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Wisconsin Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I sue WE Energies for mistakenly cancelling my account?

I am experiencing an issue with my WE Energies account in Wisconsin that was cancelled without my consent. A customer service agent admitted that the cancellation was a mistake on their part, but they have not reopened my account despite multiple requests. Currently, there are no financial... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 11, 2025

You have two tracks here: fix the account now and preserve your rights for later. Put a written demand to WE Energies—by email and certified mail—asking for immediate reinstatement under your existing customer number, written confirmation that the cancellation was their error, and assurance... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law and Personal Injury for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I sue my husband to cover my legal fees for divorce in Wisconsin?

I am seeking to divorce my husband of 20 years, who is a permanent resident of the United States from Mexico. I left him nearly five years ago, yet he has moved another woman and her four children into our marital home, forcing my daughter and me to relocate during winter. I suspect he is hiding... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 11, 2025

Yes—you can ask the Wisconsin family court to order your husband to pay toward your attorney’s fees. Courts award “contribution” when you show financial need, a disparity in access to funds, or litigation conduct that drives up costs; you can request this both in a temporary order at the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Support, Family Law, Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Social Security for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I pursue hidden assets post-divorce amid manipulation?

I am divorced from my husband, whom I helped obtain permanent residence in the U.S. from Mexico. He hid $30,000 in an account under his sister's name, which was not disclosed during our divorce proceedings, and I suspect there may be other hidden assets like his 401(k). I'm on Social... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 11, 2025

You can ask the Wisconsin court to reopen the divorce judgment based on concealment of assets and fraud; that request can include targeted post-judgment discovery, subpoenas to the bank holding the sister’s account, and an order imposing a constructive trust over any assets proven to be yours. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Tax Law, Federal Crimes, Social Security and Criminal Law for Wisconsin on
Q: How can I pursue divorce, alimony, asset division including 401(k), and address hidden money issues with limited means while on disability in Wisconsin?

I'm in Wisconsin and have been separated from my husband for four years after he moved his girlfriend and her children into our home, forcing me and our now 19-year-old child to leave in the middle of winter. I am seeking a divorce but have limited financial means due to being on Social... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 11, 2025

You can start by filing for divorce in Wisconsin and requesting a fee waiver due to your disability income; at the first hearing you can ask for temporary orders for maintenance, exclusive control of essential property, and that he continue paying necessary expenses. You should complete financial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Civil Litigation and Family Law for Wisconsin on
Q: How can I regain custody of my child from CPS in Wisconsin facing false accusations and uncooperative caseworker?

I need help regaining custody of my child from CPS in Wisconsin due to false accusations. Despite plans for reunification, the process is at a standstill. The caseworker isn't cooperating with me, and I feel like they, along with my sister, are against me. What actions can I take to contest... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 10, 2025

When you feel trapped in a CPS case based on accusations you know aren’t true, the first step is to protect your rights by keeping everything documented. Keep records of every interaction with your caseworker, including dates, times, what was said, and any failures on their part to follow... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I open carry into Wisconsin stores without "no weapons" signs?

In Wisconsin, can I legally open carry a firearm into retail stores that don't display a "no weapons" sign? I've carried a weapon into places that allow open carry without any issues, but I'm curious about the legal implications of entering stores that might not explicitly... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 10, 2025

Yes—Wisconsin law allows you to openly carry a firearm in most public places, including private retail stores that do not post “no weapons” notices. A store owner or manager can still tell you to leave or disarm; if you refuse after being told, you risk a trespass charge. Open carry by itself... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections and Consumer Law for Wisconsin on
Q: What are my options for old Wisconsin college tuition debt?

