767.553(1)(a)(a) An order for child or family support under this chapter may provide for an annual adjustment in the amount to be paid based on a change in the payer's income if the amount of child or family support is expressed in the order as a fixed sum and based on the percentage standard established by the department under
s. 49.22 (9). No adjustment may be made under this section unless the order provides for the adjustment.
767.553(1)(b)
(b) An adjustment under this section may not be made more than once in a year and shall be determined on the basis of the percentage standard established by the department under
s. 49.22 (9).
767.553(1)(c)
(c) In the order the court shall specify what information the parties must exchange to determine whether the payer's income has changed, and shall specify the manner and timing of the information exchange.
767.553(2)
(2) Form for stipulating. If the court provides for an annual adjustment, the court shall make available to the parties, including the state if the state is a real party in interest under
s. 767.205 (2) (a), a form approved by the court for the parties to use in stipulating to an adjustment of the amount of child or family support and to modification of any applicable income-withholding order. The form shall include an order, to be signed by the court, for approval of the stipulation of the parties.
767.553(3)(a)(a) If the payer's income changes from the amount found by the court or stipulated to by the parties for the current child or family support order, the parties may implement an adjustment under this section by stipulating, on the form under
sub. (2), to the changed income amount and the adjusted child or family support amount, subject to
sub. (1) (b).
767.553(3)(b)
(b) The stipulation form shall be signed by all parties, including the state if the state is a real party in interest under
s. 767.205 (2) (a), and filed with the court. If the stipulation is approved, the order shall be signed by the court and implemented in the same manner as an order for a revision under
s. 767.59. An adjustment under this subsection is effective as of the date on which the order is signed by the court.
767.553(4)(a)(a) Any party, including the state if the state is a real party in interest under
s. 767.205 (2) (a), may file a motion, petition, or order to show cause for implementation of an annual adjustment under this section if any of the following applies:
767.553(4)(a)2.
2. The payer's income changes, but a party refuses to sign the stipulation for an adjustment in the amount of child or family support.
767.553(4)(b)
(b) If the court determines after a hearing that an adjustment should be made, the court shall enter an order adjusting the child or family support payments by the amount determined by the court, subject to
sub. (1) (b). An adjustment under this subsection may not take effect before the date on which the party responding to the motion, petition, or order to show cause received notice of the action under this subsection.
767.553(4)(c)
(c) Notwithstanding
par. (b), the court may direct that all or part of the adjustment not take effect until such time as the court directs, if any of the following applies:
767.553(4)(c)1.
1. The payee was seeking an adjustment and the payer establishes that extraordinary circumstances beyond his or her control prevent fulfillment of the adjusted child or family support obligation.
767.553(4)(c)2.
2. The payer was seeking an adjustment and the payee establishes that the payer voluntarily and unreasonably reduced his or her income below his or her earning capacity.
767.553(4)(c)3.
3. The payer was seeking an adjustment and the payee establishes that the adjustment would be unfair to the child.
767.553(4)(d)
(d) If in an action under this subsection the court determines that a party has unreasonably failed to provide the information required under
sub. (1) (c) or to provide the information on a timely basis, or unreasonably failed or refused to sign a stipulation for an annual adjustment, the court may award to the aggrieved party actual costs, including service costs, any costs attributable to time missed from employment, the cost of travel to and from court, and reasonable attorney fees.
767.553(5)(a)(a) Nothing in this section affects a party's right to file at any time a motion, petition, or order to show cause under
s. 767.59 for revision of a judgment or order with respect to an amount of child or family support.
767.553(5)(b)
(b) Nothing in this section affects a party's right to move the court for a finding of contempt of court or for remedial sanctions under
ch. 785 if the other party unreasonably fails to provide or disclose information required under this section or unreasonably fails or refuses to sign a stipulation for an annual adjustment.
767.56
767.56
Maintenance. Upon a judgment of annulment, divorce, or legal separation, or in rendering a judgment in an action under
s. 767.001 (1) (g) or
(j), the court may grant an order requiring maintenance payments to either party for a limited or indefinite length of time after considering:
767.56(2)
(2) The age and physical and emotional health of the parties.
767.56(4)
(4) The educational level of each party at the time of marriage and at the time the action is commenced.
767.56(5)
(5) The earning capacity of the party seeking maintenance, including educational background, training, employment skills, work experience, length of absence from the job market, custodial responsibilities for children and the time and expense necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party to find appropriate employment.
767.56(6)
(6) The feasibility that the party seeking maintenance can become self-supporting at a standard of living reasonably comparable to that enjoyed during the marriage, and, if so, the length of time necessary to achieve this goal.
