Why would courts award custody (joint or sole) to an abusive parent?
Domestic violence and family law cases are notoriously problematic. The legal issues are particularly complex and frequently one or more of the parties are difficult individuals with whom to deal. Battered victims struggle to protect the safety and well-being of their children from a person whom they know to be violent. Abusive parents generally shift their focus to control of the children as a way to continue the terror and violence against their former partners after separation.[11] Abusive fathers are far more likely than nonabusive parents to fight for child custody, not pay child support, and to kidnap children. [12] Many states have made domestic violence a relevant factor for courts to consider before making custody and placement awards. Wisconsin law does include domestic violence as one factor to consider among 15 other factors.[13] However, Wisconsins custody law presumes that joint custody is considered to be in the best interest of children and a victim of domestic abuse mu
