Divorce Attorneys in Milwaukee, WI

1433 N. Water St., Suite 428
Milwaukee, WI 53202

(414) 485-0191
Milwaukee Divorce Lawyers, Karp, Iancu & Dodd
We've helped thousands of Milwaukeeans successfully navigate divorce

With Karp & Iancu on your side, divorce doesn’t have to be devastating or complicated. What drives us is the fair, honest & compassionate representation our clients need during a divorce. The result is 10,000+ Wisconsin cases represented and a growing stack of awards.

Milwaukee County divorce representation you deserve

Going through a divorce can be complicated, but an experienced Milwaukee divorce lawyer can ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Whether you are in the early stages of considering a divorce and have questions, or you are prepared to file for divorce and need legal assistance, one of our experienced Milwaukee divorce attorneys can help. We serve clients in a wide range of divorce matters, and we can speak with you today about your case.

Types of Divorce Issues We Handle in Milwaukee

At Karp & Iancu, S.C., our Milwaukee divorce lawyers represent clients in many different types of legal issues under Wisconsin law that can arise during a divorce or after a divorce has been finalized. We know how critical it is to have experienced counsel on your side, and our firm is here to assist you. The following are common types of divorce legal matters that we handle:

Our divorce lawyers in Milwaukee know that it is essential to tailor a divorce strategy to the needs of a particular case. While families and married couples often face many of the same types of legal issues when they are going through a divorce, it is important to focus on the particular facts of the marriage and family circumstances, as well.

Eligibility for a Milwaukee Divorce

What are the requirements to be eligible to file for a divorce in Milwaukee and to have the divorce granted? Wisconsin law requires that one of the spouses must have been a resident of Wisconsin for six months or longer prior to filing the petition for divorce. In addition, one of the spouses must have been a resident of the county where the petition for divorce is filed for at least 30 days prior to the date of filing.

Beyond the timing and residency requirements, it is also important to know that Wisconsin is a no-fault state for divorce purposes. What this means is that neither party will plead grounds for divorce when seeking to end the marriage. Instead, as a no-fault divorce state, the court only must find that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” When the spouses live separate and apart for at least one year, there is a presumption that the marriage is irretrievably broken and that the divorce can be granted.

Contested Versus Uncontested Divorce in Milwaukee

Divorces in Wisconsin, as in other states, can be either uncontested or contested divorces. An uncontested divorce is a case in which the spouses have been able to reach an agreement about all matters pertaining to the dissolution of their marriage. For all married couples, this means an agreement about property division, spousal maintenance or alimony, and related matters. When there are minor children from the marriage, an uncontested divorce must also include an agreement about child custody, child support and child relocation. A contested divorce is one in which the parties have failed to reach an agreement on one or more issues, and the judge must decide.

While some states allow uncontested divorces to be granted on a faster timeline than contested divorces, the law does not have a fast-track option for uncontested divorces. However, an uncontested divorce can still occur more quickly and cost-efficiently since the parties can file a joint petition for divorce. To better understand what would be best for you, contact our experienced Milwaukee divorce lawyers today.

Milwaukee Property Division and Community Property

In every Milwaukee divorce, property must be divided between the spouses. Wisconsin is one of only nine “community property” states in the country. The remaining states are known as “equitable distribution” states. What is the difference? Generally speaking, in community property states, all assets and debts from the marriage, known as community property, are divided equally between the spouses in a divorce, while equitable distribution states require that all marital property be divided in a fair or equitable manner between the parties based on their particular circumstances.

Generally speaking, anyone who is getting divorced in Milwaukee should anticipate that all assets and debts acquired after the date of the marriage will be classified as community property and will be divided equally between the parties. There are some exceptions. Assets acquired through a third-party gift during the marriage, or through an inheritance, will typically be considered the separate property of the spouse and will not be divided.

Depending upon the specific facts of the case, however, a Wisconsin court can decide to divide community property in a manner that is not equal if there are circumstances that necessitate an unequal division. In some cases, even a third-party gift or inheritance may be subject to division if the party seeking to have that asset divided can prove that a hardship would exist if the property is not divided. Because there are a lot of things that can determine how property is divided, it is important to speak with a Milwaukee divorce lawyer to understand your rights and protect your assets.

Child Custody and Support in Milwaukee

When there are minor children from a marriage, a divorce case must also involve child custody and child support determinations. Child custody includes both custody and physical placement of the child, which must be decided based on the “best interests of the child” according to Wisconsin law. Child support is determined by an existing formula based on income and the number of children requiring support. Basic support costs under Wisconsin law include “food, shelter, clothing, transportation, personal care, and incidental recreational costs.”

When you partner with a divorce attorney at Karp & Iancu, you get:

1.

