- DivorceIt is important for you to understand that this is only general information. It is not and should not be considered to be legal advice. While general concepts of Wisconsin divorce law are discussed, the application of these concepts from case to case may vary, dependent on the facts of each case and other factors. Your case may also present issues that are not discussed herein. Laws also change or are interpreted in varying ways by different courts and judges. This is not intended to be a complete summary of all applicable laws, rules, regulations and cases, but is only intended as a general guide. Remember, the results in your case are dependent both on the facts in your case and the application of the law to these facts.
- Child SupportProbably the most significant issue in any case involving children is where they will live and who is eligible to make decisions for the children. In many cases, both husband and wife are so upset and frustrated about the divorce that they attempt to gain custody/placement of this children in order to hold onto the only remnants of the marriage or to spite their spouse. What is most important to the Court on its decision on the custody and placement of children is what is in the best interest of the children and not what is in the best interest of either parent. Many parents will not accept this, and spend thousands of dollars in attempting to obtain custody/placement of children, not necessarily to promote the best interest of the children, but either to promote their perception of their own best interest, to limit their liability for child support or to make an example of their spouse. Study after study shows that most children adapt well to a divorce. However, those same studies show that when parents continue to fight with one another after the divorce is concluded, children do not do well.
- Child Custody and VisitationMaria Sobrido is a 2021 graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School. She obtained her undergraduate degree in English Literature at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 2011. While in law school, Maria worked with the Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic helping local startups and small businesses, and with a small firm specializing in family law matters. In her practice, Maria focuses on divorce, child custody and placement, property division, and LGBTQ+ family issues. Maria is a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin and the Dane County Bar Association.
- Adoption
- PaternityBorns Law Office, LLC of Madison Wisconsin address many complicated issues such as separation, divorce and mediation, alimony and spousal support, division of property, assets and debt, child custody, child support, modification of prior child support orders, visitation rights, termination of parental rights, adoptions (both private and through the Department of Social Services), guardian ad litem situations, paternity issues, and name change actions.
- Premarital AgreementOur Madison family law firm handles family law matters like; divorce, child custody & placement, protection of gifted & inherited property, paternity, child support, premarital agreements, collaborative divorce, personal injury, real estate, litigation, and criminal and traffic.
- GuardianshipIf you have the need for a guardianship, Borns Law Office can help you with the process. Guardianships can be used for minor children whose parents are unable to provide care for them, or for a disabled adult.
- Spousal SupportA related issue is maintenance. Ideally, each spouse should be entitled to live after the divorce at the level that he/she lived before the divorce, or at least at the level enjoyed by the other spouse after the divorce. Under specific circumstances, the Court may award maintenance (formerly known as alimony or spousal support) to a spouse in order to permit him/her a reasonable standard of living. For example, a spouse who has become a homemaker and has given up a career may need maintenance in order to obtain additional training or schooling so that he/she can enter the workforce. An award of maintenance can be for a fixed term, such as a number of years, or it may be indefinite, i.e. continuing until further order from the Court. It can be in the form of a contract, i.e. a Section 71 payment, that in most circumstances cannot be varied irrespective of circumstances. We find that maintenance is one of the most difficult areas of the law, and we are hopeful that our review will help you understand the issues involved. If you feel you need maintenance or are being asked to pay maintenance or family support, we recommend that you see an attorney.
- Legal SeparationOur firm covers a wide range of family law matters including collaborative divorce, child custody and visitation, child support, appeals, legal separation, prenuptial and post nuptial agreements, property division, and more
- AnnulmentIt’s a productive process for divorcing couples and those wanting legal separations, annulments, pre- or post-nuptial agreements, the dissolution of non-marital and same-sex relationships, and for paternity cases. The issues addressed in collaborative cases are the same as in traditional litigation: child custody, placement and support, property valuation and division, maintenance, taxes and insurance.
