Making the decision that your marriage is over and that divorce is your best option is difficult for everyone. Generally, people don’t think to plan for divorce as they would for any number of other major life events. Planning for divorce could make the divorce process much easier for you, cut down on how much […]
There are many benefits to filing jointly for divorce, but there are also some potential pitfalls to be aware of, as you move through the process. A divorce can be filed as a contested matter, with one party as the Petitioner and one as the Respondent. A divorce can also be filed as an uncontested […]
Wisconsin military divorce benefits are often the single most valuable asset when a couple separates. It is extremely important to understand and properly allocate the military retired pay. Depending on the servicemember’s length of service and other factors, the value of military retired pay may be well over $100,000. In order to divide this benefit, it must […]
If you are in the midst of a court action regarding Wisconsin divorce, paternity, legal custody, physical placement and/or child support, you may already have experience working with a guardian ad litem (GAL). Many people have probably heard of guardians ad litem but aren’t sure what they do. Although their names sound similar, it is important […]
The differences between Wisconsin divorce and legal separation can be subtle and sometimes hard to figure out. Both require filing similar paperwork with the court, notice to the other party, and a 120-day waiting period. At the end of the process, you receive a court order that outlines custody and placement of minor children, support, and property division. […]
I am often asked by potential clients if both spouses can be represented by the same Wisconsin divorce lawyer. The answer is no. It is a conflict of interest. A Wisconsin divorce lawyer’s ethical rules prohibit representing two parties in the same action who have adverse interests. My duty to you, as the client, is to zealously advocate only your […]
Wisconsin divorce tax laws can have a serious effect on a spouse’s financial situation. Careful tax planning must occur before the divorce is granted. Following are some issues that I consider with all my clients: 1. Couples usually file married jointly during a marriage. However, after the separation, former spouses must file as either single […]
The Court of Appeals recently made a notable decision regarding Wisconsin maintenance in Brin v. Brin. In this case, after divorce, the husband had paid maintenance (otherwise known as alimony) for 20+ years, into his 80’s. He then asked the judge to terminate the maintenance to his ex-wife. The judge reduced his payments to $0, and […]
The cost of a Dane County divorce is difficult to predict. I have settled some Dane County divorce cases in four months. I have been involved with others for over six years. The cost ultimately depends on the difficulty of the issues, the personalities involved, and the lawyers’ working style. I believe that the cooperation (or lack of it) between […]
Locating Wisconsin divorce assets is not usually as difficult as you may have heard. Both spouses must make a full financial disclosure. All assets, debts, income, and expense must be disclosed on the designated form. These statements often form the basis for a judge’s decision on support and property division. Therefore, they must be completed carefully. It is […]
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