767.56(7)
(7) The tax consequences to each party.
767.56(8)
(8) Any mutual agreement made by the parties before or during the marriage, according to the terms of which one party has made financial or service contributions to the other with the expectation of reciprocation or other compensation in the future, if the repayment has not been made, or any mutual agreement made by the parties before or during the marriage concerning any arrangement for the financial support of the parties.
767.56(9)
(9) The contribution by one party to the education, training or increased earning power of the other.
767.56(10)
(10) Such other factors as the court may in each individual case determine to be relevant.
767.56 History
History: 1971 c. 220;
1973 c. 12 s.
37;
1977 c. 105;
1979 c. 32 ss.
50,
92 (4);
1979 c. 196; Stats. 1979 s. 767.26;
2005 a. 443 s.
110; Stats. 2005 s. 767.56.
767.56 Annotation
While arrearages under a temporary order for alimony and attorney fees and costs that the husband is required to pay do not constitute part of a wife's division of the estate, they are a charge against the entire estate. Tesch v. Tesch,
63 Wis. 2d 320,
217 N.W.2d 647 (1974).
767.56 Annotation
An obligation to support children is a factor in determining the amount of maintenance payments. Besaw v. Besaw,
89 Wis. 2d 509,
279 N.W.2d 192 (1979).
767.56 Annotation
The trial court abused its discretion by denying a mother's choice to remain at home to care for small children. Hartung v. Hartung,
102 Wis. 2d 58,
306 N.W.2d 16 (1981).
767.56 Annotation
The trial court abused its discretion by terminating maintenance without sufficiently addressing the factors under this section. Vander Perren v. Vander Perren,
105 Wis. 2d 219,
313 N.W.2d 813 (1982).
767.56 Annotation
Compensation for a person who supports a spouse while the spouse is in school can be achieved through both property division and maintenance payments. Lundberg v. Lundberg,
107 Wis. 2d 1,
318 N.W.2d 918 (1982).
767.56 Annotation
The trial court may begin its maintenance evaluation with the proposition that the dependent partner may be entitled to 50% of the total earnings of both parties. Bahr v. Bahr,
107 Wis. 2d 72,
318 N.W.2d 391 (1982).
767.56 Annotation
The trial court may not consider marital misconduct as a relevant factor in granting maintenance payments. Dixon v. Dixon,
107 Wis. 2d 492,
319 N.W.2d 846 (1982).
767.56 Annotation
It was improper to discontinue maintenance payments to a former wife solely upon the ground of her cohabitation with another man. Van Gorder v. Van Gorder,
110 Wis. 2d 188,
327 N.W.2d 674 (1983).
767.56 Annotation
Three formulas were approved for calculating maintenance or property division awards in cases in which one spouse has contributed to the other's pursuit of an advanced degree. Haugan v. Haugan,
117 Wis. 2d 200,
343 N.W.2d 796 (1984).
767.56 Annotation
An alcoholic spouse's refusal of treatment is relevant to the trial court's determination regarding a request for permanent maintenance. DeLaMatter v. DeLaMatter,
151 Wis. 2d 576,
445 N.W.2d 676 (Ct. App. 1989).
767.56 Annotation
Military disability payments may be considered in assessing ability to pay maintenance. Weberg v. Weberg,
158 Wis. 2d 540,
463 N.W.2d 382 (Ct. App. 1990).
767.56 Annotation
The trial court's use of a computer program to analyze financial evidence was not error. Bisone v. Bisone,
165 Wis. 2d 114,
477 N.W.2d 59 (Ct. App. 1991).
767.56 Annotation
An award may be based on a percentage of the payer's income in "unusual circumstances." Unpredictable future income warrants a percentage award. Hefty v. Hefty,
172 Wis. 2d 124,
493 N.W.2d 33 (1992).
767.56 Annotation
Maintenance furthers two objectives: 1) to support the recipient spouse in accordance with the needs and earning capacities of the parties; and 2) to ensure a fair and equitable financial agreement between the parties. In the interest of fairness, maintenance may exceed the recipient's budget. Hefty v. Hefty,
172 Wis. 2d 124,
493 N.W.2d 33 (1992).
767.56 Annotation
Maintenance is measured by the parties' lifestyle immediately before the divorce and that they could anticipate enjoying if they were to stay married. The award may take into account income increases the parties could reasonably anticipate. Hefty v. Hefty,
