Once you have filed everything with the Clerk of Courts, you will get everything back, except the court’s copies, stamped that it was filed. The court will also provide you with the Order to Show Cause.
The Order to Show Cause tells you when your first hearing for the temporary order is scheduled. It will tell you where to go, meaning what address and what room, as well as who the presiding family court commissioner or judge is that will be hearing your case. Sometimes, you have the same judge for the entirety of your case; other times, you might have a substitute judge. It depends on your county and how case loads are managed. It will also have the date and time of the hearing.
One of the first things that I like to do is conduct research on the judges that will hear my case – preferably beforehand! Although once, we had an emergency replacement. That was a bit stressful because I had to do some really quick research while waiting for my case to be called. Thankfully, we have a good internet connection at the courthouse!
For example, our primary judge earned his law degree and began his legal career in private practice, where he worked until his election to the bench. Additionally, he served as a village attorney and as a city attorney, both of which he resigned upon his appointment. In the more than two decades that he has been a judge, he has presided over several significant cases, some of which have been appealed. Just because a judge has had cases go to the next level court is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, the average is that 10% of all judges’ cases are appealed.
In one case his ruling on a specific type of legal violation was contested, but the appellate court upheld his decision. In another, the ruling was appealed and ultimately overturned by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The case involved complex legal issues regarding the admissibility of certain evidence and procedural matters.
Our judge’s record overall shows a commitment to fair and just legal processes, as evidenced by his careful handling of cases and the affirmation of his rulings by appellate courts. He has a reputation for addressing legal matters with thoroughness and integrity.
And I would have to say, after five years of litigation, that I agree with that assessment.
As for the emergency judge, he was brought out of retirement. He earned his law degree before I was even born! He worked as an assistant district attorney before being appointed to the bench. He had a reputation for having strong views on sentencing (which makes sense – he was a district attorney) and his willingness to adapt his philosophy over time.
He often faced support and controversy for his rulings, including a notable case where the appellate overturned his decision in a particular case. I wish I could provide details about the case, because, in my opinion, he was trying to work within the requirements of the state while recognizing the, shall we say, absurdity of the case itself.
If you have ever seen the movie, A Time to Kill and the way Kevin Spacey, as the district attorney attacked the defendant’s psychiatrist, you will get a sense of the case.
Overall, our emergency judge was strong on crime and his long tenure to the court saw a lot of changes in the legal processes. Just imagine how many technological changes alone we have experienced in the past 50 years ourselves!
He was known for his long tenure and evolving judicial philosophy. Initially strict, his views on sentencing softened over time, reflecting a nuanced understanding of rehabilitation and individual circumstances. He was respected for his thoughtful and sometimes unconventional rulings, although some were controversial. He was seen as a fair, experienced, and adaptive judge who contributed significantly to our state.
He only adjudicated over one of our hearings, but I would agree that he was fair, experienced, and did respect the unique aspects of our case.
So, now you have the entire packet of documents, all file stamped and ready to go. What’s next? The serving packet – so stay tuned.
Meadows Cozy Corner 
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