Partnership

A strategic partner focused on results

2.

Communication

Fast, insightful & transparent communication

3.

Representation

Complete, fair & empathetic representation

Meet our downtown Milwaukee-based divorce attorneys

Here’s What Past Clients Are Saying About Us

J
Jonathan – in Milwaukee

“David and Daniel handled the whole divorce settlement with professionalism, explained the whole process and they really aim to protect the client. I got everything I wanted and the paperwork/payment system was faultless. I would 100% recommend this company if your going through a divorce.”

J
Julia – in Milwaukee

“After taking over my paternity which was being horribly mismanaged, David and his team brought successful conclusion to the custody dispute and financial settlement within 120 days. David was very proactive and had a well thought out plan for getting the case settled. He provided very practical advice to ensure that I wasn’t being penny wise and pound foolish in reacting to my ex’s continued entitled demands. David’s understanding of the legal environment surrounding the agreement was very beneficial and much needed in my case. My only regret was not being referred to him sooner…”

C
C. N. – in Milwaukee

At the time, I was scared and confused and needed someone to look out for me. I always knew where we were in the process and what was coming next. Thanks to her I was never surprised or caught off guard by any unforeseen development. Lisa is professional, thorough and tough while also being patient and sympathetic. I was very pleased with the outcome of my case. I recommend Lisa to everyone who ends up in a similar situation to mine.

<
>
Karp & Iancu Downtown Milwaukee Office
About Our Downtown Milwaukee Law Firm.

Located between the lower east side and downtown Milwaukee, you’ll find our downtown Milwaukee on S Water St. Close to Brewers Hill and Fiserv Forum. Just across the street from the MSOE soccer field.

Our firm’s guiding principle is to empathize with our clients while achieving their most desirable courtroom outcomes.

Experts in Milwaukee County divorce law

Wisconsin's family court system is complex and inefficient; that's why we've spent over 30 years developing ways to make it easier on you. Karp & Iancu's attorneys in Milwaukee specialize in all facets of divorce and family law, including:

Property & Assets

When you’re facing a division of marital property, it can be tough to ensure you’ll get a fair share of the assets. We’ll work with you to determine what is and is not part of the marital estate and will help you claim what is rightfully yours.

More about assets

Child Custody & Visitation

Learn whether sole custody or joint custody is best for your children and find a visitation schedule that will work for your family.

More about child custody

Child Support

When you’re a parent going through a divorce, your first concern is likely your children. Our lawyers are experts in guiding clients through the options available. We understand your top priority is making sure your children are taken care of.

More about child support

Divorce

Divorce is difficult & exhausting, but it's not devastating or complicated with the right attorneys on your side.

Our Approach to Divorce

Family Law

Explore all of our divorce packages; each is designed to address your specific legal needs.

Read More About Family Law

Alimony & Maintenance

Marriage isn’t always equal—and neither is divorce. You may have made unequal caretaking or financial contributions to the family. We will help you fight to make sure those contributions are acknowledged and compensated.

More about alimony

Paternity

Whether paternity is established by acknowledgement or only after genetic tests, we are here to help you through the process from start to finish.

More about paternity

Legal Separation

An alternative to divorce that still allows you to define your rights to your children and finances while claiming your independence.

More about legal separation

Military Divorce

We've been helping clients navigate the complex Wisconsin military divorce laws for decades.

More about military divorce

Contact Our Milwaukee Divorce Lawyers

You deserve to have a dedicated and experienced advocate on your side throughout your divorce case to ensure that your voice is heard and that your rights are protected. Whether you have questions about divorce in Milwaukee or need representation in your divorce, one of our experienced Milwaukee divorce attorneys can speak with you today. Contact Karp & Iancu, S.C. to learn more about the divorce services we provide to clients in Milwaukee.

FAQs About Our Downtown Milwaukee Location

How do I get to Karp & Iancu's Downtown Milwaukee Office?

You’ll find our downtown Milwaukee office across the river from Schlitz Park about a 5 minute drive from Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.

Karp & Iancu downtown Milwaukee can be easily accessed through public transportation using the bus stop located on the corner of Water St & Cherry St.
> Open directions in Google Maps

When I get there, where do I park?

Parking is easy. Find street parking up and down Water Street.

Contact Our Milwaukee Divorce Lawyers

You deserve to have a dedicated and experienced advocate on your side throughout your divorce case to ensure that your voice is heard and that your rights are protected. Whether you have questions about divorce in Milwaukee or need representation in your divorce, one of our experienced Milwaukee divorce attorneys can speak with you today. Contact Karp & Iancu, S.C. to learn more about the divorce services we provide to clients in Milwaukee.