What's Happening?
A new law in Wisconsin mandates that both parties involved in a child support or maintenance agreement must notify the other parent within 10 days of any significant change in gross income or a change of job.
Previously, only the person responsible for paying child support was required to report such changes. This legislation, signed into law by Governor Tony Evers, aims to ensure that child support payments accurately reflect each parent's financial situation. The law, known as Wisconsin Act 82 of 2025, also clarifies that the notice pertains to gross income, a term that was not previously defined. The Family Law Section Board of the State Bar of Wisconsin has expressed support for these changes, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accuracy in child support calculations.
Why It's Important?
The implementation of this law is significant as it addresses the imbalance in the child support system where only one party was previously held accountable for income updates. By requiring both parents to report income changes, the law aims to prevent disputes and ensure that child support payments are fair and reflective of the current financial circumstances of both parties. This change is expected to benefit children by reducing conflicts between parents and ensuring that financial support is based on accurate and up-to-date information. The law also provides clear guidelines on what constitutes income, which can help avoid legal ambiguities and streamline the process for determining child support obligations.
What's Next?
With the new law in effect, parents involved in child support agreements in Wisconsin will need to adjust to the requirement of reporting income changes. Legal professionals and family law practitioners may need to update their practices to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Additionally, the clarification regarding 'miles' in child custody cases, specifying that it refers to driving miles, may lead to changes in how custody arrangements are negotiated and enforced. These legal clarifications are likely to reduce court disputes and provide a more straightforward framework for resolving family law issues.
