Child Custody, Placement & CHIPS Attorney in Neenah, WI
Fighting for time with your kids, or facing a call from Child Protective Services? Get honest answers at a free consultation, and one attorney who stays on your case from your first call to your final order.
- Straight talk about cost. At your free consultation, we'll walk through what cases like yours typically cost, and tell you honestly whether your matter fits a flat fee or is the kind of case that needs phase billing as it develops.
- One attorney, every hearing. Attorney Steven Johnson personally handles your custody or child welfare case from the first call to the final order — never a rotating roster.
- Custody disputes and child welfare cases, under one roof. If a domestic violence charge, restraining order, or CPS matter is tangled up with your custody fight, one firm handles all of it.
- 4.4 ★ · 41 Google reviews
- 20+ years in local courts
- WI Bar #1048934
- Winnebago County owned & operated
Child Custody
Why Neenah Chooses Johnson Law Firm S.C.
Every new client starts with a free, confidential consultation and an honest conversation about what their case is likely to cost. A real person answers the phone Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — no AI intake bots, no runaround.
Child Custody
What Is Child Custody, Placement & Child Welfare Law?
Child custody and placement covers who makes decisions for your child and where your child lives, and is typically decided as part of a divorce or paternity case in family court. Child Welfare Law is a separate area entirely — it covers cases where the county alleges a child has been abused or neglected, and includes several distinct case types: CHIPS (Child in Need of Protection or Services), abuse and neglect proceedings, dependency proceedings, foster care matters, and termination of parental rights (TPR). CHIPS is one specific type of Child Welfare Law case, not the name for the whole category — and a TPR case, in particular, can be a fully standalone matter with no CHIPS case involved at all. These two areas, custody and Child Welfare Law, can and do overlap, but they run through different courts under different rules.
At Johnson Law Firm S.C., Attorney Steven Johnson (WI Bar #1048934) has represented parents in custody, placement, and Child Welfare Law matters in Winnebago and Outagamie County courts for more than 20 years. You won't be handed off to an associate. Call 920-730-8250 to talk through your situation, free of charge.
Child Custody
Our Process
Custody cases and Child Welfare Law cases follow different tracks. Here's what each one generally looks like.
Custody & Placement Cases
- Free Consultation & Honest Cost Conversation. We review your situation and talk through what similar cases have cost, and whether yours is likely to fit a flat fee or need phase billing.
- Filing. Custody and placement issues are raised as part of a divorce or paternity case, or as a standalone modification if an order already exists.
- Temporary Orders. The court can set a temporary custody and placement schedule while your case is pending.
- Mediation or Guardian ad Litem Involvement. Many cases resolve through mediation; when needed, a court-appointed Guardian ad Litem investigates and makes a recommendation.
- Pretrial & Final Negotiations. Most cases settle here once both sides see how a trial would likely go.
- Trial & Final Order, if needed. When agreement isn't possible, Attorney Johnson presents your case directly to the court.
CHIPS & Other Child Welfare Law Cases
Wisconsin's Child Welfare Law umbrella covers several distinct case types, and CHIPS — the one most people mean when they say this term — is only one of them. Abuse and neglect proceedings, dependency proceedings, foster care matters, and termination of parental rights each follow related but distinct paths, and a case can move between these categories, or a TPR case can arise entirely on its own.
- Report & Investigation. A CHIPS case typically begins when Child Protective Services receives and investigates a report of abuse or neglect.
- Shelter Care Hearing, if a child is removed. If a child is taken into custody, Wisconsin law requires a shelter care hearing within a short, statutorily set window — this is not a stage to face without a lawyer.
- Petition Filed. If CPS finds safety concerns, the county files a CHIPS petition in juvenile court, or, in more serious or different circumstances, a separate abuse/neglect, dependency, or TPR petition.
- Guardian ad Litem Appointed. The court typically appoints a GAL to represent the child's interests separately from either parent's.
