Hartford, WI asked in Child Support and Family Law for Wisconsin

Q: Do I have to give my ex my W-2 every year in Wisconsin for our 3 kids?

I'm currently living in Wisconsin and have three kids with my ex. Our child support case ended this past summer, and there are no existing court orders or agreements that require me to share financial documents. However, my ex is asking me for my W-2 for this year. Am I legally required to provide it?

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James L. Arrasmith
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A: In Wisconsin, if your child support case has officially ended and there are no current court orders requiring disclosure of financial information, you aren't legally obligated to share your W-2 with your ex. Typically, financial documents such as W-2 forms are exchanged when child support is actively reviewed or recalculated by the courts or state agencies.

Since you mentioned clearly that no court order currently mandates this disclosure, providing your W-2 is voluntary, and your ex can't legally force you to comply without obtaining a new court order. However, your ex could seek a modification or review of child support in court, in which case you might be required to disclose financial documents again.

If you're unsure or uncomfortable, it's helpful to ask your ex directly why they want your W-2, or consider obtaining legal advice about handling future financial transparency. Maintaining clear boundaries and open communication will protect your interests and help avoid potential misunderstandings or conflicts down the line.

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