how much does a divorce attorney cost in milwaukee wi

by Teagan Bradtke 4 min read

Many family law attorneys in Milwaukee bill on an hourly basis. The average hourly rate for divorce lawyers in Wisconsin is between $175 and $250, but some attorneys may charge up to $650 an hour for difficult cases. It’s possible you can pay a flat fee for certain services, such as reviewing documents in an uncontested divorce.

On average, Wisconsin divorce lawyers charge between $220 and $250 per hour. Average total costs for Wisconsin divorce lawyers are $9,200 to $10,600 but are much lower in cases with no contested issues.16 Sept 2020

Full Answer

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin. The average cost of a divorce in Wisconsin is $11,300, including filing and attorney fees. If the parties have minor children together, the cost can increase to $17,000-$30,000 depending on child placement, child support, alimony, and property division disputes. Families with high incomes or undergoing business asset division may even exceed $100,000 in costs.

Who are the best divorce lawyers in Milwaukee WI?

Mar 26, 2020 · Many family law attorneys in Milwaukee bill on an hourly basis. The average hourly rate for divorce lawyers in Wisconsin is between $175 and $250, but some attorneys may charge up to $650 an hour...

How do I get a divorce in Milwaukee Wisconsin?

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Wisconsin? The average cost of a divorce in Wisconsin in 2021 is $9,900 which includes attorney and filing fees. Costs can decrease if uncontested or increase up to $25,000 if contested. Divorce involving children, spousal support disputes, or property and assets increases costs.

How long does it take to get a divorce in Wisconsin?

Sep 16, 2020 · Average total costs for Wisconsin divorce lawyers are $9,200 to $10,600 but are much lower in cases with no contested issues. Getting divorced usually involves a lot of stress. Concerns about your children and family home are usually at the top of the list, but the expense of divorce can be a big worry too.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Milwaukee WI?

Wisconsin divorce filing fees vary by county, but the cost of filing for divorce is typically around $200. For example, the Milwaukee County divorce filing fee ranges from $188 to $198 depending on the type of action.

What is the average cost of a divorce in Wisconsin?

The average cost of a divorce in Wisconsin in 2021 is $9,900 which includes attorney and filing fees. Costs can decrease if uncontested or increase up to $25,000 if contested. Divorce involving children, spousal support disputes, or property and assets increases costs.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Wisconsin?

a 120-dayHow long do you have to be separated before divorce in Wisconsin? Wisconsin has a 120-day waiting period until a legal separation or a divorce is granted by the court. Parties can reconcile at any point during this waiting period.

How do I get a free divorce in Wisconsin?

If a plaintiff cannot afford to pay a court filing fee, which is about $175-190 in Wisconsin, they may request a waiver by completing and submitting a Petition for Waiver of Fees and Costs - Affidavit of Indigency to the court.

What is the cheapest way to get a divorce in Wisconsin?

The quickest and least-expensive route to uncontested divorce in Wisconsin is to reach a comprehensive agreement with your spouse before you file a joint divorce petition.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that the only requirement for filing for a divorce is that the spouses consider the marriage to be “irretrievably broken” with no hopes of reconciliation. It also means that it does not matter who files for the divorce first, as there is no real advantage to filing first.

Is Wi A 50/50 divorce state?

Wisconsin is one of the nine community property states in the country which means that marital property is subject to a 50/50 split in a divorce, with the exception of separate property such as property owned prior to the marriage, inheritance, or gifts given to one party.28 Oct 2019

What are grounds for legal separation?

The grounds for legal separation may have arisen after the marriage, and may be filed on the following grounds: (1) repeated physical violence or grossly abusive conduct directed against the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner; (2) physical violence or moral pressure to compel the petitioner to ...

Who gets the house in a divorce in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is a community property state meaning all property acquired during the marriage, including the house, is divided equally during a divorce. If you don't sell or co-own the home, a spouse can keep it if they negotiate a buyout, give up other assets, or take the house instead of alimony.

Can we divorce without going to court?

It is possible to get divorced without going to court, as long as your partner agrees to the divorce and the reasons why. However, it is still possible that you will need to go to court to decide what happens to money, property and children.26 Apr 2018

What documents do I need for divorce in Wisconsin?

To finalize the divorce, both parties have to document and agree to the outcomes of the divorce then sign the final agreement.Financial Disclosure Statement.Proposed Parenting Plan.Marital Settlement Agreement.Proposed Marital Settlement Order.Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment.

Can you date while separated in Wisconsin?

Can You Date While Separated in Wisconsin? Wisconsin doesn't restrict dating during separation, divorce, or even marriage. However, who you choose to date could impact child custody/placement decisions–especially if you choose to live with them.

