Circuit Court and Family Court Commissioner

POSITION SUMMARY

This position serves as the St. Croix County Family Court Commissioner and Circuit Court Commissioner, performing judicial work pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 757.68 and 757.69. The primary focus of this role is presiding over family court matters under Chapter 767, including divorce, paternity, custody, placement, child support, maintenance, post-judgment enforcement, and related proceedings.

The Commissioner exercises independent judicial authority in family law cases and other matters as assigned by the Chief Judge. This is an appointed position requiring significant family law expertise, sound judicial temperament, and the ability to manage high-conflict cases involving children and families.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned consistent with statutory authority.

• Exercises statutory powers of a circuit court commissioner under Wis. Stat. § 757.69.
• Conducts hearings and court proceedings as authorized.
• Administers oaths and takes testimony.
• Receives evidence, evaluates credibility, and rules as authorized.
• Makes findings of fact and conclusions of law when required.
• Issues written and oral decisions, orders, and judgments consistent with Wisconsin law.
• Maintains impartiality, judicial decorum, and appropriate courtroom control.
• Ensures accurate documentation and entry of court actions into the court case management system.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment in all proceedings and interactions.
• Consults as needed with the presiding Circuit Judge(s) on procedural and case-related matters.
• Legal research and writing.

• Conducts initial appearances of persons arrested or charged with crimes.
• Sets bail and bond conditions.
• Schedules hearings and sets conditions of release.
• Conducts preliminary hearings and arraignments.
• Holds restitution hearings and makes findings of fact and conclusions of law.

• Conducts scheduling conferences and issues scheduling orders.
• Conducts motion hearings and evidentiary hearings.
• Issues temporary restraining orders and injunction-related proceedings.

• Conducts initial return appearances.
• Refers cases to mediation.
• Conducts trials and hearings.
• Conducts eviction, replevin, and garnishment hearings.

• Conducts hearings in divorce, legal separation, annulment, paternity, maintenance, child support, custody, physical placement, visitation, and attorney fee matters.
• Presides over temporary order hearings.
• Refers cases to mediation and orders custody studies where appropriate.
• Oversees post‑judgment motions, including modification and enforcement actions.
• Conducts contempt proceedings related to non‑compliance with court orders.
• Reviews and approves stipulations, findings of fact, conclusions of law, and judgments.
• Issues wage assignments to enforce support orders as permitted by law.
• Appoints and oversees Guardians ad Litem as authorized.
• Reviews child support enforcement matters.
• Adheres to Wisconsin State Statutes, with thorough knowledge of Chapter 767, to perform statutory duties of Family Court Commissioner.
• Performs state‑mandated duties of the Director of Family Court Counseling Services.

• Conducts detention and shelter care hearings.
• Conducts preliminary appearances.
• Enters consent decrees.
• Conducts plea hearings.
• Conducts permanency reviews.
• Conducts emergency placement hearings.

• Hears petitions for mental health, alcohol, and drug dependency commitments.
• Conducts probable cause hearings.
• Conducts hearings related to guardian ships and protective placements.
• Conducts uncontested probate proceedings.

• Conducts initial appearances in traffic and county ordinance cases.
• Receives uncontested pleas.
• Orders revocation or suspension of operating privileges.
• Imposes fines and forfeitures as authorized.

• Conducts hearings on petitions for temporary restraining orders…