Divorce is difficult. Emotions run high and both parties must start over, but when children are involved or there are valuable assets, divorce can be very complex. It helps to understand Wisconsin’s divorce law. It is essential to have good legal counsel as you navigate the court system.

Wisconsin Divorce Law

In Wisconsin, divorce laws clearly define how divorce is to be handled. There are certain requirements that must be met before the case will be accepted by the court. Failure to meet these requirements could result in the case being dismissed.

Residency. In order to get a divorce in Wisconsin, at least one of the parties must be a legal resident of the state. This means 6 months in the State of Wisconsin and at least 30 days in the county in which they are filing.

Grounds. In Wisconsin, there is only one accepted reason for divorce: Irretrievable Breakdown of the Marriage. If the marriage is broken and cannot be repaired, divorce w     ill be granted. I will also be granted if the couple has lived apart for 12 months or longer after deciding to get a divorce.

Petition for Divorce and Judgement of Divorce are the two primary documents in a divorce. The Petition for Divorce is essentially the petitioner (person asking for the divorce – the person who is not filing is the respondent) requesting that the court grant them a divorce. The Judgement of Divorce is the final divorce decree.

WI Divorce Attorney

Sheila Romell is an attorney at the Law Office of Sheila L. Romell, S.C. She has been practicing family law for more than 30 years, representing both men and women in divorce, child custody/physical placement, property division, child support, paternity, and maintenance. In addition to acting in the capacity of family law attorney for her clients, Sheila also participates in other aspects of family law cases, including serving as a Guardian ad Litem and providing mediation and arbitration services.

She has a proven track record in the courtroom and has won numerous awards and recognition including:

• Super Lawyer in Wisconsin 2006 – 2020
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Wisconsin
• M Magazine Milwaukee Leading Lawyer in 2015-20
• Top Lawyer in Wisconsin 2016
• 2016 Best Lawyers in America-Family Law
• America’s Most Honored Professionals honoree 2016.

For legal counsel that is experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate, call Sheila Romell.