How much does a Wisconsin divorce cost?

The average divorce cost in Wisconsin is $11,300, including filing and attorney fees. In reality, actual divorce prices vary depending on a variety...

How much does it cost to file for a divorce in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin divorce filing fees vary by county, but the cost of filing for divorce is typically around $200. For example, the Milwaukee County divorc...

How long does it take to get a divorce in Wisconsin?

The amount of time a divorce takes depends on the type of divorce and the number of contested issues between spouses. The average time it takes to...

How much does a mutual divorce cost in Wisconsin?

A mutual divorce or uncontested divorce is when both parties agree on all terms before entering the courtroom, and it is the quickest and easiest f...

Can you get a divorce without a lawyer in Wisconsin?

A “pro se divorce” which literally means “divorce for oneself” is when a person represents themselves in lieu of a lawyer. A pro se divorce is poss...

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Wisconsin?

Filing for divorce first has no real benefit in most cases according to attorneys, but occasionally can make a difference. Spouses who plan in adva...

How do I start a divorce proceeding in Wisconsin?

To start a divorce proceeding in Wisconsin, you must be a resident of the state of Wisconsin for at least 6 months. You also have to be a resident...

How much does it cost to serve divorce papers?

Depending on whether you have a private process server or the local police department serve the papers, you could expect to pay anywhere from $50-$...

What happens after divorce papers are filed?

Once divorce papers are filed, there is a 120 day waiting period until the divorce can be finalized. During that time, you may request a temporary...

How do I get a divorce in Wisconsin?

First, decide if you and your spouse want to file jointly or separately. If you file separately, you must serve your spouse divorce papers within 9...

How much does a simple divorce cost?

A simple divorce, or an uncontested divorce, is when you and your spouse agree on the issues raised by the divorce. The average cost of an uncontes...

Is Wisconsin a no-fault divorce state?

Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state. Only one spouse must believe that the marriage is irretrievably broken for the divorce to move forward.

How long does divorce take in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has a mandatory 120-day waiting period to finalize a divorce. However, a typical divorce can take 6-12 months to finalize or longer if th...

How much does it cost to modify a divorce decree?

Modifications usually cost at least $1,000. In order to get a modification, you will have to prove that circumstances have changed.

How much does a divorce mediator cost?

Hiring a divorce mediator can cost anywhere from $800-$3,500. Costs will vary depending on whether you mediator charges a flat rate or hourly rate,...

How to get sole custody in Wisconsin?

If you want sole custody of your child, you must present compelling evidence to the court. One parent may be awarded sole custody if the relationsh...

How are child support payments calculated?

Child support in Wisconsin is calculated based on parental income, the amount of time a child spends with each parent, and whether a parent is supp...

Can child support be modified?

Child support can be modified if both parents agree to a new payment amount and file a Stipulation and Order to Amend Judgement form with the offic...

How much does a divorce attorney charge in Milwaukee?

The average hourly rate for divorce lawyers in Wisconsin is between $175 and $250, but some attorneys may charge up to $650 an hour for difficult cases. It’s possible you can pay a flat fee for certain services, such as reviewing documents in an uncontested divorce.

What are the issues that arise in divorce?

Divorce disputes are more likely to arise when it comes to issues such as alimony, child custody and division of property. Divorces fall into two categories, based on whether the parties agree to divorce settlement terms. In an uncontested divorce, the divorcing spouses agree on the terms of the divorce.

How many divorces are there in Milwaukee County?

The most recent information from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services shows that around 2,180 divorces occur in Milwaukee County each year.

How much does a divorce cost?

A contested divorce case can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000 or more .

Is Wisconsin a no fault divorce state?

Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state, and the only basis for divorce in Milwaukee is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. A judge typically grants a divorce as long as one party testifies the marriage meets this standard and there is no likely possibility of reconciliation.

What is an uncontested divorce?

An uncontested divorce is one where both parties agree on all aspects of the divorce. You have worked out an agreement that is acceptable to both parties and are prepared to move forward with those decisions. Uncontested divorces are often more affordable and end up being a much quicker process because there is no need to collect evidence, consult experts, or prepare any kind of testimony regarding disputed issues.

How much does divorce cost in Wisconsin in 2021?

The average cost of a divorce in Wisconsin in 2021 is $9,900 which includes attorney and filing fees. Costs can decrease if uncontested or increase up to $25,000 if contested. Divorce involving children, spousal support disputes, or property and assets increases costs. Divorce mediation in Wisconsin is the most affordable starting ...

What is spousal support?

Spousal support, commonly referred to as alimony, is an issue that frequently comes up in divorce proceedings. This is court-ordered financial support, from one party to another, in order to maintain the lifestyle that both spouses had during their marriage.

