Ending your marriage is an emotional decision, and it can be hard to process to reflect on the legal process. Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state, and you don’t need to wash dirty linen in public to get divorced. Regardless of the situation, consider seeking legal counsel. Reputed law firms in the state, such as Karp & Iancu, S.C., offer low-cost consultations, and you can meet one of their top lawyers to discuss your case. Here are some key details worth knowing about the legal aspects of divorces.
- How much does it cost to get divorced in Wisconsin? There is no one answer to that. If you don’t have as many issues or disputes with your spouse, you may find an attorney who will take the case for a flat fee. Most lawyers charge an hourly rate, and you can ask for an estimate.
- How long will the divorce process take? There is a 120-day waiting period in Wisconsin, which is the minimum time you would need to get a divorce. However, if the divorce involves issues like child custody, considerable marital assets, and alimony, the process can take longer, often as long as a year or more.
- What’s the difference between divorce and legal separation? While the process is quite identical, a legal separation doesn’t end the marriage. If you get legally separated, you can buy assets in your name and enter into individual contracts, but you cannot still remarry without getting divorced.
- What if your spouse doesn’t want a divorce? Since Wisconsin is a no-fault state, it doesn’t really matter whether your spouse agrees to your decision to get divorced. The court can grant the divorce even if one spouse doesn’t want to continue with the marriage.
- Do you need to be a resident to file for divorce in Wisconsin? Yes. Like other states, Wisconsin also has residency requirements. Either or both spouses must have lived in the state for a minimum of six months, and there are also county-wise requirements. Check with an attorney to know more.
- What if your spouse has an affair? Again, this doesn’t matter for the divorce. However, the court will consider this for aspects like physical custody of the child. Also, if your spouse has been setting money aside from marital accounts because of the affair, you could use that information during the divorce.
If you have questions pertaining to your divorce, talk to an experienced lawyer and deliberate on each point in detail.