- Child Abuse
- Restraining OrderA Court Commissioner will review the Affidavit that you submit. The affidavit must be completely truthful. If the Court Commissioner feels that there is probable cause that your rights are being violated, or have been violated in the past, a restraining order will be entered against your spouse without a hearing for a short period. You can arrange to have your spouse served with a copy of the order by the county sheriff’s department. If a “no-contact” order is entered, the law enforcement official will serve your spouse and will stand by while your spouse collects, from your household, a limited number of personal possessions. Your spouse is then escorted from the household and is advised that he or she can no longer be near you or the household.
- Business DisputesAnnie M. Schwartz is a paralegal with Borns & Fellenz Family Law. She has been employed in the legal field in Dane County for over 25 years and has a wide range of experience. Prior to her employment with Borns & Fellenz Family Law, Annie worked in several Madison law firms doing a variety of legal work, including family matters, criminal & traffic matters, civil litigation, investigations, and business law. Annie enjoys working closely with our clients to meet court deadlines, prepare documents, and to assist in any other way necessary.
- Non-compete AgreementCommercial Litigation: We litigate leases, financing issues, non-payment, collection, non-compete agreements, covenants not to compete, loan agreements, sale of businesses, appointment of receivers to manage a business, equity ownership disputes, shareholder issues, suits for dissolution of a company and more.
- Real Estate LitigationIn addition to his family law practice, Mark Borns prepares wills and trusts. He represents clients with personal injuries from accidents, and in general civil litigation including business disputes and real estate disputes. He has handled 100’s of criminal cases, both as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney.
- Construction LitigationConstruction Litigation: Our lawyers represent owners, contractors, subs, and suppliers involves in a range of issues: non-payment, poor performance, non-conforming materials, missed deadlines, change order disputes, mechanic’s liens, and more.
- Real Estate TransactionsBorns Law Office has handled a wide variety of civil litigation, including consumer protection, contract disputes, tort claims, real estate transactions, collections, and family law. It is important for a litigation attorney to first investigate the facts of the case and analyze the applicable law. A review of the law and the facts with the client helps us formulate reasonable client goals. Negotiations often result in settlement of claims without the expense of formal litigation. Our client “wins” when the case is settled for a reasonable cost, on a fair basis, and in a timely manner. If no other reasonable option of achieving our client’s goals can be achieved, we are prepared to take your case to trial.
- Personal InjuryJeannine Hanson is a paralegal and general office manager with Borns Law Office, LLC. She has been employed in the legal field as a legal secretary and paralegal for 25 years. She has worked primarily for Attorney Mark F. Borns for the past 22 years. She has extensive experience in document preparation, client contact, research and trial work. Primary areas of concentration include probate, personal injury, litigation and all areas of family law, including but not limited to divorce, child custody and placement, property division and maintenance disputes. Past areas of experience include personal injury, bankruptcy, worker’s compensation, criminal and traffic.
- Dog BitesInjury Law: Our Wisconsin attorneys handle motorcycle accidents, all vehicle crashes, dog bites, slip and fall related injuries, medical billing issues, first party benefits claims, UM/UIM claims, first party bad faith, product defects, and more.
- Wills
- Trusts
- Power of AttorneyMany people avoid making a Will or a Health Care Power of Attorney because they do not want to contemplate their own death or incapacity. However, the time to make these decisions is when you are healthy and capable. You will not only be planning for yourself, but also for your family.
- ProbateBorns Law Office, LLC Legal Team With over 40 years of combined legal experience and a strong commitment to client satisfaction, The Borns Law Office Legal Team is one of the premier family law firms in the Madison area. We have proudly service clients in many areas of law including divorce, collaborative divorce, child custody, civil litigation, probate law, and more. Contact our Legal Team here.
- Bankruptcy
- ForeclosureIn the wake of economic downturn and rising foreclosure cases, Madison-based attorney educates himself in mortgage foreclosure prevention to help more homeowners stay put.