What is mediation in court?

Mediation means that a neutral mediator would conduct supervised negotiations between the spouses in order to move them closer to settlement. Many cases (about 75 percent[1] if the mediation is voluntary) settle at this point.

What is contested divorce in Wisconsin?

Overview of Contested Divorces in Wisconsin. A contested divorce means that the parties have issues that they cannot come to an agreement on. Contested divorce cases begin with a temporary hearing. At this hearing, the judge makes some preliminary orders concerning child custody, child support, and property preservation.

Why is divorce so expensive?

If the case is highly contested, with many disagreements on several issues , it could result in a higher charge for your divorce case.

How long does it take to get divorced in Wisconsin?

However, most divorces are finalized between six months and one year, depending on the county they are filed in and the issues surrounding the divorce.

The Cost of a Divorce Lawyer in Wisconsin

Our survey confirmed that more than two-thirds of readers hired a divorce lawyer to help them through the process.

How Disputes and Trial Affect the Cost of Divorce in Wisconsin

Not surprisingly, couples who are splitting up often clash over important issues in their divorce, particularly:

Cost of Filing for Divorce and Other Expenses

Whether you hire a divorce lawyer or go through the process on your own, you will have other costs, including the Wisconsin Circuit Court filing fees. Depending on the issues involved in your case, you might also have to pay for private or court-ordered mediation and a custody study.

More Information and Resources on Wisconsin Divorce

Follow the links below for more useful information about divorce in Wisconsin:

What does "no contest" mean in divorce?

No contest means that the spouses are able to iron out their differences before they go to the court. Besides, an uncontested divorce is the easiest way to get a divorce in Milwaukee County because a divorce case does not go to trial and does not take longer time.

How long do you have to serve your spouse with a divorce?

If you filed for divorce alone, you have 90 days to serve your spouse with the papers. You need to assemble the copies of the documents that you filed with the court (the summons, petition for divorce, confidential petition addendum, and proposed parenting plan) and find a way to serve them on your spouse.

How long does it take to get divorced in Milwaukee County?

On average the divorce process in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin takes 4-6 months.

How long does it take to get divorced?

At the time of the filing for divorce, you will have to pay a filing fee or enclose a Waiver of Fees and Court Costs with the court clerk. Note that the 120-day waiting period starts when the divorce paperwork is filed. After the 120-day waiting period, your divorce can be finalized. 5.

How many counties are there in Wisconsin for divorce?

Although Wisconsin State Law provides a basic structure for divorce, it can differ somewhat for each of the state’s 72 counties. That is why couples on the brink of a divorce appreciate some help with the intricacies of family law in Milwaukee County.

What is mediation in divorce?

Mediation is the involvement of a third party to help the spouses reach an agreement on major divorce-related matters. Mediation helps couples amicably iron out their difficulties prior to court hearings.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, filing fees range from about $175 to $188. However, keep in mind that there is a filing fee for each document and receipt you need to file after the initial filing for divorce. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fees, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver and file it together with your paperwork.

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What is the most important factor in divorce?

Because aside from an effective lawyer, the single most important factor that will determine your divorce costs is YOU. The more you listen to and cooperate with your lawyer, the faster you will get to the finish line while preserving your bottom line.

How much does it cost to publish a petition for divorce?

Publication can cost between $200 and $300 in addition to the foregoing service costs.

What does it mean when a court is an inadvertent roadblock?

This means that sometimes the court is an inadvertent roadblock to a quick and cost-effective resolution of your case. Third-party witnesses and service providers: Sometimes your lawyer employs experts to help with your case.

Is it safe to represent yourself in a divorce?

Potential Risks of a Pro Se Divorce. You have the right to represent yourself in a divorce matter, but there are risks to having yourself as a client. First, you will be held to the same standard as attorneys when it comes to knowledge of the law, courtroom procedure, and ethics.

Do you have to serve a divorce petition on your spouse?

If you and your spouse file a Joint Petition for divorce, it does not have to be “served” on anyone and there are no services costs involved. But if only one of you files for divorce, the Petition will have to be served on the other party.

Is an opposing attorney better than another?

The Opposing Attorney: Some attorneys are better than others. When your spouse has chosen someone who is unresponsive, unavailable, or otherwise difficult to work with, it can slow-down the process and make it more difficult—and expensive. The Court and/or Court Schedule: Family courts are notoriously busy.

Can you pick up divorce papers from your lawyer?

If the other party is cooperative, they can agree to pick-up the divorce papers from your lawyer’s office or consent to receive them via mail. Then all they must do is sign a receipt. This does not mean they agree with the divorce—merely that they received the Petition.