Yes, but it is not guaranteed in a Wisconsin divorce. Wisconsin law allows a judge to order one spouse to assist in paying the other’s attorney’s fees in family cases (divorce, child support, paternity, etc.). This usually happens in one of three instances: (1) when one spouse has access to greater assets or income than the other; (2) […]
According to Wisconsin rules, a parent earning more than $84,000 pays 20-40% reduced child support. Payers in what would probably be considered the middle class pay the full calculation. Does this make public policy sense? Is the obligation to support a child somehow different for wealthy parents? Under this system, the child of a high-earning parent is deprived of income that he/she could […]
Pets are treated as property in Wisconsin divorce cases. However, research continues to demonstrate that at least some animals have more complex emotions and intelligence. A recent study found that dogs may have emotions similar to humans http://news.yahoo.com/scans-reveal-striking-similarity-between-human-canine-minds-162147298.html. As a dog owner myself, this is not really surprising. However, those feelings are increasingly supported by scientific […]
I ran across this article recently, http://divorce.com/mandatory-sex/, and found the contrast between Wisconsin divorce law and French law amusing. There is no possible way this ruling could ever happen in a Wisconsin divorce. First, Wisconsin follows the “no fault” divorce rule. But perhaps most interesting to me was how one would place a value on […]
Due to the new federal health care law (the Affordable Care Act, a/k/a Obamacare), Badgercare’s income limits will change effective 1/1/14. If you or your children receive health insurance through Badgercare, you should already have received several letters regarding these changes. You can find this information at http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/em/CustomerHelp/bcpletters.htm The same is true of Wisconsin’s Health Insurance Risk-Sharing […]
A judge cannot force a parent to work, but can force a parent to look for work in order to pay Wisconsin child support. Usually, this is done by requiring the unemployed parent to submit a certain number of job applications each month, and document those applications to the judge. If the parent refuses to do […]
Wisconsin maintenance law does not set specific limits on the amount or duration of spousal support (maintenance) after divorce. The court instead applies numerous factors to a request for maintenance before making a discretionary decision. Other states set specific limits on spousal support. Texas, for example, limits support to 5 years in marriages of 10-20 […]
Divorce is one of the most stressful periods in your life. In my years of experience as a Wisconsin divorce lawyer, I’ve noticed that clients who follow the below guidelines seem to make it through the process with far less stress. 1. Hire a lawyer. The legal system can be frustrating, complicated, and confusing. An experienced Wisconsin divorce […]
As mentioned in a previous blog, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In my practice, I work with Dane County domestic violence victims not only while their case is pending, but in some instances, for many months prior. Long-term physical, emotional, verbal, or economic abuse often leaves the victim feeling fearful and damages self-esteem. Victims are routinely […]
Yes. Wisconsin law requires both spouses to disclose all assets in a Wisconsin divorce. The purpose is to give each spouse full and fair knowledge of the finances. Each spouse will complete a standard form listing checking and savings accounts, CDs, retirement, vehicles, real estate, investments, debts, etc. All assets with a value greater than $500 must […]
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