Marriages are meant to last forever, but we don’t live in an ideal world. When you and your spouse have no reason to be together or the differences are beyond the scope of reconciliation, a divorce is the best way to move ahead.
The conversation is not easy, and you have to be extremely cautious because the divorce is a legal process and will impact many aspects of your life. If you are in Milwaukee and want bespoke advice for your divorce, talk to the lawyers of Karp & Iancu, S.C. at the earliest. Here are some basic things you need to know.
Understanding Wisconsin laws
Wisconsin is a no-fault state for divorces. This means you don’t have to accuse your spouse of adultery or any other ground to end the marriage. The truth is there is always a reason behind every divorce, but if you decide to resolve the issues amicably, you have less to worry about. Getting divorced in Wisconsin can take longer than in many states, as there is a mandatory cooling-off period of 120 days. Also, the county courts are burdened in many situations, which can delay the final hearing, even when you are in agreement with your spouse on essential matters.
Should you consider a DIY divorce?
There is no one answer to that question. Most people don’t have a clear understanding of the legal procedures and end up settling things sooner because they want to get done with the process. If you have children or significant assets, are unsure of your rights, or have serious issues like domestic violence, you should definitely have an attorney. On the contrary, when you have limited hassles, you can do better without an attorney.
Finding a good divorce lawyer
Divorce attorneys handle all sorts of cases and are often capable of resolving conflict outside of court. It would help if you had an attorney experienced with family law and can also guide you on mediation and all other legal options. If you can ask around and get references for local divorce lawyers in Milwaukee, that is always an advantage, but you can look up online, too. There are many legal sites with ready listings, while Google ratings can help you compare the options.
Most divorce lawyers work at an hourly rate, and if the case is expected to drag on for a more extended period, you will have to pay a retainer fee. In the long run, the price of legal expertise is worth paying.
