Question 1

I've been served divorce papers. Now what?

Accepted Answer

If you’ve been served divorce papers, you have two options. If you choose to ignore the papers, then your divorce will proceed by default, and your spouse will likely be granted any requests made concerning alimony, child custody, child support, asset division, etc. What you should do is find a qualified divorce attorney to advocate for your rights and take action to protect your assets.

Question 2

How do I file for divorce in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

In order to file for divorce in Wisconsin, you need to have lived in the state for at least 6 months and the county you’ll be filing in for at least 30 days. If you file alone, complete the necessary forms (online in the Wisconsin Court System) to serve your spouse with the divorce papers.

Question 3

What is a temporary order hearing?

Accepted Answer

The first court appearance in the divorce process meant to provide temporary solutions for important issues a couple can’t agree on, such as child support, child custody, child placement, alimony, asset division and any other issues. Temporary orders only last until the divorce is finalized but may become permanent if they work well for both parties.

Question 4

What happens in a divorce trial?

Accepted Answer

A judge will make decisions based on evidence presented by both parties about issues such as child custody and support, spousal maintenance, property division, etc. that the divorcing couple can’t agree on. Once the trial is over, the terms of the divorce are finalized, and both parties must adhere to them or face legal consequences.

Question 5

What is a divorce settlement agreement?

Accepted Answer

A divorce settlement agreement outlines the terms of your divorce, including child custody and support, alimony, debt and asset division and more. Both parties must agree on the terms in the settlement agreement before it’s finalized. A Divergent lawyer can help you negotiate an agreement with your spouse if your divorce is contested.

Question 6

Can you appeal a divorce settlement?

Accepted Answer

If you’re unsatisfied with a divorce decree, you can appeal with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Appealing a divorce ruling can be costly and challenging, but with a Divergent attorney's ability to detect errors in the original trial, you can succeed in appealing your divorce decree.

Question 7

How long does a divorce take in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Once you file for divorce and papers are served, there is a 120 day waiting period until the divorce hearing for finalization. A standard divorce in Wisconsin typically takes 6-12 months if there are no contested issues.

Question 8

How much does a divorce cost in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

Depending on your circumstances and whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, costs can range from $1,500 to $40,000. If you're dealing with a high-conflict divorce, don't worry. At Divergent, we charge a flat fee for our services.

Question 9

How much does divorce mediation cost?

Accepted Answer

Divorce mediation usually costs between $3,000 and $8,000, making it much cheaper than a traditional divorce. Many mediators charge a flat rate, including Divergent Family Law, which is typically around $4,000 to $5,500.

Question 10

How much does child support cost in Wisconsin?

Accepted Answer

In Wisconsin, child support payments are calculated based on the parent’s income and what percentage placement the parent has with the child (determined by days spent with each parent throughout the year).

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