Reported Decisions

Sometimes the best interests of children can only be protected through an appeal. The attorneys at The Law Center for Children & Families have extensive experience with appeals including cases before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.

We are proud to have been part of changing the law of the State of Wisconsin to better protect children and their relationships with the adults who care for them. In Holtzman v. Knott, we prevailed when the Wisconsin Supreme Court held that a psychological parent could seek visitation with her child, over the biological parent’s objection, after meeting a four-part test. This test was developed in our briefs.

Our law firm has also been asked to write appellate briefs as amicus curiae, or “friend of the court.” These are cases in which we do not represent a particular party, but advance a point of view important to the development of law pertaining to children. We have written amicus briefs on behalf of such organizations as the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys and Grandparents United for Children’s Rights. See, for example, Troxel and Marquette S.

Below are some of the reported appellate cases in which we have been involved.

U.S. Supreme Court

  • Troxel v. Granville
    530 U.S. 57 (2000).

Wisconsin Supreme Court

  • In re Custody of H.S.H.-K.
    193 Wis. 2d 649, 533 N.W.2d 419, 64 USLW 2007 (1995).
  • In Interest of Angel Lace M.
    184 Wis. 2d 492, 516 N.W.2d 678 (1994).
  • In Interest of Brandon S.S.
    179 Wis. 2d 114, 507 N.W.2d 94 (1993).
  • In re Interest of Kyle S.-G.
    194 Wis. 2d 365, 533 N.W.2d 794 (1995).
  • In re Termination of Parental Rights to Thomas J.R.
    2003 WI 61, 262 Wis. 2d 217, 663 N.W.2d 734.
  • State v. Bobby G.
    2006 AP66-NM, Wisconsin Supreme Court (Decision pending).

Wisconsin Court of Appeals

  • In re Custody of Neven D.H.
    2004 WI App 93, 272 Wis. 2d 796, 681 N.W.2d 552.
  • Waukesha County v. Tadych
    197 Wis. 2d 653, 541 N.W.2d 782 (1995).
  • In re Visitation of Z.E.R.
    225 Wis. 2d 628, 593 N.W.2d 840 (Ct. App. 1999).
  • In re Adoption of J.C.G.
    177 Wis. 2d 424, 501 N.W.2d 908 (1993).
  • In re Paternity of Michael A.T.
    182 Wis. 2d 395, 513 N.W.2d 669 (Ct. App. 1994).

7th Circuit Court

  • Lewis v. Anderson
    308 F.3d 768 (Ct. App. 1993).