172 Wis. 2d 124,
493 N.W.2d 33 (1992).
767.56 Annotation
A maintenance award must account for the recipient's earning capacity and ability to be self-supporting at a level comparable to that during marriage. It is unfair to require one spouse to continue income production levels to maintain the standard of living of the other who chooses a decrease in production. Forester v. Forester,
174 Wis. 2d 78,
497 N.W.2d 78 (Ct. App. 1993).
767.56 Annotation
Consideration of one spouse's solicitation to have the other murdered in denying maintenance did not violate the statutory scheme and was not an improper consideration of "marital misconduct." Brabec v. Brabec,
181 Wis. 2d 270,
510 N.W.2d 762 (1993).
767.56 Annotation
A maintenance award based on equalization of income is not "self-evidently fair'' and does not meet the statutory objectives of support and fairness. Olson v. Olson,
186 Wis. 2d 287,
520 N.W.2d 284 (Ct. App. 1994).
767.56 Annotation
An otherwise short-term marriage should not be considered a long-term marriage because there are children. Luciani v. Montemurro-Luciani,
191 Wis. 2d 67,
528 N.W.2d 477 (Ct. App. 1995).
767.56 Annotation
One spouse's contribution of child-rearing services and family support while the other spouse completed an education program was not sufficient grounds for awarding compensatory maintenance. Luciani v. Montemurro-Luciani,
191 Wis. 2d 67,
528 N.W.2d 477 (Ct. App. 1995).
767.56 Annotation
Leaving maintenance open due to potential future health problems of one spouse without expert testimony was proper, but failure to limit the order accordingly was improper. Grace v. Grace,
195 Wis. 2d 153,
536 N.W.2d 109 (Ct. App. 1995),
94-2653.
767.56 Annotation
Post-divorce increases in a pension fund valued in a divorce should be treated as an income stream available for maintenance. Olski v. Olski,
197 Wis. 2d 237,
540 N.W.2d 412 (1995),
93-3332.
767.56 Annotation
A court may consider earning capacity rather than actual earnings in determining child support and maintenance if it find's a spouse's job choice voluntary and unreasonable. Sellers v. Sellers,
201 Wis. 2d 578,
549 N.W.2d 481 (Ct. App. 1996),
95-2730.
767.56 Annotation
When parties have been married to each other more than once, a trial court can look at the total years of marriage when determining maintenance. The trial court is not bound by the terms of maintenance in the first divorce and may look to current conditions in setting maintenance. Wolski v. Wolski,
210 Wis. 2d 183,
565 N.W.2d 196 (Ct. App. 1997),
96-0136.
767.56 Annotation
A stipulation incorporated into a divorce judgment is in the nature of a contract. That a stipulation appears imprudent is not grounds for construction of an unambiguous agreement. Rosplock v. Rosplock,
217 Wis. 2d 22,
577 N.W.2d 32 (Ct. App. 1998),
96-3522.
767.56 Annotation
The purpose of maintenance is, at least in part, to put the recipient in a solid financial position that allows the recipient to become self-supporting by the end of the maintenance period. That the recipient becomes employed and makes productive investments of property division proceeds and maintenance payments is not a substantial change in circumstances but an expected result of receiving maintenance. Rosplock v. Rosplock,
217 Wis. 2d 22,
577 N.W.2d 32 (Ct. App. 1998),
96-3522.
767.56 Annotation
The trial court's exclusion of pension payments when considering income available to a maintenance recipient was correct when the pension had been awarded to the recipient as part of the property division and had no value outside of the payments made from it. Seidlitz v. Seidlitz,
217 Wis. 2d 82,
578 N.W.2d 638 (Ct. App. 1998),
97-0824.
767.56 Annotation
The "fairness objective" of equalizing total income does not apply in a postdivorce situation. Modification of maintenance has nothing to do with contributions, economic or noneconomic, made during the marriage. Johnson v. Johnson,
217 Wis. 2d 124,
576 N.W.2d 585 (Ct. App. 1998),
97-2961.
767.56 Annotation
When a reviewing court finds that a trial court erroneously exercised its discretion in awarding maintenance, the case should be remanded for the trial court to properly exercise its discretion. It was an abuse of discretion for a trial court to assume that a spouse is legally entitled to maintenance. King v. King,
224 Wis. 2d 235,
590 N.W.2d 480 (1999),
97-0994.
767.56 Annotation
Equal income division is a reasonable starting point in determining maintenance, but the goal is the standard of living enjoyed during the marriage, not 50% of the total predivorce earnings. Maintenance may surpass 50% of the couple's predivorce income, but the payee is not entitled to live a richer lifestyle than that enjoyed during the marriage. Johnson v. Johnson,
225 Wis. 2d 513,
593 N.W.2d 827 (Ct. App. 1999),
98-2141.
