Frequently Asked Questions

Under Wisconsin law, individuals may request the court to change or modify an existing order or judgment. You are responsible for determining which option and forms best fit your situation, as Court staff cannot provide legal advice or select forms for you.

• Motion to change custody, physical placement, visitation, an/or child support checklist. 
  • FA-4170V - Notice of Motion and Motion to Change 
  • Order for Mediation
• Order to Show Cause and Declaration of Contempt Instructions

• Basic Guide to Divorce / Legal Separation (PDF)
• Chippewa County Requirements / Checklist (PDF)
• Parenting Class Options (PDF) – The final hearing for dissolution of the marriage will not be held until the parties have attended and completed a Parent Education Session.
• Self Help Law Center for Family - This site provides a guide to divorce and legal separation in Wisconsin and takes you through a series of questions, filling in most of the forms necessary for divorce and legal separation, including maintenance (alimony), child support, legal custody and physical placement, and property division. Printer required.

An annulment is a court procedure that declares that a marriage never existed. A court may annul a marriage only under limited circumstances. Short-term marriage is not a legal reason for annulment.

See Wisconsin Statute 767.313.

Fill out the petition for Waiver of Fees and Costs - Affidavit of Indigency and Order - Form CV-410A.

• You can request copies in person at the Clerk of Courts office in the county where your case was filed. Bring your case number or enough information for staff to locate the file. If the file is archived, a $5 search fee may apply.
• Copies can also be requested by phone or mail, but payment is required before documents are released or mailed.

Under Wis. Stat. § 767.43, grandparents may petition the court for visitation if it’s in the best interest of the child and the parents are notified.

Key Considerations:

• Grandparents must show an existing or attempted relationship with the child.
• Courts generally defer to a fit parent’s decision, so grandparents must prove visitation benefits the child.
• Special rules apply for children born to unmarried parents; paternity must be established.
• If visitation is denied or interfered with, enforcement options are available under § 767.471.

Filing Information:

• No forms provided; grandparents must draft their own petition.
• A filing fee required

Due to the complexity of these cases, consulting a family law attorney is strongly recommended.