Divorce Attorneys in Kenosha, WI

Local divorce representation you deserve

Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. Despite divorce being a common legal process, it’s still complex and highly emotional. Divorce breaks up a family, and as such, ending a marriage should never be taken lightly. It’s an event that you want to think about thoroughly so you don’t have any regrets.

But if you are ready to divorce and move on, the requirements are minimal in Wisconsin. You do not have to prove adultery or any other reason. You just have to show that the marriage is “irretrievably broken,” with no chance for reconciliation. Other than that, one spouse has to be a resident of Wisconsin for at least six months. Plus, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the county where the divorce is filed for at least 30 days.

There is a mandatory 120-day waiting period for divorce in Wisconsin, but most divorces take longer than four months to finalize anyway. How long it takes your divorce to finalize depends on the complexity of your case and the ability of you and your spouse to agree on all the major issues in your case.

Divorce is a complicated legal issue that involves property division, alimony, child custody, child support, and more. The Kenosha divorce attorneys from Karp & Iancu, S.C. can help you through the process with ease.

The Process

One of the first steps in the divorce process is to gather all relevant paperwork and financial documentation. This includes prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, as well as any written agreements you and your spouse may have created in regards to property division or child custody.

You should also gather information about income and property. You don’t have to do it before filing for divorce, but the sooner the better. You will need documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, balances of any outstanding debts, and any deeds or mortgage information for your home.

You should then contact a lawyer to file for divorce and get the process started. Your attorney will prepare the forms for you and ensure all deadlines are met.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. An uncontested divorce may cost a couple thousand dollars. A contested one could cost $3,000, $10,000, or even more. In fact, the average cost of a divorce in the United States is roughly $15,000. In a high asset divorce, the cost could rise to $100,000 or more.

There are many things that can impact the cost of a divorce. A lot of it has to do with things you can control, such as honesty, cooperation, and attitude. Truthfulness with your lawyer can save time and money. By listening to your lawyer and doing what they ask of you, you can save on costs. Being cooperative and flexible with the court system moves your case along quickly.

Also, how you act toward your spouse can be a huge deal. Negotiating and being patient can work wonders. Being combative and full of revenge toward your spouse only makes matters worse. It delays the process and raises the costs substantially since you have to go to court and have a judge decide on these matters. Mediation is much cheaper.

However, there is only so much you can do. If your spouse cannot cooperate with you, then there’s not much you can do. A person who is dishonest or manipulative will only escalate the divorce process, causing you to incur additional fees.

Also, the types of experts needed for your case will also determine the costs. Your judge may need third-party witnesses and experts if your case is especially complex. Business valuators, family therapists, and forensic accountants may create additional costs or delays.

Why You Need a Divorce Lawyer

Some people try to save money by forgoing the assistance of a lawyer. While the DIY approach may be OK for a simple divorce, there are some benefits to having an experienced divorce attorney on your side. Here are some reasons to consider:

• During a divorce, it is nice to have someone by your side to support you, especially when things go wrong. An experienced lawyer has been through the process hundreds of times and can take control of the situation.
• The courts will not be able to help protect your legal rights. Judges cannot give you legal advice.
• Your spouse’s attorney will not be able to help you either. They are an advocate for your spouse only and cannot represent you as well, since that would be a conflict of interest.
• Your spouse’s attorney may try to convince you to accept an unfair settlement that benefits your spouse only.
• A divorce is a lawsuit and someone who has little legal background is bound to make mistakes and jeopardize their rights.
• People who try to handle their divorces on their own often make things worse. In many cases, they end up having to hire an attorney anyway, resulting in higher costs and delays.

Other Areas of Divorce and Family Law We Practice

• Determining eligibility to file for divorce;
• Filing your petition for divorce;
• Responding to divorce papers;
• No-fault divorce;
• Contested versus uncontested divorce;
• Military divorce;
• Divorce mediation;
• Divorce after a long-term marriage, or a gray divorce;
• High asset or high net worth divorce;
• Divorce for business owners;
• Alimony or spousal maintenance;
• Community property and the division of assets and debts;
• Determining child custody;
• Child relocation;
• Calculating child support;
• Restraining order enforcement actions;
• Modifications of divorce orders;
• Divorce Appeals;
• Paternity;
• Parental Rights; and
• Prenuptial Agreements.

The bottom line is that a divorce is one of the hardest things you will go through in your life. Why not get the best help possible from someone who is skilled, trained, and experienced in the divorce process? See how the Kenosha divorce attorneys from Karp & Iancu, S.C. can help.

When you partner with a divorce attorney at Karp & Iancu, you get: