how much is a divorce attorney in madison wi

by Lisandro Rice 9 min read

Our Madison divorce lawyers charge $390.00 for simple uncontested divorces without minor children of the marriage and $490.00 with minor children. This does not include an additional filing fee that each county charges to file your case.

Depending on your circumstances and whether the divorce is uncontested or contested, costs can range from $1,500 to $40,000. If you're dealing with a high-conflict divorce, don't worry. At Divergent, we charge a flat fee for our services.

Full Answer

Which is the best divorce attorney in Madison WI?

Convenient offices in Madison and Bariboo. How much will my divorce cost? A very simple divorce, with all issues easily agreed, could be less than $2,000. Divorces involving limited disputes, with perhaps 1-2 shorter court hearings, could be between $3,500 and $7,000. The more serious and complex the issues, the greater the cost.

How much does a divorce cost in Wisconsin 2021?

Apr 11, 2022 · The firm's lawyer, John T. Fields, has more than 35 years of legal experience. He has an extensive background in handling high-stakes cases and divorce litigation. Click To Call. 2810 Crossroads Drive. Madison, WI 53718. Website Facebook. Leave Feedback. Show Number.

How much does a full-scope divorce lawyer cost 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.

How much does a family lawyer cost in Wisconsin?

DAVID KOWALSKI - KOWALSKI FAMILY LAW LLC. 725 Heartland Trail, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53717 DIRECTIONS. CALL EMAIL. Since 2007. Here’s The Deal: David Kowalski has been in divorce law practice for over 13 years. David started Kowalski Family Law specifically to combine his experience in the quality and resources of large firms with personal ...

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What is the average cost of a divorce 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.

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.

How long does a divorce take in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin imposes a 120-day waiting period before your divorce cannot be finalized. Most divorces take between six months and a year to finalize, although it might take longer if there are contested issues.

How much is a wife entitled to in a divorce near Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is considered a community property state. This means all marital property and assets will be divided 50/50 in the event of a divorce, legal separation, or annulment. Property gifted to an individual spouse or property inherited by each person may be excluded from the 50/50 division.

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.Apr 26, 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.

What is the #1 cause of divorce?

The most commonly reported major contributors to divorce were lack of commitment, infidelity, and conflict/arguing. The most common “final straw” reasons were infidelity, domestic violence, and substance use. More participants blamed their partners than blamed themselves for the divorce.

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.

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.

Can my wife take half of everything?

In California, there is no 50/50 split of marital property. When a married couple gets divorced, their community property and debts will be divided equitably. This means they will be divided fairly and equally.Apr 15, 2020

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.

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 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 $50-$...

Steinhilber Swanson, LLP

Compassionate, Quality Representation. Put your trust in our experienced team to help you through this difficult time.

Hanna, Brandt & Lucsay

Specializing in family law including contested and uncontested divorce and property division.

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What is Balisle Family Law?

Balisle Family Law Legal Counsel SC is a family law and estate planning firm of family lawyers in Madison, serving clients with over 45 years of experience handling divorce-related legal matters. Balisle takes on simple and complex divorce, including cases where child custody and support, spousal support, wills, and estates are involved. The firm assists with LGBTQ and non-traditional family issues, legal separation, paternity disputes, powers of attorney, and marital property agreements. Additionally, it helps obtain restraining orders in domestic violence situations.

Who is Kathleen Curran?

Kathleen O. Curran of Attorney Kathleen O. Curran is a divorce attorney in Madison serving local clients. This firm works with individuals seeking to divorce their spouse and is dedicated to fighting for their rights and interests during negotiations regarding spousal support, property and asset division, and child custody and support. Attorney Kathleen O. Curran can also facilitate divorces through a collaborative law process. Ms. Curran has been practicing law for nearly 30 years.

What is Consigny Law?