767.56 Annotation
Maintenance is not intended to provide a permanent annuity. Generally limited-term maintenance provides funds for training intended to enable the recipient to be self-supporting by the end of the maintenance period, and may also be used to limit the responsibility of the payer to a certain time and to avoid future litigation. Absent a substantial change of circumstances, the parties may rightfully expect no change. The law of change of circumstances should not require a paying spouse to finance unwise financial decisions of the recipient. Murray v. Murray,
231 Wis. 2d 71,
604 N.W.2d 912 (Ct. App. 1999),
99-1369.
767.56 Annotation
Under sub. (9), the contribution by one party to the other's eductions is not limited to contributions that arose only during the marital period. The court may freely consider the total contributions. Meyer v. Meyer, 2000 WI 132,
239 Wis. 2d 731,
620 N.W.2d 382,
99-0178.
767.56 Annotation
It was not error for the trial court to consider under sub. (10) evidence of the parties having lived "separate lives" for much of their marriage. By not equalizing their incomes, the court in effect implemented what the parties had already agreed to in practice. Schmitt v. Schmitt, 2001 WI App 78,
242 Wis. 2d 565,
624 N.W.2d 14,
00-0695.
767.56 Annotation
When a pension is divided by a qualified domestic relations order, and no value is assigned to either spouse's interest to be offset by other property awarded in the property division, a court is not prohibited by double-counting rules from considering pension distributions when determining maintenance. Wettstaedt v. Wettstaedt, 2001 WI App 94,
242 Wis. 2d 709,
625 N.W.2d 900,
00-3061.
767.56 Annotation
A court's authority to order maintenance includes authority to impose obligations on the payee to ensure compliance with the payment order if those obligations are reasonably necessary to effect compliance with the payment order. Finley v. Finley, 2002 WI App 144,
256 Wis. 2d 508,
648 N.W.2d 536,
01-1705.
767.56 Annotation
Sections 767.25 (6) and 767.261 [now ss. 767.511 (6) and 767.531] regarding a fixed amount of interest on child support do not limit the trial court's authority to consider imposing interest on unpaid maintenance. A trial court has discretionary authority under s. 767.01 (1) to impose interest on maintenance arrearages. If the court decides to impose interest, it is under the trial court's discretion to determine the amount to impose. Cashin v. Cashin, 2004 WI App 92,
273 Wis. 2d 754,
681 N.W.2d 255,
03-1010.
767.56 Annotation
The general rule is that maintenance decisions are based on the parties' financial circumstances at the time the determination is made. A financial benefit flowing from one spouse's cohabitation with a 3rd party at the time of divorce is an appropriate consideration in setting maintenance. Woodard v. Woodard, 2005 WI App 65,
281 Wis. 2d 217,
696 N.W.2d 221,
03-3356.
767.56 Annotation
A factual finding that one spouse's cohabitation relationship with a 3rd party was likely to end in the near future, supported by evidence in the record, might be an appropriate basis for disregarding the financial benefit from the relationship if the expected duration was so short that the benefit to the cohabiting spouse would be insignificant. A court's speculation that because a relationship was new and non-marital and could terminate at any time and that the boyfriend had no legal obligation of support was insufficient to support a finding that the relationship was likely to end in the near future. Woodard v. Woodard, 2005 WI App 65,
281 Wis. 2d 217,
696 N.W.2d 221,
03-3356.
767.56 Annotation
The absence of a formal finding of a substantial change in circumstances is sufficient to establish an erroneous exercise of discretion. Hacker v. Hacker, 2005 WI App 211,
287 Wis. 2d 180,
704 N.W.2d 371,
05-0223.
767.56 Annotation
Alcoholism is not equated with the kind of career choice on which the opinion in Forester turns, but is a disease that can limit or destroy an individual's earning capacity. An alcoholic spouse's refusal to obtain recommended treatment may be a relevant factor in a maintenance decision, but unsuccessful treatment is not the same as refusing treatment. Even if the court determines that a history of failed treatment is a relevant factor, the court's award must still reflect a proper concern for both objectives of maintenance - fairness and maintenance. Hacker v. Hacker, 2005 WI App 211,
287 Wis. 2d 180,
704 N.W.2d 371,
05-0223.
767.56 Annotation
The federal tax consequences of divorce. Meldman, Ryan, 57 MLR 229.
767.56 Annotation
No-fault divorce: Tax consequences of support, maintenance and property settlement. Case, 1977 WBB 11.
767.56 Annotation
See also notes to s. 767.59 for decisions regarding postjudgment modifications.
