When facing a contentious divorce or custody battle, many people just want to get it over with and let a judge decide. You might be wondering: Do people have to attend family dispute mediation, or can they skip it and go straight to court? The short answer is that in most cases, especially those involving…
Posts by Sterling Sky
Articles categorized by what phase of divorce you're currently experiencing:
Articles categorized by topic and areas of your life most affected by a divorce:
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How Should Someone Prepare Before Their First Mediation Session?
Divorce mediation offers a path to resolve disputes privately, collaboratively, and often much faster than traditional court proceedings. Research shows that the median cost of a divorce in the U.S. is $7,000, while a litigated contested divorce can average between $15,000 and $20,000. By contrast, mediation typically costs between $3,000 and $10,000 nationally. With so…
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Why Prenuptial Agreements Are Smart Financial Planning, Not Unromantic
When most people hear the word prenuptial agreement, they think of mistrust or control. That perspective misses the point entirely. A prenup is not about predicting failure; it is about proactive, responsible planning. We routinely buy homeowner’s insurance without hoping our houses burn down. We carry an umbrella without wishing for rain. A prenuptial agreement…
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Wisconsin No-Fault Divorce Laws
When people step into my office to discuss ending a marriage, they often carry assumptions shaped by internet searches or advice from friends in other parts of the country. Understanding the legal reality of Wisconsin divorce filing requirements helps you approach the process with clarity and realistic expectations rather than unnecessary anxiety. Are Separation Periods…
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What are the Most Common Mistakes People make Before Mediation Even Starts?
Divorce mediation offers a collaborative and cost-effective path forward, but the success of the process is often determined long before the first session begins. This article explores exactly what the most common mistakes are that people make before mediation even starts, and how these missteps can derail negotiations. Whether driven by heightened emotions, bad advice,…
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Do Most Divorce or Custody Cases Actually Settle in Mediation?
The thought of battling out a divorce in a crowded courtroom is enough to keep anyone awake at night, but the reality is that a judge rarely has the final say. In fact, over 90% of divorce cases settle out of court, frequently through mediation or negotiated agreements. If you are navigating a divorce or…
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Legal Custody vs. Physical Placement
What is Legal Custody VS. Physical Placement? When families go through a separation, one of the most confusing parts of the legal process is understanding the terminology surrounding children. People often hear the terms custody and placement used interchangeably, but in the legal world, they refer to two completely distinct concepts. Knowing the difference between…
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Maintenance After Retirement in a Wisconsin Divorce
Maintenance, often called alimony or spousal support, is money one former spouse pays the other after a divorce. Most often, those payments come from income earned at work. But no one works forever. So, what happens to maintenance when the paying spouse retires? It does not automatically end. In Wisconsin, retirement may justify reducing or…
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How to Co-Parent with a High-Conflict Ex
Ending a relationship is difficult, especially when children are involved. Many parents worry that a divorce or separation will have lasting effects on their children. In many cases, however, it isn’t the separation itself that causes the greatest challenges—it’s the conflict that continues afterward. Children generally adjust much better when parents can communicate respectfully, avoid…
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Past Due Child Support in Wisconsin
When parents separate, divorce, or otherwise raise a child in different households, one parent may be ordered to pay child support to the other. But what happens when those payments are missed or only partially paid? That unpaid amount is known as child support arrears. How Is Past-Due Child Support Tracked? Wisconsin child support payments…
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Signing Away Parental Rights in Wisconsin
The phrase “signing away parental rights” makes the process sound much simpler than it is. A parent may wish to give up their own rights to their child, or the other parent may seek to have those rights terminated, but neither can happen through a signature or private agreement alone. In Wisconsin, parental rights can…
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How Long Can You Leave a Child Unattended in Wisconsin?
Most parents eventually face the question of whether a child is ready to spend some time alone. It may be for a quick errand, time between school and work, or another situation in which constant supervision is not realistic. But how long can a child legally be left unattended in Wisconsin? Does Wisconsin Set a…
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Why People Really Get Divorced – Unhappiness, Cheating, and In-Laws
Every marriage faces challenges, but for some couples, those challenges become too difficult to overcome. While every relationship is unique, patterns emerge when you talk to people going through divorce. As family law attorneys, we hear the same themes repeatedly—unhappiness, infidelity, and interference from extended family. These are not just passing frustrations; they are often…
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Understanding The Stress of Divorce & Connection to Oral Health
Divorce is a highly stressful life event, and its emotional toll can have significant physical effects on health, particularly oral health. One such impact is bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding or jaw clenching. This occurs when individuals unknowingly grind or clench their teeth, often during sleep or times of heightened stress. Emotional stress…
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How to Navigate Divorce: A Guide to Compassionate and Effective Representation
Why Divorce is Our Bread and Butter At Karp & Iancu, S.C., divorce cases account for more than two-thirds of our caseload. These cases are often intertwined with post-judgment work, such as modifying custody arrangements or enforcing court orders. Divorce is more than just a legal process—it’s a deeply personal journey, and our firm takes…
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Law School Scholarships in Wisconsin
Scholarships for Current or Future Law Students from Wisconsin Karp & Iancu Law Firm Scholarship Karp & Iancu Law Firm, divorce lawyers in Wisconsin, is pleased to offer a scholarship for Wisconsin residents pursuing a legal education. This scholarship supports high school seniors in Wisconsin who plan to attend law school and Wisconsin residents…
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Addressing Clients’ Biggest Fears About Divorce
Divorce is life-changing, and clients often come to us with fears about the unknown. We aim to provide clarity and guidance from the first consultation to the final resolution. Our team at Karp & Iancu, S.C. understands that navigating this process can be overwhelming, but we are here to help clients feel supported and informed…
