Wisconsin Act 355. It also incorporates the substance of s. 809.85 into it. Sub. (1) (a) specifies the situations in which the court is required to appoint a guardian ad litem. Sub. (1) (a) 1. reflects the desirability of broad discretion for the court to appoint a guardian ad litem. Of special note is sub. (1) (b). While the court has always had the discretion to appoint a guardian ad litem in such situations, the committee concluded that it is desirable to specifically identify these situations as requiring special attention.
767.045 Annotation
Sub. (2) is the present law which takes into account the need for mediation.
767.045 Annotation
Sub. (4) defines the role of the guardian ad litem. It clarifies that the responsibility is as an advocate for the best interests of the child. It emphasizes the need for the guardian ad litem to function independently, while giving broad consideration to the views of others, including the children, social workers and the like. It also specifies that the guardian ad litem shall function in the same manner as the lawyer for a party. Among other things, this means that the guardian ad litem communicates with the court and other lawyers in the same manner as a lawyer for a party, presents information on relevant issues through the presentation of evidence or in other appropriate ways and generally functions as the lawyer for a party. In this case the "party" is the best interests of the children. Sub. (4) also enumerates specific duties to emphasize their particular importance.
767.045 Annotation
The discretion for the guardian ad litem to communicate the wishes of the child in sub. (4) was added in
1987 Wisconsin Act 355, as was much of sub. (6). These are unchanged.
767.045 Annotation
Sub. (5) specifies that the appointment terminates at the final order or the conclusion of the appeal unless the court otherwise directs. The court may reappoint or continue the appointment of the guardian ad litem after this but is required to state the scope of the responsibilities for such period. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1990]
767.045 Annotation
Trial court direction that the husband pay the entire fee of the guardian ad litem is held to be an abuse of discretion, requiring modification, so as to charge the wife with 50%. Tesch v. Tesch, 63 W (2d) 320, 217 NW (2d) 647.
767.045 Annotation
Where guardian ad litem's report was timely disclosed to both parties, trial court did not err in failing to introduce report during custody hearing. Allen v. Allen, 78 W (2d) 263, 254 NW (2d) 244.
767.045 Annotation
Increase of visitation rights from 24 days to 75 days per year had sufficient impact upon welfare of children so as to require appointment of guardian ad litem. Bahr v. Galonski, 80 W (2d) 72, 257 NW (2d) 869.
767.045 Annotation
Discussion of requirement of appointment of guardian ad litem pursuant to (1) and 891.39 (1) (a). In re Marriage of Johnson v. Johnson, 157 W (2d) 490, 460 NW (2d) 166 (Ct. App. 1990).
767.045 Annotation
A guardian ad litem may not be called as a witness in a custody proceeding. The G.A.L. is to communicate with the court as a lawyer for a party and to present information by presenting evidence. Marriage of Hollister v. Hollister, 173 W (2d) 413, 496 NW (2d) 642 (Ct. App. 1992).
767.045 Annotation
A guardian ad litem may act in a separate action involving the child outside the court of original appointment even though another guardian ad litem has been appointed by the court where the separate action was brought. Interest of Brandon S.S. 179 W (2d) 114, 507 NW (2d) 94 (1993).
767.045 Annotation
The courts' power to appropriate compensation for court-appointed counsel is necessary for the effective operation of the judicial system. In ordering compensation for court ordered attorneys, a court should abide by the s. 977.08 (4m) rate when it can retain qualified and effective counsel at that rate, but should order compensation at the rate under
SCR 81.01 or 81.02 or a higher rate when necessary to secure effective counsel. Friedrich v. Dane County Circuit Ct. 192 W (2d) 1, 531 NW (2d) 32 (1995).
767.045 Annotation
The denial of a child's request to intervene in a divorce action was correct. The guardian-ad-litem fulfills the requirement that a child is entitled to representation. Marriage of Joshua K. v. Nancy K. 201 W (2d) 655, 549 NW (2d) 494 (Ct. App. 1996).
767.045 Annotation
The "why" behind appointing guardians ad litem for children in divorce proceedings. Podell, 57 MLR 103.
767.05(1)(1)
Jurisdiction. A court of this state having jurisdiction to hear actions affecting the family may exercise jurisdiction as provided under
ch. 769 or
801.
