How long does it take to get a divorce in Wisconsin?
The exact length of the divorce is different for every couple. There is a required 120 day waiting period in Wisconsin before the divorce is granted. In general, a divorce usually takes six months to a year to be finalized.
What do I do if I want a divorce?
A petition must be filed in the county of residency. After, the spouse is served with divorce papers. If you want a divorce from your spouse, it’s best to consult with an attorney to determine what option is right for your situation, what the next step is, and what documentation is needed to finalize the divorce.
Is everything I tell my lawyer during a divorce on the record?
This is one of the most common myths about divorce: that the spouse is going to know about your visits and the information you give during your meeting with your lawyer. The truth is that all of your visits to your lawyer—and everything you say at the meetings—is confidential. Everything said is between you and your lawyer.
Can I get an annulment instead of a divorce?
An annulment is a decree that makes it seem like there never was a marriage, whereas a divorce is a legal end to a marriage. To be granted an annulment, the couple must have solid legal standing to ask for an annulment, such as fraud, incapability to consent (impairment, etc.), underage, coercion, bigamy, impotence, incense, etc. (More information about the difference between an annulment and a divorce can be found here, but the best way to find out if your marriage can be annulled is to contact a lawyer.)
Do I have to go to court for my divorce?
Typically, there are court appearances required during a divorce. However, the amount of time needed varies depending on whether you choose mediation, a collaborative divorce, or a litigated divorce.
What are my divorce options?
You don’t have to have a highly-contested divorce like you commonly see on TV. There are other options for divorce in Wisconsin, including mediation, collaborative divorce, or litigation. (More information on divorce options here. Contact a local lawyer to discuss and decide which option for divorce is right for your situation.)
During mediation, the couple meets with the mediator to come to a mutual agreement in all important areas, such as finances and property. For the process to work, the couple needs to be able to agree without a significant amount of dispute (which may mean this is not right for all couples).
When a collaborative divorce is chosen, each spouse hires a lawyer to represent them. The lawyers and spouses set the meetings to discuss important areas, and may bring in experts to resolve issues (such as an accountant or child custody specialist). In a collaborative divorce, there is some time spent in a courtroom but that time is minimal because major issues have been decided.
The third option for divorce in Wisconsin involves more court dates, and is the typical process for a couple who cannot decide on key issues. A divorce cannot be finalized until all key issues (i.e. financial, child custody, etc.) are resolved.