Wisconsin Divorce Self-Help Tools

In Wisconsin, there is a mandatory 120-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Typically, most divorces take between 6 months to one year to finalize, and longer if issues are highly contested.

While you can represent yourself (pro se), it is highly recommended to consult with an attorney to ensure all issues are addressed appropriately and to avoid potential mistakes that can be costly to fix later. A new law allows no-court divorce with attorney representation or a lawyer-mediator.

Yes, Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state. This means that neither spouse needs to prove the other is at fault for the marriage’s breakdown; only an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage needs to be established. Wis. Stat. § 767.315.

Wisconsin is a community property state, meaning marital property and assets are generally presumed to be divided 50/50. However, a judge can alter this distribution based on various factors, such as the length of the marriage, contributions of each party, and earning capacity. Separate property (gifts or inheritances) is generally not subject to division. Wis. Stat. § 767.61.

Yes, in Wisconsin, a party is not allowed to remarry within six months of getting a divorce. Any marriage within six months will be void.