Divorce has a way of bringing out the worst behavior in people. Individuals who have previously treated each other with respect and affection may become cruel and malicious toward one another during a divorce. Someone who has previously shared generously with their...
Family, Criminal & Children's Court Attorneys Since 1991
Property Division
Gray divorce and retirement
Many older adults look forward to when they can leave the workforce and enjoy retirement. Traveling, spending time with family, and having time to pursue their favorite hobbies are typically at the top of their golden years to-do list. Finding yourself in the middle...
Should you take a second look at that prenup?
Before two people get married, they have the opportunity to make a prenuptial agreement. A prenup is a kind of legal agreement that people make to help define a relationship and establish what the risk of divorce would mean. Prenups are often used to protect assets...
Are you keeping the dog after the divorce?
Many couples treat their pets as if they were their own children. This is especially true for people who have had their pets since they were young. The biggest concern some people have during a divorce is who will get their furry, scaly or feathery friend. While it...
Separate assets may join the community estate
Wisconsin is a community property state, which means that all assets inside of the marital estate are divided evenly in a divorce settlement. For instance, if your spouse bought a house during the marriage, you would likely be entitled to half of its value. Of course,...
What to do with shared property and liabilities when you divorce
As couples dissolve their marriages, they will also need to address both their shared property and their debt. As a community property state, Wisconsin has specific rules about how these can be divided. What are the community property rules? In states that follow the...
The unexpected aspects of divorce
Marriages that end in divorce leave spouses shaken. No one expects married life to end in a legal dissolution, but such things happen, as the high divorce rate will attest. Some marriages are so troubled that a divorce decree from a Wisconsin family law judge leads to...
Social Security spousal benefits: who qualifies?
Spousal benefits are benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These benefits are based on your spouse's work history over the last few decades. Sometimes, you may be eligible to receive spousal support from the SSA even if you are no longer married. If...
Accounting for a home in a divorce settlement
If you get divorced in the state of Wisconsin, you are generally entitled to a share of any assets accumulated during your marriage. In some cases, you may also be able to claim a share in the price appreciation of assets that your spouse brought into the marriage....
How debts are allocated in a divorce
Wisconsin is a community property state, and thus debts that were accumulated during a marriage will generally be split equally between both parties in a divorce settlement. However, couples can negotiate a different type of division rather than leaving it up to the...