- Fact-Finding & Disposition. The court decides whether the allegations are proven and, if so, what services, supervision, foster care placement, or other outcome is ordered.
- Ongoing Review. Child Welfare Law orders are reviewed periodically, and the goal in most CHIPS cases is safely returning to, or maintaining, a stable family placement — though a TPR case, if it arises, follows its own separate and more permanent track.
If Your Child Is in Immediate Danger
When safety can't wait for a regular hearing date, Wisconsin courts can issue emergency or temporary custody orders on shortened notice.
If you're facing this right now, call 920-730-8250 immediately.
Child Custody
How Much Does a Child Custody or Child Welfare Law Attorney Cost in Wisconsin?
Cost depends heavily on the type of case and how contested it becomes. Straightforward custody modifications may sometimes fit a flat fee, while contested custody disputes, CHIPS cases, and other Child Welfare Law matters typically require phase billing, since the amount of investigation, hearings, and Guardian ad Litem involvement is genuinely hard to predict at the outset. Call 920-730-8250 to get your specific quote.
What we can promise: an honest conversation about cost at your free consultation, plain talk about whether your matter is a flat-fee case or one that needs phase billing, and a heads-up before any additional work is added if your case's circumstances change. Call 920-730-8250 to get your specific quote.
Child Custody
Custody Case vs. CHIPS Case: What's the Real Difference?
A custody case and a CHIPS case can both involve your kids and the same courthouse, but they're not the same thing, and they're not handled the same way.
| Custody Case | CHIPS Case | |
|---|---|---|
| Area of law | Family Law | Child Welfare Law |
| Who brings it? | A parent, as part of divorce or paternity | The county, through Child Protective Services |
| What's at issue? | Which parent decides what, and where the child lives | Alleged abuse or neglect, and child safety |
| Court type | Family court | Juvenile court |
| If both are active | Generally defers to the Child Welfare case | Can effectively override a family court custody arrangement |
The two can absolutely collide — a contested custody dispute can trigger a CPS report, or a CHIPS case can be moving alongside your divorce.
Child Custody
What's Included: Every Piece of Your Case, Handled by One Attorney
Custody and Child Welfare Law matters rarely stay in one lane. Here's what falls under this practice, and how each piece fits together.
Legal Custody & Decision-Making
Legal custody is the authority to make major decisions for your child, like schooling, healthcare, and religion, and Wisconsin starts from a presumption that both parents share it.
Physical Placement & Placement Schedules
Physical placement covers where your child actually lives day to day, and Wisconsin families use everything from 50/50 alternating schedules to primary-placement-with-visitation arrangements.
Guardian ad Litem Representation
When a Guardian ad Litem is appointed to investigate your family's situation, how you present your case to them matters — courts follow the GAL's recommendation in the large majority of custody disputes..
CHIPS Cases
A CHIPS case is opened when Child Protective Services believes a child needs protection or services, and it is one specific type of Child Welfare Law proceeding — not the only one.
Abuse & Neglect Proceedings
These proceedings address allegations that a child has been harmed or is at risk, and can arise independently of, or alongside, a CHIPS case.
Dependency Proceedings
Dependency proceedings address a child's need for care and supervision when a parent is unable to provide it, distinct from an allegation of abuse..
Foster Care Matters
Foster care matters arise when a child is placed outside the home during an open Child Welfare Law case, and can involve parents, foster families, or relatives seeking placement.
Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)
A TPR case permanently ends a parent's legal rights to a child, and — unlike CHIPS — it can be a fully standalone matter with no other Child Welfare Law case attached to it at all.
Emergency & Temporary Custody Orders
When a child's safety can't wait for a regular hearing date, Wisconsin law allows for expedited custody orders on shortened notice..
Custody Modification
Existing custody or placement orders generally can't be changed within two years of the final judgment absent harm, but after that, a substantial change in circumstances can open the door to a new arrangement under Wis. Stat. § 767.451.
Paternity & Unmarried Parents' Rights
Unmarried fathers have the same custody rights as mothers once paternity is legally established, but not before. Establishing paternity can involve genetic testing when it's disputed, and in some cases a person can also petition to disestablish or challenge a paternity finding that was made incorrectly.
Divorce & Legal Separation
When custody is part of an ongoing divorce, it's decided alongside property division and support under the same case.
Restraining Orders & Domestic Violence
When abuse or safety concerns are part of a custody dispute, the right protective step depends on whether a standalone civil injunction or a criminal no-contact order applies — these are handled differently.
Child Custody
Why Neenah Chooses Johnson Law Firm S.C.
One attorney, every step
Steven Johnson (WI Bar #1048934) personally handles your case from the first phone call to the final hearing — never a hand-off to a rotating associate.
Honest cost conversations, not empty promises
We'll tell you what similar cases have cost, whether flat-fee or phase billing fits your situation, and give you a heads-up if your case's scope changes along the way — no firm can promise a locked-in price, and we won't pretend otherwise.
Custody and Child Welfare Law, together
Most firms send custody clients one direction and Child Welfare Law clients another. We handle both, and the overlap between them, under one roof.
20+ years in the courthouses that matter
Winnebago and Outagamie County judges, court commissioners, and Guardians ad Litem know this firm.
A real person answers the phone
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no AI intake bot standing between you and an answer.
Testimonials
What Fox Valley Clients Say
Reviews below are verbatim from Google. Reviewer neighborhoods are not published by Google — each card is labeled "Google Verified Review". Service labels are drawn from review content.
"Attorney Johnson gave very good advice on what steps to take for my case his paralegal Liz was amazing. She was very informative and kept me up-to-date on everything. She is amazing. I really appreciate everything that she did for me and helping assist with my case along with attorney Johnson as well. I gave five stars because I feel like Attorney Johnson was amazing but I also feel like his paralegal did a great job and what she does."
Leia G.
Google Verified Review · Criminal Defense
"Liz and Steve did a wonderful job on my case they got my case dismissed they both kept in great contact with me explained everything well I would recommend them highly Thank guys great job!!!"
Diana M.
Google Verified Review · Criminal Defense (case dismissed)
"Thank you very much on your help with my case. Mrs. Aherm was very helpful and kept me informed on all the details on my case. This is the team to go with 100% !!!"
Jesse O.
Google Verified Review
"Big thanks to Steve and Liz. Both are very helpful, listen, very skilled at there jobs and I'm eternally grateful! Thank you both!"
UP P.
Google Verified Review
Service Area
Serving Neenah, the Fox Cities & All of Winnebago and Outagamie Counties
Outagamie
- Appleton
- Grand Chute
- Kaukauna
- Little Chute
- Seymour
- Combined Locks
Calumet
- Chilton
- New Holstein
- Brillion
Winnebago
- Oshkosh
- Neenah
- Menasha
Brown
- Green Bay
- De Pere
- Howard
Waupaca
- New London
- Waupaca
- Clintonville
Shawano
- Shawano
- Bonduel
- Wittenberg
Fond du Lac
- Fond du Lac
- Ripon
- Waupun
Oconto
- Oconto
- Oconto Falls
- Lena
Kewaunee
- Kewaunee
- Luxemburg
- Algoma
Waushara
- Wautoma
- Coloma
- Redgranite
Manitowoc
- Manitowoc
- Two Rivers
- Kiel
Green Lake
- Berlin
- Green Lake
- Markesan
Door
- Stergeon Bay
- Sister Bay
- Ephraim
Sheboygan
- Sheboygan
- Plymouth
- Sheboygan Falls
Dodge
- Beaver Dam
- Watertown
- Mayville
Child Custody
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child custody determined in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin courts presume both parents will share legal custody and physical placement, deviating only if it would not serve the child's best interest, such as when one parent poses a danger to the child.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical placement?
Legal custody is the authority to make major decisions for a child. Physical placement is where the child actually lives and who handles day-to-day care.
Is a CHIPS case the same thing as Child Welfare Law?
No. CHIPS is one specific type of case within the broader area of Child Welfare Law, which also includes abuse and neglect proceedings, dependency proceedings, foster care matters, and termination of parental rights.
Can a termination of parental rights case happen without a CHIPS case?
Yes. A TPR case can be a standalone matter with no CHIPS case involved at all, depending on the circumstances.
What does a Guardian ad Litem do?
A Guardian ad Litem is a court-appointed attorney who investigates a child's circumstances and makes a recommendation to the court based on the child's best interest. Call 920-730-8250 if a GAL has been appointed in your case.
Can an unmarried father get custody in Wisconsin?
Yes. Once paternity is legally established, a father has the same custody and placement rights as the mother.
What happens if a family court custody case and an open CPS case are both active?
Family court generally defers to child welfare proceedings when a child is the subject of an open CPS investigation or case, since a Child Welfare Law matter can affect or override a private custody arrangement. Call 920-730-8250 if this applies to your situation.
How do you modify a custody order in Wisconsin?
Custody or placement orders generally cannot be modified within two years of the final judgment unless there is a showing of physical or emotional harm. After two years, a parent must show a substantial change in circumstances.
What happens if my child is removed from my home?
If a child is taken into custody, Wisconsin law requires a shelter care hearing within a short, statutorily set window. This is not a stage to face without representation. Call 920-730-8250 right away.
Contact
Ready to Talk?
Custody disputes and CHIPS cases both move on real deadlines, not flexible ones. Talk to Attorney Steven Johnson today, free of charge, and get a written fee quote before you decide anything.
Phone
920-730-8250
Address
2649 Cavalry Ln
Neenah, WI 54956
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Our Legal Services
Full-Service Representation for Neenah & the Fox Valley
Criminal Defense in Neenah & the Fox Valley
Johnson Law Firm S.C. defends felony and misdemeanor charges throughout Winnebago and Outagamie counties — theft, retail theft, forgery, battery, disorderly conduct, drug charges, and traffic offenses. Wisconsin felony penalties run from 3.5 years to life under Wis. Stat. § 939.50, and even a Class A misdemeanor carries up to 9 months in jail, so early representation matters. Attorney Steven Johnson brings 20+ years of courtroom experience at the Winnebago County Courthouse and beyond, challenging stops, searches, and evidence while keeping you informed at every step. Free consultations with a written fee quote.
OWI / Drunk Driving Defense
A Wisconsin OWI conviction follows you forever — it can never be expunged. First offenses bring a 6–9 month revocation, $585+ in forfeitures and surcharges, a mandatory AODA assessment, and an ignition interlock at 0.15 BAC or higher; second offenses become criminal. We examine the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath or blood testing for every client from Neenah, Appleton, Oshkosh, and the Lake Winnebago communities. Deadlines start immediately after arrest, so call 920-730-8250 before your court date.
Family Law & Divorce
Divorce, legal separation, child custody and physical placement, child support, CHIPS defense, restraining order petitions and defense, and guardianships for children and adults — handled by one attorney across Winnebago, Outagamie, and Calumet counties. We explain Wisconsin's 120-day waiting period, marital property presumptions, and the best-interest placement factors of Wis. Stat. § 767.41 in plain English, then put your strategy and fees in writing. From Doty Island to downtown Appleton, Fox Valley families get straight answers here — starting with a free consultation.
Wills & Estate Basics
A valid will keeps your property, your children's guardianship, and your final wishes out of dispute — and out of avoidable Winnebago County probate battles. Attorney Johnson drafts wills for Fox Valley families and pairs them with the guardianship experience the firm uses in family court every week. If you don't have a will, Wisconsin's intestacy statutes decide for you; an afternoon in our Neenah office fixes that. Ask about wills during any consultation.