Wisconsin's Residency Requirements

Either spouse must be a resident of Wisconsin for 30 days to file for divorce.

Wisconsin's Grounds for Divorce

Wisconsin residents may file for divorce under only no-fault grounds.

Wisconsin's no-fault grounds is:

• irretrievable breakdown of the the marriage

Wisconsin's Child Custody Guidelines

Divorcing parents are allowed to collaborate on a child custody arrangement, and produce a written parenting plan. If the parents cannot reach a decision, an Wisconsin court will make a ruling.

Wisconsin courts consider factors such as:

• any evidence or history of abuse
• wishes of the child
• each parent's ability to encourage a meaningful relationship between the child and other parent

Wisconsin's Child Support Guidelines

If the parents cannot agree on the amount of child support and the paying parent, child support will be decided by state-specific calculations and guidelines.

Wisconsin courts consider factors such as:

• the standard of living experienced during the marriage
• the child's educational, physical, emotional, and medical needs of the child
• each parent's earning capacity, financial resources, and obligation

Wisconsin's Spousal Support Guidelines

Spousal support can be paid in one lump sum, in installments, or periodically. The spouses may determine the spousal support amount and payment schedule, or the courts may award spousal support.

Wisconsin courts consider factors such as:

• duration of the marriage
• each spouse's ability to support themselves and earning capacity
• any property division, and child custody and support arrangements

Wisconsin's Property Division Guidelines

Wisconsin has adopted community property division guidelines, meaning all property acquired during the marriage will be divided into two equal parts. Spouses may collaborate on the property distribution, but if they are unable to agree the courts will make a ruling.

Wisconsin courts consider factors such as:

• the value of each spouse's separate property and assets
• custodial status of each spouse
• whether a spouse contributed to the property, including acquisition and upkeep

Wisconsin's Venue Guidelines

A petitioner may file the divorce forms in their Wisconsin county of residence.