Marital status discrimination cases are complex. Employers who engage in such discrimination often attempt to mask their illegal conduct by falsely claiming legitimate reasons for employment decisions. When the discrimination is perpetrated by a manager, the company as a whole often rallies around the discriminating manager. Once an employee asserts a marital status discrimination claim, many employers have the recourses to hire large corporate law firms to defend their actions. Carroll Law Firm, SC focuses its entire legal practice on representing employees, professionals and executives. Loyalties will never be divided because the firm does not represent employers.

Attorney Douglas J. Carroll, Jr., the founder and managing attorney at Carroll Law Firm, SC has the knowledge and experience to peel back the layers of management-speak and get at the truth. He has the skill and tenacity to effectively fight for justice regardless of the size and recourses of the employer or the law firm they hire.

Milwaukee Marital Status Discrimination Lawyer

Marital Status Discrimination Is Illegal In Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants of employees on the basis of their marital status.

What is Marital Status Discrimination?

Marital status is defined as status of being married, single, divorced, separated or widowed.

Marital status discrimination involves treating an applicant or employee differently than unmarried employees with respect to the terms, conditions and privileges of employment including hiring, discharge, promotion, compensation, discipline, layoffs, job assignments, benefits and training.

Examples of Marital Status Discrimination

• A company prefers to hire married employees believing they are more stable;
• An employer refuses to hire a single mother believing she will miss more time at work due to childcare issues than a married woman.

Exceptions To The Law

The Wisconsin Fair Employment Act specifically exempts nepotism policies, meaning an employer can prohibit a person from supervising or being supervised by their spouse.

The cases interpreting the law explain that it is the status of being married, single, divorced or widowed that is protected. The particular identity of a person's spouse is not protected.

Be Vigilant for Retaliation

At Carroll Law Firm. SC, we believe it is always best practice to contact us immediately if you believe you are the victim of marital status discrimination in employment because knowing your employment rights is critical to protecting yourself and your career.

However, if you exercise your right to complain about marital status discrimination or report discriminatory treatment before contacting an attorney, be vigilant for retaliation.

Your employer may not retaliate against you for reporting, opposing or complaining about discrimination in the workplace. Retaliation can include but is not limited to enforcing rules more strictly, judging performance more critically and altering terms, conditions or privileges of employment such as working hours, wages, work assignments, etc.