By: Erin M. Idler, Attorney & Mediator
When navigating a divorce in Wisconsin, you and your spouse might not agree on everything, but you likely agree you want to finish the divorce process as quickly as possible.
Wisconsin has a required 120-day waiting period for divorce that commences when the court action is filed. If you and your spouse reach an agreement on all legal topics including property division, maintenance, and, if children, custody, placement, and support, your divorce can be finalized soon after the waiting period is over. A final court hearing is necessary for review and approval of an agreement which can cause further delay. If you are both represented or work jointly with a lawyer mediator, you may be eligible for Divorce by Affidavit, allowing you to finalize your divorce with no court hearing.
If there is not an agreement on all topics, the timeline varies depending on the number of Court hearings (like Pretrials and Temporary Order Hearings), settlement meetings, and other negotiation steps. Contested divorces can take one to two years depending on the steps involved in the individual case.
While getting started faster may seem like it will speed up the process, it can have the opposite effect. Starting by discussing choices with your spouse to try and achieve a mutual goal of reducing conflict and cost can also lead to a shorter overall timeline.
Understanding your process options is a key first step that can help you avoid a protracted divorce process. Contact our office today for a free phone consultation to learn more.