Wisconsin law requires spouses to wait four months after the filing before the court will grant a divorce. However, the length of the divorce depends on the complexity of the issues and the cooperation between the parents. I recently assumed representation in two divorces cases, and resolved each in one month. I also have worked with other clients whose divorce cases have not been resolved after two years. In my experience, most divorce cases in Dane, Columbia, Sauk, and Juneau counties take between 6 months and one year. It may be slightly longer in Dane County given the amount of cases and the family court counseling process (absent in most other counties).
It is always best if the spouses can cooperate and reach agreement. It is unwise, in my experience, to rush to “get it over with” without carefully considering the issues. I am often called upon by new clients in post-divorce cases to fix an issue that was not clearly addressed in their original divorce. Often, this is because the spouse did not have legal representation at divorce or signed an agreement just to put an end to an unpleasant situation. While that sentiment is understandable, it may not resolve a problem, but instead let it fester and worsen. Ending a marriage is one of the most important decisions a person will face, and it should be done with the same care as entering the marriage. If you are working your way through a divorce without representation, please feel free to contact me for a consultation.
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