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Grandparents, Stepparents, Relative Visitation

At Claringbole Law, LLC d/b/a Claringbole Quigley, we represent people in addressing visitation with children. In most instances, the people seeking visitation are grandparents, great grandparents or stepparents. We also work with aunts, uncles and other family members seeking visitation, and we represent parents, too, who are being sued for visitation with their minor children by others.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court Changes The Law

In 2016, the Wisconsin Supreme Court made it easier for grandparents and stepparents to petition for visitation by making it clear that grandparents and stepparents did not need to establish a parent-like relationship with their grandchildren and stepchildren in order to petition the court for visitation. While this eliminated one obstacle to establishing visitation rights for these third parties, the Wisconsin Supreme Court emphasized that courts must still give special weight to the decisions of a fit parent. These cases are to be guided by what is in the children’s best interests; a parent is presumed to know what is in their children’s best interests.

Negotiating Resolution Or Taking Court Action

At Claringbole Law, LLC d/b/a Claringbole Quigley, our attorneys recognize that going to court to address these matters is no one’s first choice, so we assist in trying to resolve differences by negotiating a resolution when possible. If we are not able to reach an agreement, we are prepared to represent our clients’ interests in family court.