I owe $21,000 in tuition to my former college in Wisconsin from 2021, but I currently reside outside of Wisconsin. They have sent letters detailing the amount owed and have attempted to contact me. I don't have any physical documents and I'm unsure if I can pay this amount. Additionally,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 10, 2025

You’re dealing with a standard consumer contract debt; Wisconsin generally has a six-year statute of limitations for contract claims that runs from default or your last payment. Living outside Wisconsin does not erase it; the school or its collector could sue in Wisconsin (and, if jurisdiction... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Wisconsin on
Q: Is getting pulled over for tinted windows a routine traffic stop in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, I was pulled over solely for having tinted windows. Is such a stop considered a routine traffic stop under state regulations?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2025

Yes; a suspected window-tint violation is a valid basis for a traffic stop in Wisconsin. An officer may stop you if they have reasonable suspicion that your tint does not comply with Wisconsin’s equipment requirements, and courts treat that as a routine traffic stop for an equipment offense. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Civil Litigation for Wisconsin on
Q: Can a company reclaim overpaid incentives under a unionized agreement in WI?

I work for a unionized company in Wisconsin with an incentive-based pay system paid quarterly. About a year ago, the company changed the model for calculating incentives, and based on those new numbers, we were paid accordingly. Now, the company claims they made an error and have overpaid us by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 7, 2025

In Wisconsin, whether a company can reclaim overpaid incentives often depends on the terms of your union contract and how the incentive plan is structured. Since your incentive agreements are negotiated and administered through the union, the company generally cannot unilaterally demand repayment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Legal Malpractice, Child Custody and Family Law for Wisconsin on
Q: How can I address legal negligence and misconduct in my criminal and civil appeal in Wisconsin?

I am seeking urgent legal assistance in Wisconsin due to what I believe to be ineffective representation in my appeal process related to criminal and civil matters. My case involves falsified charges, document fraud, tampering with evidence, and concealment of my child’s whereabouts. I suspect... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 5, 2025

It sounds like you’re in a very difficult and overwhelming position, especially if you believe your legal rights have been violated and your case has not been handled fairly. In Wisconsin, if you suspect ineffective assistance of counsel in a criminal appeal, you have the right to file a motion... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Family Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Is a salary reduction legal in WI after relocation without notice?

I have been employed at One Medical, based in San Francisco, for over two years. I relocated to Wisconsin in August, notifying my employer two months in advance. However, they reduced my salary with no prior written or verbal notice after my move. Additionally, an HR representative is now... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 4, 2025

You can challenge a sudden pay cut in Wisconsin when it takes effect without advance notice or applies to work already performed; Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development says employers may change pay only if they inform you before the work is done, and Chapter 109 requires timely payment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Is it legal for my employer in Wisconsin to reduce my salary without notice?

I have been employed at One Medical for over two years. I relocated to Wisconsin, providing my employer with two months' advance notice. However, they failed to inform me that my salary would be reduced, and no advance written or verbal notice was given. Additionally, the same HR person is now... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 3, 2025

In Wisconsin, an employer generally cannot reduce your pay without giving you prior notice. While state law allows employers to change wages prospectively, the change cannot apply retroactively to work you have already performed. This means your employer must inform you of any salary reduction... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Bankruptcy, Small Claims, Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Wisconsin on
Q: What can I do if a person who hit my car files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?

I live in Wisconsin and someone hit my parked car. The other driver did not have insurance, and now they are filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy while I was in the process of taking them to small claims court. I do not have insurance myself, but I do have photos and documentation of the damage. What... View More

Martha A. Warriner
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answered on Nov 3, 2025

Unfortunately, you probably do not have any good options. The bankruptcy filing (either chapter 7 or 13) stays any efforts you take to collect a payment from the debtor, including your potential small claims action, so there is no point in proceeding with that lawsuit. Since the person who hit you... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Civil Litigation, White Collar Crime and Criminal Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I sue for forged documents in Wisconsin?

