Legal Question in Family Law in Wisconsin

Ex-wife does not use child support for children

My ex gets approx. $1200 a month in child support for my two daughters. I also pay their health insurance and 1/2 of any med. bills not covered by ins. When the children come to visit me in the summer and holidays, they are wearing clothes that are torn, stained, too small. Their hair is mangled and no haircuts. My 15 year old is cutting my 12 year old's hair and cutting her own hair because mom won't take them to get a cut. They are failing middle/highschool because mom doesn't help them (she is never home). They tell me their mom uses the $ to buy herself clothes and gets her hair/nails done every month. I know this is true because I see what she wears(all namebrands, hair and nails perfect). My daughters have to borrow their moms clothes so they have something to wear. I have talked to her many times about this and much more but it does no good. Is there anything I can do to ensure that my children are not neglected? They look like they are homeless. My wife always buys them what we can when they visit, but it's hard to afford much when I am paying $1200 a month CS and supporting two families.


Asked on 6/13/07, 2:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Thomas Olson David F. Gram & Associates, LLC

Re: Ex-wife does not use child support for children

You would have to consult with a Wisconsin attorney and provide him all the facts and evidence (not just allegations and speculation based on what you see their appearance to be)that could be admitted into court to analyze whether you can make a showing sufficient to warrant a change of primary placement.

If you filed such a motion and lost, it would be devastating, so you would want to have a really strong EVIDENTIARY case. Given your circumstances you should discuss with the attorney what evidence you have, or can obtain.

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Answered on 6/13/07, 3:57 pm


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