How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Milwaukee, WI (2025 Guide)

You can get divorced without a lawyer in Milwaukee—especially if you and your spouse agree on all major issues like property, custody, and support. Wisconsin allows self-representation (pro se divorce), and Milwaukee County processes thousands of no-lawyer divorces each year.

This guide explains the exact steps, forms, costs, and timelines for a DIY divorce in Milwaukee.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Milwaukee?

Yes. Many Milwaukee couples complete their divorce without an attorney, particularly when the divorce is uncontested.

A no-lawyer divorce works best when both spouses agree on:

• Property division

• Division of debts

• Child placement & custody

• Child support

• Spousal maintenance (alimony)

• Taxes & insurance

If disagreements arise, mediation is often cheaper and faster than hiring attorneys.

Which Type of Divorce Works Best Without a Lawyer in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin offers two primary DIY options:

✔ Joint Petition for Divorce (Best for DIY Filers)

Fastest + simplest

• Both spouses file together

• No service required

• Works extremely well without lawyers

✔ Petition for Divorce (Individual Filing)

One spouse files alone

• Still doable without an attorney

• Requires formal service of process

Most Milwaukee couples use the Joint Petition.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Milwaukee: Step-by-Step

1. Meet Wisconsin’s Residency Requirements

To file in Milwaukee County:

• You must live in Wisconsin for 6 months, and

• Live in Milwaukee County for 30 days before filing

Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state using “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.”

2. Complete the Wisconsin Divorce Forms

Forms differ depending on whether you are filing jointly and whether you have minor children.

Joint Petition (No Children):

• Joint Petition (FA-4110)

• Financial Disclosure Statements

• Marital Settlement Agreement

• Proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment

Joint Petition (With Children):

• All forms above plus:

• Parenting Plan

• Child Support Worksheet

• Proposed Parenting Judgment

Individual Filing Forms:

• Petition (FA-4108 or FA-4109)

• Summons

• Proof of Service

Divorce.com™ generates all Wisconsin + Milwaukee County compliant forms automatically.

3. File Your Forms With Milwaukee County Family Court

Milwaukee divorces are filed at:

Milwaukee County Courthouse
901 N. 9th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53233

You may file:

• In person

• By mail

• Online through eFiling (recommended)

Filing Fee (2025):

• ~$184–$224, depending on children and service needs

4. Serve Your Spouse (If Filing Individually)

If you file individually, you must serve your spouse via:

• Sheriff

• Process server

• Any adult 18+ not involved in the case

If filing a Joint Petition, service is not required.

5. Exchange Complete Financial Disclosures

Wisconsin requires full transparency. You must exchange:

• Income

• Tax returns

• Bank accounts

• Retirement accounts

• Debts & liabilities

• Property valuations

The court will not finalize your divorce without financial disclosure statements.

6. Create and Sign a Marital Settlement Agreement

Your agreement should cover:

• Property & debt division

• Child placement & custody

• Parenting schedules

• Child support

• Spousal maintenance

• Insurance and tax responsibilities

Both spouses must sign the agreement.

7. Attend the Final Divorce Hearing

Milwaukee County requires a brief hearing before a judge or court commissioner.

Bring:

• IDs

• Completed financial disclosures

• Settlement Agreement

• Proposed Judgment of Divorce

If all forms are accurate, the court will finalize your divorce during or shortly after the hearing.

How Long Does a DIY Divorce Take in Milwaukee?

Wisconsin requires a mandatory 120-day waiting period from the date of service or filing (Joint Petition).

Typical total time:

• Uncontested: 4–6 months

• Contested: 9–18+ months

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Milwaukee?

DIY Divorce Costs

• Filing fee: $184–$224

• Service (if needed): $50–$100

• Notary fees: $5–$10

Online Divorce Services

• $499–$999

Attorney-Led Divorce

• $300–$500/hour

• Uncontested: $4,000–$7,000+

• Contested: $10,000–$25,000+

Online or DIY divorce offers major savings.

Benefits of Divorcing Without a Lawyer in Milwaukee

✔ Save thousands in attorney fees

✔ Predictable Milwaukee County process

✔ Ideal for cooperative spouses

✔ Joint Petition makes filing easy

✔ Court-approved forms are straightforward

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes in Milwaukee

Avoid:

• Using the wrong FA-form numbers

• Filing before exchanging financial disclosures

• Miscalculating child support

• Missing required signatures

• Not waiting the 120-day cooling-off period

• Not attending mandatory parenting programs (for cases with children)

Divorce.com™ ensures all documents are complete and accurate.

Get Help Filing Your Milwaukee Divorce Without a Lawyer

Divorce.com™ helps Milwaukee couples complete uncontested divorces quickly and affordably.

Why Milwaukee residents choose Divorce.com™:

• Wisconsin + Milwaukee County–approved forms

• Guided online questionnaire

• Optional attorney review

• Clear, step-by-step instructions

• Flat-fee pricing

Start your Milwaukee divorce today and avoid costly attorney fees.