Consigny Law SC is a firm providing the services of a family lawyer near Madison. The practice seeks to facilitate the divorce process in the most smooth and cost-effective manner. Its team handles divorce cases through full representation or limited representation, depending on clients' needs and preferences. It can also operate as a neutral third-party to oversee negotiations. Additionally, Consigny Law handles other legal matters, including estate planning and trust administration.

Who is Nikole Messerschmidt?

Attorney Nikole Messerschmidt is a practice serving clients located near the Madison area. Ms. Messerschmidt is exclusively dedicated to assisting individuals with navigating the process of divorce in a far and amicable manner. She facilitates negotiations between parties to resolve divorce-related matters, such as alimony payment, child custody, and asset, property, and debt division. Ms. Messerschmidt has over 7 years of legal experience and has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers.

What is divergent family law?

Divergent Family Law is a legal practice representing clients located in the greater Madison area. The firm is exclusively dedicated to representing clients in family law matters, including divorce cases of all kinds and complexities. Its team assists clients throughout the entire divorce process and can also represent them in motions to appeal the final divorce decree. Additionally, Divergent Family Law has the skills and experience to handle high net worth and military divorce cases.

Who is Tristan Eagan?

Attorney Tristan F. Eagon is a practice providing clients representation from a divorce lawyer in Madison and the surrounding neighborhoods. The firm supports clients during divorce proceedings by filing motions and petitions on their behalf and providing accurate and timely communications regarding the status of their case. Attorney Tristan F. Eagan can also draft, enforce, and modify child custody and pre-marital agreements. Additionally, Ms. Eagon is admitted to practice law in Michigan.

What is Duren Law Offices?

Serving the Madison area, Duren Law Offices LLC represents clients in divorce and family law cases. Divorce-focused practice areas include legal separation, annulment, child custody, parenting schedules, and pre-marital agreements. The firm helps clients modify divorce and separation agreements, and it advises spouses on the specific criteria for filing divorce in the state. Founding attorney Christopher W. Duren started the practice in 1997, and he received his Juris Doctor from Samford University Cumberland School of Law.

What is alimony in Wisconsin?

There will be a fight, and you will need an attorney. Alimony (called spousal maintenance in Wisconsin) means that your long term financial outlay could be dramatic .

How much does divorce cost in Wisconsin?

The Real Cost of Divorce 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.

How long does it take to get divorced in Wisconsin?

The average time it takes to get a divorce finalized in Wisconsin is one year. This includes a 120-day waiting period after service of divorce papers or after the joint petition has been filed with the court.

How much child support is needed in Wisconsin?

The living arrangement of the child will determine primary physical placement and impact child support payments. Wisconsin child support for one child is 17% of your gross income. If your salary is more than $39,000 per year 45% of your paycheck will go to income tax and child support.

How does divorce affect mental health?

On top of the financial burden of divorce, drawn-out, highly emotional proceedings can take a toll on your mental health.

Can a divorce be a problem?

Shared real estate, retirement funds, savings and other assets can cause a problem for divorce budgets. These divorces usually end up going to trial, where financial analysis is often required. An attorney experienced in high net worth divorce is adept at navigating the costly process while keeping your assets intact.

Who is Mark Borns?

Here’s The Deal:#N#Mark F. Borns is a 1983 graduate of the Law School of the University of Wisconsin Madison. He was graded one of Dane County's top family and divorce lawyers in a survey of lawyers published by Madison Magazine. He has over 30 years of experience representing clients in divorce proceedings and custody disputes. He has often acted as guardian ad litem representing the interests of children in divorce and juvenile court. Mark also prepares pre-and post-nuptial agreements. He represented clients before the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Mark represents clients before the Wisconsin Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Wisconsin. He has dealt with many complicated issues and is uniquely qualified to navigate you through the difficult situations that come with a divorce. Borns & Fellenz firm helps families with a wide range of personal and legal issues.

Who is David Kowalski?

