If a judgment in an action for divorce or legal separation denies the divorce or legal separation, the court may make such order as the nature of the case renders just and reasonable for the legal custody of and periods of physical placement with any of the minor children, and for the maintenance of either spouse and support of the children by either spouse out of property or income. If the court orders child support under this section, the court shall determine the child support payments in a manner consistent with s. 767.511, regardless of the fact that a judgment of divorce or legal separation has not been entered.
Wis. Stat. § 767.385