767.05(1m)
(1m) Residence. No action under
s. 767.02 (1) (a) or
(b) may be brought unless at least one of the parties has been a bona fide resident of the county in which the action is brought for not less than 30 days next preceding the commencement of the action, or unless the marriage has been contracted within this state within one year prior to the commencement of the action. No action under
s. 767.02 (1) (c) or
(d) may be brought unless at least one of the parties has been a bona fide resident of the county in which the action is brought for not less than 30 days next preceding the commencement of the action. No action under
s. 767.02 (1) (c) may be brought unless at least one of the parties has been a bona fide resident of this state for not less than 6 months next preceding the commencement of the action.
767.05(2)
(2) Actions for custody of children. Subject to
ch. 822, the question of a child's custody may be determined as an incident of any action affecting the family or in an independent action for custody. The effect of any determination of a child's custody shall not be binding personally against any parent or guardian unless the parent or guardian has been made personally subject to the jurisdiction of the court in the action as provided under
ch. 801 or has been notified under
s. 822.05 as provided in
s. 822.12. Nothing in this section may be construed to foreclose a person other than a parent who has physical custody of a child from proceeding under
ch. 822.
767.05(3)
(3) Parties. The party initiating an action affecting the family shall be denominated the petitioner. The party responding to the action shall be denominated the respondent. All references to "plaintiff" in
chs. 801 to
807 shall apply to the petitioner, and all references to "defendant" in
chs. 801 to
807 shall apply to the respondent. Both parties together may initiate the petition by signing and filing a joint petition. The parties to a joint petition shall be called joint petitioners. The parties to a joint petition shall state within the joint petition that both parties consent to personal jurisdiction and waive service of summons.
767.05(4)
(4) Petition. All references to a "complaint" in
chs. 801 to
807 shall apply to petitions under
s. 767.085.
767.05(5)
(5) Title of actions. An action affecting the family under
s. 767.02 (1) (a) to
(d) or
(g) to
(k) shall be entitled "In re the marriage of A.B. and C.D.", except that an independent action for visitation under s.767.245 (3) shall be entitled "In re visitation with A. B.". An action affecting the family under
s. 767.02 (1) (f) or
(m) shall be entitled "In re the support of A.B.". A child custody action shall be entitled "In re the custody of A.B.". In all other respects, the general provisions of
chs. 801 and
802 respecting the content and form of the summons and pleadings shall apply.
767.05(6)
(6) Dismissal. 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.
767.05(7)
(7) Actions for certain interspousal remedies. If a spouse has begun an action against the other spouse under
s. 766.70 and either or both spouses subsequently bring an action under this chapter for divorce, annulment or legal separation, the actions may be consolidated by the court exercising jurisdiction under this chapter. If the actions are consolidated, to the extent the procedural and substantive requirements of this chapter conflict with the requirements under
s. 766.70, this chapter controls. No action under
s. 766.70 may be brought by a spouse against the other spouse while an action for divorce, annulment or legal separation is pending under this chapter.
767.05 Annotation
In a child custody dispute between the children's father, who was divorced by his wife, and the wife's parents, subsequent to her death, the trial court erred in concluding that it had no choice but to award custody to the surviving natural parent unless it found him unfit or unable to care for the children. LaChapell v. Mawhinney, 66 W (2d) 679, 225 NW (2d) 501.
767.05 Annotation
Where divorce action was brought before meeting residency requirement, action was never commenced and petition could not be amended after requirement was met. Siemering v. Siemering, 95 W (2d) 111, 288 NW (2d) 881 (Ct. App. 1980).
767.05 Annotation
Sub. (7) prohibition on commencement of action under 766.70 while divorce, annulment or legal separation action is pending does not violate equal protection and is constitutional. In re Marriage of Haack v. Haack, 149 W (2d) 243, 440 NW (2d) 794 (Ct. App. 1989).
767.05 Annotation
See note to 801.05, citing In re Marriage of McAleavy v. McAleavy, 150 W (2d) 26, 440 NW (2d) 566 (1989).
767.07
767.07
Judgment of divorce or legal separation. A court of competent jurisdiction shall grant a judgment of divorce or legal separation if:
