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Top Madison, WI Divorce Lawyers Near You

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Madison Divorce Information

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Lead Counsel independently verifies Divorce attorneys in Madison by conferring with Wisconsin bar associations and conducting annual reviews to confirm that an attorney practices in their advertised practice areas and possesses a valid bar license for the appropriate jurisdictions.

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Are You Considering Getting a Divorce?

If you are considering ending a marriage or registered domestic partnership, arming yourself with information is your best first step. A skilled Madison divorce lawyer can show you what will occur during a divorce proceeding and legally who is entitled to what.

The Divorce Process

Filing for divorce is the first step, but there are other options throughout the process. Most divorces have many questions as to the division of property and, if you have children, child custody and child support.

Some couples are able to reach an agreement through mediation, others may have to depend on the judge to make the final decision. While the divorce process will vary by state, you will have to file with a family court in your jurisdiction to obtain a final decree of divorce as well as to request child custody and child support payments. Divorce can be messy, so make sure to arm yourself with a divorce attorney.

How do you file for divorce?

Your state likely has requirements for filing for divorce. For example, some states require you and your spouse to live apart for a certain amount of time before filing. In general, you or another party will serve your spouse with divorce papers, and you will need to file a copy of your paperwork at your local court that handles these matters. Your divorce attorney will be able to walk you through the entire process and address all the details.

How much does a divorce cost?

The final cost of your divorce ultimately depends a great deal on both you and your spouse’s approach to the proceedings. If you can negotiate all of the terms of your divorce without any extended courtroom batters, you will spend much less money than if either of you insists on taking the divorce to trial. The use of outside experts, such as child psychologists and financial experts, will also affect the final cost.

How long does a divorce take?

Again, this depends on how you and your spouse approach the divorce proceedings. If you can easily work out everything, due to no-fault divorce laws, you may be able to complete the process in a few months. Every dispute that needs a judge’s or mediator’s supervision, however, will take time. Court appointments are typically not available on short notice.

Why would you get a legal separation instead of a divorce?

Some couples choose to get a legal separation instead of divorce because of religious beliefs. Others do it for financial reasons, even though they do not intend to get back together. You should be aware that in some states, a legal separation could mean having to deal with property division, child support, and alimony payments. A family law attorney can help you understand your options.

What can you not do in a divorce?

During divorce proceedings, a family court judge may instruct you to refrain from certain actions, such as posting on social media about your spouse. If there are children involved, it’s also a good idea to not use your children as pawns or try to pit them against your spouse. You also may not hide any assets to keep them secret during the property division or alimony determination process.

Top Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney

  • How many years have you been practicing law? How long have you practiced law in the local area?
  • How many cases similar to mine have you handled in the past?
  • What is the likely outcome for my case?

In legal practice, experience matters. An experienced attorney will likely have handled issues similar to yours many, many times. Therefore, after listening to your situation, the attorney should have a reasonable idea of the time line for a case like yours and the likely resolution.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

How to Find the Right Attorney

  • Determine the area of law that relates to your issue. Attorneys specialize in specific practice areas around legal issues within the broad field of law.
  • Seek out recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. A successful attorney or practice will typically have many satisfied clients.
  • Set up consultation appointments to get a better understanding of your case as well as gauge your comfort level with different attorneys. Find the attorney who is the right fit for your needs.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.

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