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Wisconsin Child Custody Laws

Wisconsin child custody will be determined based upon the best interests of the child, and the following:

• preference of the child;

• the wishes of the parents;

• the child's adjustment to his or her home, school, and community;

• the mental and physical health of all individuals involved;

• the relationship of the child with parents, siblings, and other significant family members;

• any findings or recommendations of a neutral mediator;

• the availability of child care;

• any misconduct towards the spouse or child;

• any significant drug or alcohol abuse;

• whether one parent is likely to unreasonably interfere with the child's relationship with the other parent; and

• any other factors.

In Wisconsin, joint custody may be granted only if the parties agree. A Wisconsin court may not modify the initial custody decree for two years unless it is shown that current custodial conditions are physically or emotionally harmful to the child's best interests, or the custodial arrangement is "impractical." The two-year bar does not apply to relocation cases or where the parties agree to modify.

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