Going to mediation before court is usually the better choice in a divorce or custody dispute, even though many people immediately picture a dramatic courtroom battle. If you are wondering, “Is it better to go to mediation before court?”, the answer from family law experts is almost always a resounding yes. Choosing mediation over litigation…
Resources
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 Much Does Divorce Mediation Cost in Wisconsin?
The cost of divorce mediation depends on the legal path you choose, and the right choice can save you thousands of dollars. One of the most common questions separating couples ask is, “How much does mediation usually cost, and who pays for it?” This article will break down the true costs of both county-mandated and…
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Do People Have to Attend Family Dispute Mediation, or Can They Skip It and Go Straight to Court?
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…
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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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How to Become a Guardian ad Litem in Wisconsin: Qualifications & Requirements
Wisconsin attorneys must meet specific licensing, education, and training requirements to serve as guardians ad litem (GALs). The requirements vary depending on the type of case and whether the GAL is appointed in a matter involving a minor or an adult. Here is what attorneys need to know about becoming eligible for guardian ad litem…
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Can You Sue for Adultery in Wisconsin?
Can You Sue for Adultery in Wisconsin? No, you cannot sue for adultery in Wisconsin. You generally cannot file a civil lawsuit against your spouse or the person they had an affair with simply because of the adultery. Wisconsin no longer recognizes “alienation of affection” claims, which historically allowed a spouse to sue a third…
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Can My Lawyer Drop My Case If I Don’t Pay?
TL;DR: A Wisconsin lawyer may seek to withdraw from your case if you fail to pay agreed-upon attorney fees. Your lawyer generally cannot simply stop representing you without reasonable warning and, when required, court permission. A judge may require your lawyer to continue representing you, particularly depending on the timing and circumstances of the case….
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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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Is Wisconsin a 50/50 state for divorce?
Is Wisconsin a 50/50 State for Divorce? One of the most common questions people ask when considering divorce is whether Wisconsin is a 50/50 divorce state. The short answer is yes, but that doesn’t mean every divorce ends with each spouse receiving exactly half of every asset. Wisconsin has been a marital property state since…
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Wisconsin Birth Certificate Laws: Does a Birth Certificate Establish Paternity in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin birth certificate laws can raise several questions for unmarried parents, especially when it comes to establishing paternity, signing the appropriate forms, choosing the child’s last name, and adding the father’s name to the birth certificate. Although these issues are related, each one has a different legal meaning. Adding a name to a birth record…
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Wisconsin Paternity Laws: Your Rights and the Process
Are you facing allegations of being a father to a child? Whether you’re disputing or agreeing with the claim, understanding your rights is crucial. If you’re a mother aiming to establish paternity or a father contesting parentage, this guide will navigate you through the paternity process. In Milwaukee, having the right information and legal support…
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Who Pays the QDRO Fees in a Divorce?
Who pays QDRO fees depends entirely on what the spouses agree to in their divorce settlement or what a judge orders in the decree, as there is no automatic default rule under federal law. Most commonly, divorcing parties split the preparation and drafting fees 50/50, though one spouse may cover the full amount as part…
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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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When is Curfew for Children in Wisconsin
Many parents think of a curfew as a household rule, requiring children to be home by a certain time and to send a text if plans change. However, in some Wisconsin communities, staying out too late can lead to a citation for the child and sometimes even the parent. Is There a Statewide Curfew for…
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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…