Children’s Law: CHIPS, TPR & Minor Guardianship

Children’s-law cases are among the most consequential matters handled in Wisconsin courts. They can affect where a child lives, a parent’s ability to care for a child, and in some cases whether the legal parent-child relationship continues at all. These proceedings require careful attention to both procedure and the child’s welfare.

CHIPS proceedings

CHIPS means “Child in Need of Protection or Services.” I represent parents in CHIPS matters involving allegations such as abuse, neglect, inability to provide care, or other grounds under Wisconsin’s Children’s Code. A CHIPS case is not a criminal prosecution, but it can result in significant court orders affecting placement, services, parental conditions, and family reunification.
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Termination of parental rights

Termination of parental rights, or TPR, permanently ends the legal parent-child relationship. I handle matters involving the statutory grounds phase, dispositional proceedings, voluntary and involuntary TPR issues, and the relationship between TPR and prior CHIPS cases. Because TPR is permanent, the procedural protections and evidentiary standards matter.
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Minor guardianship

Wisconsin law allows private guardianship of a minor child in full, limited, temporary, and emergency forms. I assist with questions involving when guardianship may be appropriate, what level of authority is necessary, and how guardianship interacts with existing parental rights and family-court orders.
Guardianship Flowchart

A child-focused but legally rigorous approach

Children’s-law cases often involve trauma, imperfect families, and difficult facts. The legal process still requires proof, procedure, and fair treatment. My approach is to take the child’s welfare seriously while also making sure that the rights and responsibilities of the adults are addressed under the law.

Talk with Guth Law

If you are involved in a CHIPS, TPR, or minor guardianship matter, contact Guth Law to discuss the posture of the case and the next legal steps.

This information provides a general overview of Wisconsin law and is not legal advice regarding any particular case.