I believe my employer is forging documents in an attempt to fire me. Specifically, vacation slips were altered to falsely reflect that I didn't get my requested days off, yet I have the original copy showing I did get them approved. You can clearly see the altered documents through "fake... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 3, 2025

You are right to take this seriously; altering records to manufacture discipline can justify multiple legal avenues in Wisconsin. Because you work under a collective bargaining agreement, you must press the grievance‑and‑arbitration process immediately while you build the evidentiary record,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Car Accidents, Contracts and Personal Injury for Wisconsin on
Q: Am I responsible for damages to cars in a chain collision I didn't directly hit?

I was traveling at 15 mph when my truck's brakes failed, causing me to bump the car ahead at a light intersection. This led to a chain reaction where the car I bumped hit the car in front of it. The owner of the first car in the chain wants me to pay for the damage to that car. Am I legally... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 31, 2025

In most cases, the driver who initiates a chain-reaction crash is held responsible for all resulting damage, even if they didn’t directly hit every vehicle. The reasoning is that your initial impact set off the sequence of collisions, making you legally liable for the consequences of that first... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation, Consumer Law, Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for Wisconsin on
Q: How can I dispute charges from a remodeling company for unrecognized contracts and overcharges?

I contracted a company in Wisconsin to do some remodeling work in my home, including renovations on my bathrooms and kitchen. Initially, I received a bill for $30,000, which I assumed covered all the work. However, a few weeks later, I received a second bill for $27,500. I never signed any... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 30, 2025

It sounds like you may be dealing with a serious issue involving possible fraud or misrepresentation. The first step is to **request a copy of the alleged signed contract** from the remodeling company. Review it closely for discrepancies in your signature, dates, or terms that you never agreed to.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Wisconsin on
Q: Who do I report a neighbor removing a property line marker to and what steps can I take legally?

I need to file a complaint against my neighbor in Wisconsin, who recently removed my property line marker. The incident occurred within the last month, and we've had property disputes in the past. In 2018, we hired a land surveyor to mark our property lines before installing a privacy fence.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2025

You should begin by reporting the incident to your local city or county zoning or planning department in Wisconsin. These offices handle property disputes and fence placement issues. Provide them with your survey maps, photographs, and any other documentation that shows where your property line... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Gov & Administrative Law for Wisconsin on
Q: What are my options for a 2008 domestic battery case in Wisconsin?

I am seeking updates or information about a domestic battery case involving my ex-girlfriend that occurred back in 2008 in Wisconsin. It's been over 17 years, and I would like guidance on what legal options or actions I might consider now, or how to find more information about the case's status.

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answered on Oct 27, 2025

After 17 years, the first step is to confirm whether the case is still active or was resolved. In Wisconsin, you can check the public court records system to see if there’s an open warrant, a conviction, or if the case was dismissed. If the case resulted in a conviction, you can review whether... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Public Benefits and Social Security for Wisconsin on
Q: Is my grandson eligible for SSI due to optic nerve hypoplasia?

My grandson, who is 27 years old, was born with optic nerve hypoplasia and currently lives with his mom and stepdad in Wisconsin. Despite having documentation regarding his condition, he has never applied for any benefits before. Could you provide guidance on whether he might be eligible for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 27, 2025

You can qualify for SSI if you meet Social Security’s disability standard and the strict income and resource limits, and optic nerve hypoplasia can satisfy that standard when vision loss is severe. For vision claims, the agency looks for legal blindness—generally central visual acuity of 20/200... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Juvenile Law and Civil Rights for Wisconsin on
Q: How can I defend myself against false accusations of assaulting minors?

I am facing false accusations of sexually assaulting and abusing minors, originating from their father. I believe these claims are entirely fabricated. How can I legally defend myself against these accusations, and what steps should I take to protect my rights and reputation during the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 25, 2025

This is terrifying, but you protect yourself by invoking your rights immediately: do not answer questions, do not meet with detectives or CPS alone, and do not consent to searches of your phone, home, or cloud accounts; state that you will cooperate through counsel. Avoid all direct or indirect... View More

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