Divorce Lawyers for Men, Fathers & Husbands in Wisconsin

Gone are the days when fathers acted stern and distant with their children. Now, men, husbands, and fathers have just as many caretaking responsibilities as their female counterparts. Our firm works hard to make sure that everyone’s rights are equally considered in every family legal situation.

Our Family Law Practice Areas:

Have You Been Served Divorce Papers?

If you were recently served divorce papers in Wisconsin, you only have 20 days to respond! Act fast and get ahead of the process by consulting with one of our experienced family law attorneys. Divergent Family Law is the best choice for Wisconsin men. Don't risk losing everything you've worked for. Our experienced attorneys know the best strategies to get equal rights for fathers in court.

Family law can be a taxing situation for anyone. We are here to help you and your family through this. If you need help protecting your rights to your children, property, or income, contact one of our attorneys for a free consultation today.

Wisconsin Divorce Mediations

When spouses agree on all major aspects of their divorce then divorce mediation is their best option. This is faster & more affordable than traditional divorce. Our certified divorce mediation attorney, Trisha Festerling, will facilitate discussions & offer neutral legal advice to both parties to come to an amicable agreement on all aspects of their divorce. Trisha performs divorce mediations at all 5 Divergent Family law locations in Milwaukee, Glendale, Brookfield, Madison & Appleton.

Contact the experienced attorneys at Divergent today.

Meeting With a Divorce Lawyer: 3 Things You Need to Discuss

Taking that leap toward starting a divorce can be a daunting and emotional experience. As you prepare to consult with an attorney, make sure you are prepared to discuss important details to your case. There are three main things that always come up in a consult:

1. Property Division and Assets

In a divorce, there will have to be a division of property owned by each party. At your initial consultation, you should have a rough idea of all the major property, assets, and debts in the marriage. Documentation plays a crucial role in divorce, so getting the documentation together on all of the assets and debts is a key move to organize yourself for your consultation.

2. Child Support, Placement, and Custody

If there are minor children that are a product of your marriage, you are going to have to come up with a child support, placement, and custody plan. In Wisconsin, child support should be expected because both parents are legally obligated to financially support their children. In divorces, placement and support tend to be the most difficult issues to resolve. It is imperative that you work with your attorney, letting them know all of the skeletons in your closet so they can work with you to deliver the best results for you. At the end of the day, each party needs to keep the children’s best interest on the forefront of their mind when discussing this topic.

3. Attorney Fee Structure and Timeline

When finding a Wisconsin family law attorney, you want to ensure that their fees and fee structure are well within your budget. A respectable attorney will be up front and forward with their costs, meaning no hidden fees. Be prepared to discuss fees with an attorney and know realistically what you can afford up front or if you need a payment plan.

An attorney can also go over a timeline as to the divorce. In Wisconsin, there is a minimum 120 day waiting period, but an experienced attorney can discuss with you the realistic timeline for a divorce.

The best thing to do is to have an attorney who understands you unique position and who is willing to fight for you. It is important you are able to trust and confide in your divorce lawyer and that you choose one who is experienced in family law.

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Divorce FAQs for Men

Who should file for divorce first?

The spouse that files for divorce typically has an advantage. If you file for divorce first, you have more time to collect information your spouse may try to hide from you when the divorce process begins.

How do you file for divorce in Wisconsin?

To file for a divorce in Wisconsin, you need to be a resident of the state of Wisconsin for at least 6 months and have lived in your current county for at least 30 days. Contact our divorce lawyers today for more information on this process.

Do both parties have to sign divorce papers?

In Wisconsin, the marriage needs to be deemed broken for divorce to take place. Nothing can be legally done to stop a divorce if the filing spouse wants to proceed. Needing two signatures for divorce varies case by case.

If I am served divorce papers do I have to sign them?

There are two options when served with divorce papers. You can either write a response and counterclaim within 20 days after being served, or ignore the papers all together and the divorce will continue by default.

How long do I have to respond to divorce papers?

You must respond to the divorce papers you have received within 20 days. This response and counterclaim needs to be filed with the court and a copy sent to your spouse and their attorney. Get ahead by hiring your own attorney at Divergent Family Law.

How long does a divorce take in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, there is a 120 day waiting period before the divorce can be completely finalized. Typically, most divorces will take six months to a year before becoming final, though this can change if any issues are encountered. Try Divergent's divorce mediation services to work through your divorce quicker.

Who gets child custody after divorce?

In Wisconsin, if the parents are not married, the mother normally gets custody. Contact our family lawyers today to learn how you can get custody in your divorce.

What do judges look for in child custody cases?

Wisconsin judges will look at the relationship the child has with each parent, the age of the child and any developmental needs they have. Plus, physical and mental health of everyone involved is also assessed. These factors will ensure a stable environment for when the child is placed.

What happens at a child support hearing?

At a child support hearing, a judge will give both parents a chance to plead their case. If it is an initial child support order hearing, the maternity and paternity of the child may need to be proved.

How can a father get full custody?

A father can get full custody if the other parent is proven unfit to take care of the child. When a parent is deemed unfit, they typically pose a threat to the child's safety or mental health.