Family Court Services: Where We Started and Who We Are

Published on August 24, 2026

Since 1978, Outagamie County has offered mediation services to parents who disagree about child custody and placement.

This new approach to family law was led by Outagamie County Judge Harold Froehlich, Attorney James Long (then commissioner), and Social Worker Sharon Langlais.  They understood that ongoing conflict between parents can harm children’s physical health, emotions, and development.

They were ahead of their time. Wisconsin did not require mediation for families with custody and placement disputes until 1989. Outagamie County Family Court Services mediators, including Sharon Langlais and Lola Krebsbach helped create that 1989 law.

Today, in 2026, Family Court Services continues to support parents as they move through the family court system. We provide education and encourage parents to work together. Our goal is to help parents create a parenting plan that puts their children’s needs first.

How Does Mediation Work?

Step 1: Take a Co-Parenting Class

Before mediation begins, both parents must complete one of these classes:

• Children Caught in the Middle
• Positive Co-Parenting

Parents must complete a class before their first mediation appointment.

Children Caught in the Middle is for parents of children of any age. The class shares ideas for improving a difficult co-parenting relationship. It also offers ways to reduce stress for children who move between two homes.

Positive Co-Parenting is for parents who had a short-term relationship and have children ages 0–5. It helps parents build a positive, supportive co-parenting relationship early in their child’s life.

Both classes also explain the mediation process and how parents can prepare.

These classes are open to everyone. You do not need a court order to attend. Child Welfare and Domestic Abuse Program professionals may attend at no cost.

Step 2: Attend Mediation

After both parents complete a class, pay the mediation fee, and complete a safety review, we invite them to meet with one or two mediators in our office.

The mediation fee is $250 total, or $125 per parent.

Mediation meetings are held in a safe, neutral setting. Virtual mediation may be available when there are safety concerns or when distance makes it difficult for a parent to attend in person.

Our mediators help parents work through concerns about co-parenting communication and other child-related decisions, such as:

• Legal custody and decision-making
• Regular placement schedules
• Holiday and vacation schedules
• School choice
• Child exchange locations
• Other custody and placement concerns

If parents reach an agreement, our mediators will prepare a written mediation agreement. A parent’s attorney may ask the court to make it an order. If neither parent has an attorney, our mediators may be able to help with that step.

We hope parents can reach a full agreement. Even a partial agreement can save a family time, money, and stress. That is also better for children.

The Family Court Commissioner may approve a fee waiver for parents who show they have a financial need.

Other Services

Custody Study and Brief Focused Assessment

If mediation does not resolve the issues, a circuit court judge may order a custody study or a Brief Focused Assessment (BFA).

These assessments help the judge make decisions about custody and other child-related matters. All recommendations are based on the best interests of the child or children.

The Family Court Commissioner may approve fee waivers for parents who show they have a financial need.

Stepparent Adoption Screening

A Stepparent Adoption Screening gives the court information to help decide whether a stepparent should be allowed to adopt a stepchild.

State law gives the screener 30 days to:

• Complete a home visit
• Interview family members
• Review supporting information
• Submit a report to the court

The screening costs $400. The fee will increase to $425 on January 1, 2027.

Fee waivers are not available for Stepparent Adoption Screenings.