What Is a Guardian Ad Litem?

On behalf of Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.

A Guardian Ad Litem, or a GAL, is a court appointed attorney in cases involving minor children. The Guardian Ad Litem serves as a voice for the child, and advocates for the child’s best interests. The GAL recommends to the court which case outcome would align with the child’s best interests, after thorough investigation of the child’s circumstances. The […]

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5 Zoom Etiquette Tips for Court Hearings

On behalf of Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.

You have probably heard about the attorney who could not turn off a silly cat filter during a Zoom court hearing. The #CatLawyer video went viral and many of us had a pretty good laugh over it. As an attorney myself (I am not a cat either, by the way), I thought this was a […]

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Wisconsin Property Division Laws

On behalf of Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.

How is property divided during the divorce process in Wisconsin? Wisconsin is a community property state. This means that under Wisconsin law, marital property must be divided 50/50, down the middle. This differs from many other states, that utilize the “equitable division” theory when dividing property. The “equitable division” theory entails dividing property according to […]

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Free Britney Movement Shines a Light on Conservatorships and Guardianships

On behalf of Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.

Britney Spears and the #FreeBritney movement is in the news again, which means it’s a good time to shine a spotlight on guardianships and conservatorships in the State of Wisconsin.  In 2008 a conservatorship action in California was brought for Britney Spears due to concerns over her mental health.  It’s important to note that California […]

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Kaepernick Celebrates 40 Years

On behalf of Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.

In 1981, a young woman, interning at Fox Valley Institute’s (now known as Fox Valley Technical College) placement office, was told about a job posting at law firm in Appleton. She promptly sat down at a typewriter, composed her resume and sent it off in the mail. She hoped her training in the secretarial science […]

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Valentine’s Day While Getting Divorced

On behalf of Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.

Divorce can often make one feel unsettled, unorganized and possibly even, unloved, especially on Valentine’s Day. Even if a divorce is going relatively smoothly, going through your first Valentine’s Day without a partner can ignite all sorts of feelings. Here are some options to help you cope and get you through the day: Avoid Social […]

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Possible Estate Tax Law Changes on the Horizon

On behalf of Peterson, Berk & Cross, S.C.

Numerous estate tax law changes may soon be initiated. Some possible changes in the horizon could include a reduction of the Estate Tax exemption to $3.5 million per individual. Another possible potential change would entail an increase in tax rates for estates in higher tax brackets. The chances of these estate tax laws being passed […]

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