Divorce Lawyer in Milwaukee, WI — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Finding the right divorce lawyer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin can make a significant difference in your financial security, parenting arrangements, and peace of mind. Whether your case involves child custody disputes, substantial assets, or you’re considering an uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorce in Milwaukee — including court procedures, costs, residency rules, and affordable alternatives to hiring a traditional attorney.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Milwaukee?

You may need a Milwaukee divorce lawyer if your situation includes:

• Custody, placement, or legal decision-making disputes

• High-conflict communication or uncooperative behavior

• Significant savings, real estate, or investment accounts

• Business ownership or complex property division

• Disagreements over maintenance (alimony)

• Domestic violence or safety concerns

• Suspected hidden income or assets

• A case likely to require hearings, mediation, or trial

However, you may not need a lawyer if the divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Parenting time and placement

• Child support and maintenance

• Property and debt division

• Retirement and pension allocations

• Who remains in the marital home

In uncontested cases, Divorce.com can complete or file your Milwaukee divorce paperwork for a fraction of the cost.

Where to File for Divorce in Milwaukee, WI

Divorces in Milwaukee are processed through the Milwaukee County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin’s First Judicial Administrative District.

Primary Filing Location (Milwaukee County Residents)

Milwaukee County Courthouse — Family Division
901 N 9th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 278-5362

This courthouse manages:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Child custody & placement

• Child support & maintenance

• Temporary orders

• Domestic abuse restraining orders

• Mediation (Family Court Services)

• Hearings, conferences, and trials

Wisconsin offers electronic filing (eFileWI) for most divorce paperwork.

Wisconsin Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in Milwaukee, you must meet state requirements:

• You must have lived in Wisconsin for at least 6 months, AND

• Lived in Milwaukee County for at least 30 days before filing

Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state — you only need to claim that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

How Divorce Works in Milwaukee, WI

Here is how the divorce process typically unfolds in Milwaukee County:

1. File a Petition for Divorce

One spouse (or both jointly) files the petition.

2. Serve Your Spouse

If filing alone, you must serve the other spouse unless they sign an acceptance.

3. Mandatory Waiting Period — 120 Days

Wisconsin requires at least 120 days after service before finalizing.

4. Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange:

• Financial disclosure statements

• Proof of income

• Lists of assets and debts

• Retirement & pension details

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Milwaukee County requires:

• Mandatory co-parenting class

• Mediation through Family Court Services

• A parenting plan

• Possible guardian ad litem (GAL) involvement for disputes

6. Mediation, Hearings, or Settlement

Uncontested cases proceed to final agreements.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary order hearings

• Discovery & depositions

• Mediation

• GAL investigations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

7. Final Hearing & Judgment of Divorce

A judge signs the final order, dissolving the marriage.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Milwaukee, WI?

Attorney fees in Milwaukee vary depending on complexity and conflict level.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $250–$400

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $2,000–$4,500

• Contested divorce: $8,000–$20,000+

• High-asset or highly contested cases: $25,000–$60,000+

Custody disputes often drive the highest expenses.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Milwaukee, WI

Here are respected Milwaukee-area divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Sterling Law Offices, S.C.

https://www.sterlinglawyers.com

2. Cordell & Cordell – Milwaukee Office

https://www.cordellcordell.com

3. Karp & Iancu, S.C.

https://www.karplawfirm.com

These firms handle contested custody cases, litigation, asset division, and mediation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you may not need a lawyer at all.

Divorce.com offers three transparent flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Wisconsin divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your Milwaukee County divorce paperwork.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated specialist supports your entire case start-to-finish.

These alternatives are ideal for couples seeking a low-stress, affordable solution.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Milwaukee divorce attorney if:

• Custody or placement is contested

• There is domestic violence

• Your spouse will not negotiate

• You or your spouse own a business

• There are sizable assets or retirement accounts

• You suspect hidden money or property

• The case is likely to require litigation

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Milwaukee Couples

• Wisconsin-specific divorce forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing service available

• Professional divorce specialists

• Faster and more affordable than traditional law firms

• Ideal for uncontested divorce cases

Divorce.com helps Milwaukee couples complete their divorce with clarity and confidence.

Start Your Milwaukee Divorce Today

Whether you choose legal representation or an online divorce platform, taking the first step is what matters most. Divorce.com makes the process simple, affordable, and stress-free for Milwaukee families.