Here’s The Deal:#N#David Kowalski has been in divorce law practice for over 13 years. David started Kowalski Family Law specifically to combine his experience in the quality and resources of large firms with personal attention and manageable legal fees for smaller firms. He represents clients of diverse political, racial, social, and cultural backgrounds. David's experience gained through participation in hundreds of court hearings, lengthy trials, and all kinds of substantive and procedural disputes allows him to serve his clients across a wide range of family issues. David delivers the highest level of legal care through the entire range of family law matters.

Who is Christopher Henry?

Henry's legal potential and his competent yet friendly personality led him to be named "Rising Star" by the Milwaukee Magazine Super Lawyer Section in 2006. In the past 12 years, Henry has received successful representation in a variety of cases involving placement disputes as well as cases concerning grandparent guardianships. In a variety of cases, the Court has named him as guardian ad litem. Henry was chosen by his peers to serve as a financial mediator in a number of divorce cases through the Dane County Bar Case Mediation Program. He has provided effective representation in numerous cases involving placement disputes as well as cases involving grandparent guardianships.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How long does it take to get a de novo review?

The deadline for requesting a De Novo review is typically 10-15 days, however that time limit, as well as the rules dictating how a review can be requested, changes depending on the county.

Do attorneys charge hourly?

Most attorneys work off of a retainer and an hourly billing structure where they charge you an upfront fee. When that runs out, they can charge you hourly for any time they work on your case. Then, there is the way we here at Sterling Law Offices bill which is called a fixed fee.

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.

How much does divorce cost in Wisconsin?

Typical Cost of Divorce in Wisconsin 1 Lowest Cost: A typical Wisconsin divorce can cost as little as $1,500-$3000* (not including filing and service fees which are paid to third parties and not to your lawyer). This assumes all issues are uncontested—meaning you and your spouse agree on how to resolve all issues and have only one court hearing to finalize the divorce. 2 Average Cost: The average cost of a simple Wisconsin divorce is $3,000 to $6,000.* You can expect to spend this amount if you and your spouse need help negotiating an agreement or if disagreements make communication and cooperation difficult. These costs assume you will need two court hearings—one to establish temporary orders at the beginning of the divorce to designate your rights and responsibilities while the divorce is pending, and one hearing to finalize the divorce. 3 Highest Cost: Imagine how much you think a divorce -should- cost. Now double that figure. The figure you are now imagining is -half- of what a divorce could cost on the high end of the spectrum. A high-end divorce could cost five figures or more.* You are likely to incur these fees if your divorce is particularly complex or contentious—especially if the difficult issues involve custody and placement of your children or the division of complex assets such as a closely held business. You are also likely to have multiple court appearances.

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.

Can a court give you legal advice?

And while the court may give you some leniency as you learn, it cannot give you any help. The court cannot give you legal advice or direction about how to manage or present your case.

Grieve Law, LLC

The Criminal Defense & Family Attorneys Wisconsin Trusts to Produce Case-Winning Defenses And Successful Family Law Outcomes.

Murphy Desmond S.C

A Law Firm practicing Divorce law.#N#Murphy Desmond S.C. is one of the oldest law firms in continuous practice in Madison. Since 1931, we have provided legal services to business ... Read More#N#and individual clients in the areas of:- Business

Richter & Phillips, LLP

Divorce Lawyers at 121 South Pinckney Street, Suite 525, Madison, WI 53703

Your Family Law Center

Divorce Lawyers at 152 W. Johnson Street, Suite 210, Madison, WI 53703

Rose & Rose

Offering Strong Representation in Kenosha since 1940. Call today for a Free Consultation

Pemberton & Englund Law Offices, LLC

A full service law firm providing professional, effective and successful legal counsel.

Stroud, Willink & Howard, LLC

Divorce Lawyers at 33 East Main Street, Suite 610, Madison, WI 53701-2236

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:

Where is the Madison WI office?

The Madison WI office is located just east of I-90, off of High Crossing Blvd in the same building as Park Bank. Click here to get directions from Google Maps .

What does "jack of all trades master of none" mean?

By only working in family law, we understand it better, which means you're guaranteed to work with a caring attorney who knows what they're doing.

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