Orders during pendency of action
Wis. Stat. § 767.225
in effect(1) Temporary orders. Except as provided in ch. 822, in an action affecting the family the court may, during the pendency of the action, make just and reasonable temporary orders concerning the following matters:
(a) Upon request of one party, granting legal custody of the minor children to the parties jointly, to one party solely, or to a relative or agency specified under s. 767.41 (3), in a manner consistent with s. 767.41, except that the court may order sole legal custody without the agreement of the other party and without the findings required under s. 767.41 (2) (b) 2. An order under this paragraph is not binding on a final custody determination.
(am) Upon the request of a party, granting periods of physical placement to a party in a manner consistent with s. 767.41. The court shall make a determination under this paragraph within 30 days after the request for a temporary order regarding periods of physical placement is filed. If the court grants physical placement to one parent for less than 25 percent of the time, as determined under s. 49.22 (9), the court shall enter specific findings of fact as to the reasons that a greater allocation of physical placement with that parent is not in the best interests of the child.
(ap) Upon the request of a party, granting periods of electronic communication to a party in a manner consistent with s. 767.41. The court or circuit court commissioner shall make a determination under this paragraph within 30 days after the request for a temporary order regarding periods of electronic communication is filed.
(b) Notwithstanding ss. 767.117 (1) (c) and 767.215 (2) (j), prohibiting the removal of minor children from the jurisdiction of the court.
(bm) Allowing a party to relocate and reside with a child pending a final hearing under s. 767.481 (3).
(c) Subject to s. 767.85, requiring either party or both parties to make payments for the support of minor children, which payment amounts must be expressed as a fixed sum unless the parties have stipulated to expressing the amount as a percentage of the payer’s income and the requirements under s. 767.34 (2) (am) 1. to 3. are satisfied.
(d) Requiring either party to pay for the maintenance of the other party. Maintenance under this paragraph may include the expenses and attorney fees incurred by the other party in bringing or responding to the action affecting the family.
(f) Requiring either party to execute an assignment of income under s. 767.75 or an authorization for transfer under s. 767.76.
(g) Requiring either party or both parties to pay debts or perform other actions in relation to the persons or property of the parties.
(h) Notwithstanding ss. 767.117 (1) (b) and 767.215 (2) (i), prohibiting either party from disposing of assets within the jurisdiction of the court.
(i) Requiring counseling of either party or both parties.
(k) Subject to s. 767.85, requiring either party or both parties to maintain minor children as beneficiaries on a health insurance policy or plan.
(L) Requiring either party or both parties to execute an assignment of income for payment of health care expenses of minor children.
(1n) Considerations; stipulations; review.
(a) Before making a temporary order under sub. (1), the court shall consider those factors that the court is required by this chapter to consider before entering a final judgment on the same subject matter. In making a determination under sub. (1) (a) or (am), the court shall consider the factors under s. 767.41 (5) (am), subject to s. 767.41 (5) (bm).
(b)
1. If the court makes a temporary child support order that deviates from the amount of support that would be required by using the percentage standard established by the department under s. 49.22 (9), the court shall comply with the requirements of s. 767.511 (1n).
2. If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a party has engaged in a pattern or serious incident of interspousal battery, as described under s. 940.60 or 940.61 (1) or s. 940.19, 2023 stats., or s. 940.20 (1m), 2023 stats., or domestic abuse, as defined in s. 813.12 (1) (am), and makes a temporary order awarding joint or sole legal custody or periods of physical placement to the party, the court shall comply with the requirements of s. 767.41 (6) (f) and, if appropriate, s. 767.41 (6) (g).
3. If the court or circuit court commissioner requires one party to cover the child under a health insurance policy or plan under sub. (1) (k), the court or circuit court commissioner shall order the party to provide to the other party a health insurance identification card for the child. Section 767.513 (2m) (b) and (c) applies to a failure to comply with a temporary order under this subdivision.
(c) A temporary order under sub. (1) may be based upon the written stipulation of the parties, subject to the approval of the court. Temporary orders made by a circuit court commissioner may be reviewed by the court.
(2) Notice of motion for order. Notice of motion for an order or order to show cause under sub. (1) may be served at the time the action is commenced or at any time after commencement and shall be accompanied by an affidavit stating the basis for the request for relief.
(3m) Availability of domestic abuse restraining order. If a circuit court commissioner believes that a temporary restraining order or injunction under s. 813.12 is appropriate in an action, the circuit court commissioner shall inform the parties of their right to seek the order or injunction and the procedure to follow. On a motion for such a restraining order or injunction, the circuit court commissioner shall submit the motion to the court within 5 working days.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/767.225Fetched: 10/7/2026