Iowa County Family Court Commissioner

201 North Iowa Street

P.O. Box 169

Dodgeville, WI  53533-0169

Phone:  (608) 935-2042

Fax:  (608) 935-2726

 

Commissioner – Timothy B. McKinley

 

 

FAMILY COURT HOME  CHILD SUPPORT  FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS  LINKS TO RESOURCES   MEDIATION SERVICES   PRO SE DIVORCE

 

 

This site has resources for people appearing in Iowa County Family Court cases. You will find links to other sites organized together on the Links Page.

• This site is provided as a public service by Family Court Commissioner Timothy B. McKinley.

• If you need legal advice, please consult an attorney.

• The information provided at this site is general information, not legal advice.

• The information provided at this site is not a substitute for legal advice.

• By law, the Family Court Commissioner and staff cannot give you legal advice.

• We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site.

• While you can appear in family court without an attorney, an attorney's help may:

• improve your chances of getting what you want in your case;

• prevent future misunderstandings;

• save you time and money by making sure things are done right the first time.

 

The Family Court Commissioner is part of the judicial branch.  The mission of this office is to promote the stability and best interest of marriage and the family.  This is the mandate of the Wisconsin Family Code, Chapter 767 and is a task that is basic to the health and well-being of our entire society.  A number of assumptions about what actually is in the best interests of a marriage or a family are incorporated into the Wisconsin statutes such as:

• Either spouse should be able to end a marriage without having to prove any particular reason.

• Children have a right to a meaningful and appropriate relationship with both of their parents.

• Parents have a duty to financially support their children.

• Parties should try to resolve their family problems between themselves before a court should decide.

 

The Family Court Commissioner serves as Director of Family Court Counseling Services in Iowa County, which includes the handling of referrals to mediation for parents involved in disputes regarding custody or physical placement of minor children. 

 

In addition, the Family Court Commissioner conducts temporary hearings in divorce matters.  The Family Court Commissioner has authority to make orders in the divorce on a temporary basis. The word "temporary," as it is used here, means until there is a final order of the court.  The "Temporary Order" may include the following:  custody of the children, who shall be awarded the parties' assets (for example the residence and any vehicles owned by the parties), how much child support shall be paid and by whom, who shall pay the debts and obligations of the parties, and whether any additional support/maintenance shall be paid to either party.

 

Temporary Order Hearings and Mediation Sessions are held in the Family Court Hearing Rooms (Rooms 212 and 213) at the Iowa County Courthouse located at 222 North Iowa Street, Dodgeville, Wisconsin.

 

The office of the Family Court Commissioner also provides general information for "pro se" litigants:  Parties who would like to have a matter heard in court without the assistance of any attorney.

 

Iowa County Government 222 N. Iowa St. Dodgeville, WI 53533 608 935-0399 Mon thru Fri 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Revised 2/24/06