Wisconsin Divorce Lawyers: Find the Support You Need Near You

Divorce in Wisconsin can be emotionally draining and legally complex. Whether you're facing disagreements over custody, dividing marital assets, or hoping for a peaceful uncontested divorce, an experienced Wisconsin divorce lawyer can guide you confidently through the process.

Wisconsin is a community property state, meaning marital assets and debts are divided equally in most cases. The state also requires a mandatory waiting period and detailed paperwork, making legal support particularly helpful for avoiding mistakes and delays.

Below is a clear and accessible overview of Wisconsin divorce laws and a vetted directory of reputable attorneys statewide.

Understanding Divorce in Wisconsin

Residency Requirement

You may file for divorce in Wisconsin if:

• One spouse has lived in Wisconsin for at least 6 months, AND

• In the filing county for at least 30 days

Grounds for Divorce

Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state, meaning:

• The only required ground is that the marriage is “irretrievably broken”

No wrongdoing must be proven.

Community Property Division

Wisconsin uses a 50/50 community property model, meaning:

• Marital assets and debts are divided equally

• Separate property (owned before marriage or received as a gift) may remain separate if kept separate

• Courts may deviate from 50/50 in rare cases involving unequal earning power or misconduct

Child Custody (Legal & Physical Placement)

Wisconsin uses:

• Legal custody: decision-making authority

• Physical placement: where the child lives day-to-day

Courts evaluate:

• Each parent’s relationship with the child

• Stability of home environments

• Ability to cooperate

• History of abuse or substance issues

• The child’s needs and best interests

Child Support & Spousal Maintenance

Child support is based on income and placement guidelines.

Spousal support considers:

• Length of the marriage

• Financial need

• Earning capacity

• Age and health of both spouses

• Standard of living during the marriage

When You May Need a Wisconsin Divorce Lawyer

You may benefit from hiring a Wisconsin divorce lawyer if:

• You disagree about custody or placement

• You own a home, retirement accounts, investments, or business assets

• One spouse earns significantly more

• You suspect hidden assets or financial misconduct

• Domestic abuse or safety concerns exist

• Your spouse hired an attorney

• Your case involves litigation or complex negotiations

Even uncontested divorces benefit from attorney guidance to ensure fairness and accuracy.

Wisconsin Uncontested Divorce Options

Wisconsin allows an uncontested divorce for couples who agree on all major issues.

Divorce.com helps Wisconsin couples:

• Prepare accurate state-specific divorce forms

• Avoid common filing mistakes

• File efficiently and affordably

• Receive support throughout the process

This option works best for low-conflict divorces.

⭐ Wisconsin Divorce Lawyers by Metro Area

A curated list of well-regarded divorce attorneys across Wisconsin.

Milwaukee

• Sterling Lawyers, LLC

• Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown LLP

Madison

• Balisle Family Law

• Murphy Desmond S.C.

Green Bay

• Hager, Dewick & Zuengler, S.C.

• Petit & Dommershausen, S.C.

Kenosha

• Madrigrano, Aiello & Santarelli, LLC

• Rose & Rose Attorneys at Law

Eau Claire

• Weld Riley, S.C.

• Johnson & Paulson Law Offices