"The Most Trusted
Name in Online Divorce"
Exclusive
Online Divorce Partner
Best
Online Divorce Service
ADVISOR
We offer an online guided path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
"The Most Trusted
Name in Online Divorce"
Exclusive
Online Divorce Partner
Best
Online Divorce Service
ADVISOR
We offer an online guided path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
Written By:
Liz Pharo
CEO and Founder, Divorce.com
Madison DIY Divorce
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Madison, WI: The Real DIY Guide
You're sitting in your car outside Woodman's on the East Side Googling "how to file for divorce myself" because you just looked at how much Madison lawyers charge and there's no way you can afford $8,000 right now.
Here's the truth: a lot of Madison divorces don't need lawyers. But "don't need" and "easy" are different things. Wisconsin divorce forms are complicated.
Can You Actually Do This Yourself?
Yes. Wisconsin lets you file without a lawyer. Dane County Courthouse processes hundreds of DIY divorces.
But DIY only works if you and your spouse agree on basically everything.
When DIY Makes Sense
Good candidate if: Both agree it's over. No kids under 18 or simple custody. Assets are simple. Similar incomes. Nobody's hiding anything. Can talk without fighting.
The Wisconsin Process
You're filing: Petition, Summons, Marital Settlement Agreement, Parenting Plan (with kids), Financial Disclosure Statement, Findings of Fact and Judgment.
Wisconsin requires 120-day waiting period from filing. You're waiting 4 months minimum.
If you have kids, Wisconsin requires parenting class ($50-$90 per person).
Filing Fee
Dane County costs $184.50. Can't afford it? File Fee Waiver Request.
Serving Your Spouse
Wisconsin requires formal service. You can't serve yourself.
Options: Sheriff or process server ($50-$120) or Admission of Service (if cooperating).
What Could Go Wrong
You divide property wrong. Wisconsin's marital property laws are specific.
Tax implications. Agree to something unfair. Parenting plan too vague.
When to Hire a Lawyer
Probably need help if: Fighting about custody, own house near Capitol or UW campus, UW-Madison benefits, business ownership, big income gap, spouse has lawyer, domestic violence, or completely lost.
Using Divorce.com
Flat fee $499-$1,999 depending on package. They walk you through Wisconsin forms. Make sure everything's right for Dane County. They handle filing and service for you.
Works if you both agree. Not legal advice. They help with forms.
Total with Divorce.com: $683.50-$2,183.50 without kids, $783.50-$2,363.50 with kids (Divorce.com + $184.50 filing + parenting class - service included)
The Bottom Line
Can you divorce without a lawyer in Madison? Yes. Should you? Depends.
If you both genuinely agree and situation is simple, DIY ($264.50-$644.50) or Divorce.com ($683.50-$2,363.50) saves thousands.
If there's complexity—Madison real estate, UW benefits—you need help.
Other Articles:
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Madison, WI? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Milwaukee, WI (2025)?
Divorce Lawyer Madison, WI: Cost, How to Choose & Attorney Directory (2026)
Divorce Lawyers in Milwaukee, WI | Compare Attorneys
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Madison, WI
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Milwaukee | Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
Other Articles:
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Madison, WI? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Milwaukee, WI (2025)?
Divorce Lawyer Madison, WI: Cost, How to Choose & Attorney Directory (2026)
Divorce Lawyers in Milwaukee, WI | Compare Attorneys
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Madison, WI
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Milwaukee | Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
"The Most Trusted
Name in Online Divorce"
Exclusive
Online Divorce Partner
Best
Online Divorce Service
ADVISOR
We offer a guided path through divorce that helps avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.
Written By:
Liz Pharo
CEO and Founder, Divorce.com
Madison DIY Divorce
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Madison, WI: The Real DIY Guide
You're sitting in your car outside Woodman's on the East Side Googling "how to file for divorce myself" because you just looked at how much Madison lawyers charge and there's no way you can afford $8,000 right now.
Here's the truth: a lot of Madison divorces don't need lawyers. But "don't need" and "easy" are different things. Wisconsin divorce forms are complicated.
Can You Actually Do This Yourself?
Yes. Wisconsin lets you file without a lawyer. Dane County Courthouse processes hundreds of DIY divorces.
But DIY only works if you and your spouse agree on basically everything.
When DIY Makes Sense
Good candidate if: Both agree it's over. No kids under 18 or simple custody. Assets are simple. Similar incomes. Nobody's hiding anything. Can talk without fighting.
The Wisconsin Process
You're filing: Petition, Summons, Marital Settlement Agreement, Parenting Plan (with kids), Financial Disclosure Statement, Findings of Fact and Judgment.
Wisconsin requires 120-day waiting period from filing. You're waiting 4 months minimum.
If you have kids, Wisconsin requires parenting class ($50-$90 per person).
Filing Fee
Dane County costs $184.50. Can't afford it? File Fee Waiver Request.
Serving Your Spouse
Wisconsin requires formal service. You can't serve yourself.
Options: Sheriff or process server ($50-$120) or Admission of Service (if cooperating).
What Could Go Wrong
You divide property wrong. Wisconsin's marital property laws are specific.
Tax implications. Agree to something unfair. Parenting plan too vague.
When to Hire a Lawyer
Probably need help if: Fighting about custody, own house near Capitol or UW campus, UW-Madison benefits, business ownership, big income gap, spouse has lawyer, domestic violence, or completely lost.
Using Divorce.com
Flat fee $499-$1,999 depending on package. They walk you through Wisconsin forms. Make sure everything's right for Dane County. They handle filing and service for you.
Works if you both agree. Not legal advice. They help with forms.
Total with Divorce.com: $683.50-$2,183.50 without kids, $783.50-$2,363.50 with kids (Divorce.com + $184.50 filing + parenting class - service included)
The Bottom Line
Can you divorce without a lawyer in Madison? Yes. Should you? Depends.
If you both genuinely agree and situation is simple, DIY ($264.50-$644.50) or Divorce.com ($683.50-$2,363.50) saves thousands.
If there's complexity—Madison real estate, UW benefits—you need help.
Other Articles:
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Madison, WI? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Milwaukee, WI (2025)?
Divorce Lawyer Madison, WI: Cost, How to Choose & Attorney Directory (2026)
Divorce Lawyers in Milwaukee, WI | Compare Attorneys
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Madison, WI
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Milwaukee | Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
Other Articles:
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Madison, WI? Real Prices & Breakdown (2026)
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Milwaukee, WI (2025)?
Divorce Lawyer Madison, WI: Cost, How to Choose & Attorney Directory (2026)
Divorce Lawyers in Milwaukee, WI | Compare Attorneys
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Madison, WI
How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Milwaukee | Step-by-Step 2025 Guide
Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce
Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.
Real Answers. Real Support.
We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Our Services
Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
We've helped with
over 1 million divorces
We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.
The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.
Proudly featured in these publications
