Wisconsin · Custody and support · Updated Oct 2026

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.

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

Children in a Wisconsin divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use Wisconsin's term for custody: legal custody and physical placement (joint legal custody is presumed).

  2. Parenting class

    If you have minor children, you must complete any parenting program your county requires (FA-4100V).

  3. 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.

  4. The child support agency

    Wisconsin's child support agency: Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Child Support

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

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.