767.57
767.57
Maintenance, child support, and family support payments; fees. 767.57(1)(a)(a) All orders or judgments providing for temporary or permanent maintenance, child support, or family support payments shall direct that the payments be made to the department or its designee for the use of the person for whom the payments have been awarded. A party obtaining an order for temporary maintenance, child support, or family support payments shall promptly file the order, together with all pleadings in the action, with the clerk of court.
767.57(1)(b)
(b) Upon request, after the filing of an order or judgment or the receipt of an interim disbursement order, the clerk of court shall advise the county child support agency under
s. 59.53 (5) of the terms of the order or judgment within 2 business days after the filing or receipt. The county child support agency shall, within the time required by federal law, enter the terms of the order or judgment into the statewide support data system, as required by
s. 59.53 (5) (b).
767.57(1)(c)
(c) Except as provided in
sub. (1m), the department or its designee shall disburse, and take receipts for, the money received under the judgment or order in the manner required by federal regulations, unless the department or its designee is unable to disburse the moneys because the moneys were paid by check or other draft drawn upon an account containing insufficient funds. All moneys received or disbursed under this section shall be entered in a record kept by the department or its designee. The record shall be open to inspection by the parties to the action, their attorneys, and the circuit court commissioner.
767.57(1e)(a)(a) For receiving and disbursing maintenance, child support, or family support payments, including payments in arrears, and for maintaining the records required under
par. (c) [
sub. (1) (c)], the department or its designee shall collect an annual fee of $35. The court shall order each party ordered to make payments to pay the fee in each year for which payments are ordered or in which an arrearage in any of those payments is owed. In directing the manner of payment, the court shall order that the fee be withheld from income and sent to the department or its designee, as provided under
s. 767.75. Fees under this paragraph shall be deposited in the appropriation account under
s. 20.445 (3) (ja). At the time of ordering payment of the fee, the court shall notify each party ordered to make payments of the requirement to pay, and the amount of, the fee. If the fee under this paragraph is not paid when due, the department or its designee may not deduct the fee from any maintenance, child or family support, or arrearage payment, but may move the court for a remedial sanction under
ch. 785.
767.57 Note
NOTE: The correct cross-reference is shown in brackets. Corrective legislation is pending.
767.57(1e)(b)1m.1m. The department or its designee may collect any unpaid fees under s.
814.61 (12) (b), 1997 stats., that are shown on the department's automated payment and collection system on December 31, 1998, and shall deposit all fees collected under this subdivision in the appropriation account under
s. 20.445 (3) (ja). The department or its designee may collect unpaid fees under this subdivision through income withholding under
s. 767.75 (2m). If the department or its designee determines that income withholding is inapplicable, ineffective, or insufficient for the collection of any unpaid fees under this subdivision, the department or its designee may move the court for a remedial sanction under
ch. 785. The department or its designee may contract with or employ a collection agency or other person for the collection of any unpaid fees under this subdivision and, notwithstanding
s. 20.930, may contract with or employ an attorney to appear in any action in state or federal court to enforce the payment obligation. The department or its designee may not deduct the amount of unpaid fees from any maintenance, child or family support, or arrearage payment.
767.57(1e)(b)2m.
2m. A clerk of court may collect any unpaid fees under s.
814.61 (12) (b), 1997 stats., that are owed to the clerk of court, or to his or her predecessor, and that were not shown on the department's automated payment and collection system on December 31, 1998, through income withholding under
s. 767.75 (2m). If the clerk of court determines that income withholding is inapplicable, ineffective, or insufficient for the collection of any unpaid fees under this subdivision, the clerk of court may move the court for a remedial sanction under
ch. 785.
767.57(1h)
(1h) Nonpayment; enforcement. If maintenance, child support, or family support payments are not paid to the department or its designee at the time provided in the judgment or order, the county child support agency under
s. 59.53 (5) or a circuit court commissioner of the county shall take proceedings to secure the payment of the sum, including enforcement by contempt proceedings under
ch. 785 or by other means. Copies of any order issued to compel the payment shall be mailed to the attorney, if any, who represented each party when the maintenance, child support, or family support payments were awarded. If any fees of officers in any of the proceedings, including the compensation of the circuit court commissioner at the rate of $50 per day unless the commissioner is on a salaried basis, is not collected from the person proceeded against, the fees shall be paid out of the county treasury upon the order of the presiding judge and the certificate of the department.
767.57(1m)
(1m) Overpayment. Notwithstanding
ss. 767.511 (6) and
767.531, 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 the department or its designee determines that the excess amount 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:
