Posts by PD Blogger
State ex rel. Kalal v. Circuit Court for Dane County, 2004 WI 58
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has accepted review on Kalal, the seminal statutory interpretation case in Wisconsin. What does it mean? The case holds that statutory interpretation should primarily focus on the language enacted by the Legislature. Courts have a duty to apply the law as written. While outside sources such as legislative history can sometimes…
Read MoreHow Many Drinks Are Too Many? Understanding Wisconsin OWI Laws and BAC Limits
If you have been arrested for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) in Wisconsin, one of the first questions you may ask is, “How many drinks did it take for me to be over the legal limit?” Unfortunately, there is no simple answer. Many people assume they know how much alcohol they can consume and still legally…
Read MoreBenefits of Divorce Mediation in Wisconsin: Save Time, Money, and Stress During Divorce
A Practical Alternative to Traditional Divorce Litigation By Tajara Dommershausen, Family Law Attorney and Certified MediatorPetit & Dommershausen, S.C. If you are considering divorce in Wisconsin, you may be wondering whether there is a way to avoid the expense, delays, and conflict that often accompany traditional court proceedings. For many families, divorce mediation in Wisconsin…
Read MoreDo I need to go to Court to get divorced in Wisconsin?
Previously, you would generally need to appear in Court at least once to get divorced in Wisconsin. You may have needed to appear multiple times if there were contested issues between you and your spouse, such as custody, placement, financial issues, etc. That practice started to slowly change during the COVID-19 pandemic, as Courts across…
Read MoreCan Indefinite Maintenance Be Increased Or Extended Years After a Divorce?
Yes. Wisconsin courts retain the authority to modify maintenance (spousal support) after a divorce judgment has been entered. Maintenance is grounded in the principle that it is the obligation of the supporting spouse to support the other spouse in a manner consistent with the standard of living established during the marriage. As the Wisconsin Supreme…
Read MorePetit & Dommershausen, SC does not buy reviews
Why We Have Never Bought Reviews — and Never Will Online reviews play a major role in how people choose any business, even a law firm. Our firm understands how important our clients value trust. We want to be completely transparent about one thing: our business does not buy, fake, or manipulate customer reviews —…
Read MoreDo I need a Will?
When is it time to draft a will? Planning for the future is important, and in facing the unpredictability of life, you may find yourself with questions surrounding wills. A will is a legal document that designates where your property will go after you pass, and who will raise your children if they are still…
Read MoreWhy should I get an attorney even though I haven’t been criminally charged yet?
We are frequently asked, “I have been talked to by the police and I might be charged criminally, should I get an attorney now or wait until I am charged?” The answer is do not wait! Get a skilled attorney, versed in criminal law, onboard as soon as possible. There are many reasons to do…
Read MoreSextortion in Wisconsin
What is Sextortion and how does WI law respond to it? You may have seen news stories about “sextortion” and wondered what it is or how Wisconsin protects against it. There have been many national stories about sextortion, including a recent one affecting a young Wisconsin boy. Sextortion has become increasingly prevalent on social media…
Read MoreChild Support Garnishments
What is wage garnishment and how does it relate to child support? Wage garnishment is a process in which the court will allow a creditor (the person who is owed the debt) to collect a portion of a debtor’s (the person who owes the debt) earnings to satisfy a legal judgment. This can occur in…
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