Divorce Is Hard. We’re Here To Make It Easier.

Last updated on March 10, 2025

Divorce and the changing American family have become part of our national culture. Divorce rates are at an all-time high as men and women no longer stay together “for the sake of the children” or remain in marriages in which one or both parties are unhappy.

If you have decided to end your marriage in Hudson, the St. Croix Valley or western Wisconsin, our experienced and understanding Mudge Porter Lundeen & Seguin, S.C., family law attorneys provide you with the information you need concerning divorce and family law — facts and options that promote sound decisions about your post-divorce future.

Our lawyers guide you through the uncontested, contested and high net worth divorce legal process as smoothly as possible, offer sound recommendations based upon years of successful service and focus on minimizing the negative impact of divorce on children.

When you retain our law firm, you will get an attorney who listens carefully to your wishes and goals and will aggressively protect your legal interests every step of the way.

To begin receiving the benefits of our large law firm experience and small firm attentive personal service for your issues, contact us to arrange your confidential initial consultation.

Grounds For Divorce In Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state. So, the reasons for ending a marriage are not subject to legal scrutiny or the assignment of blame. Unlike fault-based systems, where a spouse must provide specific reasons, such as adultery or cruelty, Wisconsin simplifies the process to focus on whether the marriage can continue.

Here are the key aspects of how no-fault divorce works in Wisconsin and the circumstances that may lead couples to seek a divorce.

• No proof of fault needed: In Wisconsin, spouses are not required to prove that the other has done something wrong to justify the divorce. Whether the marriage ended due to a gradual emotional disconnect, financial disagreements or incompatible life goals, the court does not weigh these factors. This approach emphasizes mutual dignity and avoids contentious legal battles over assigning blame.
• Testimony of irretrievable breakdown: To proceed with a divorce, one spouse must testify under oath that the marriage is beyond repair. This statement is sufficient to meet the legal threshold, regardless of whether the other spouse agrees or disputes the claim. This helps ensure that a marriage cannot be prolonged against the will of one party.
• No consideration of marital misconduct: Wisconsin courts do not consider marital misconduct when handling divorce proceedings. Factors such as infidelity, substance abuse or other personal behaviors are irrelevant when deciding issues like property division, child custody or spousal support. This neutrality focuses on equitable outcomes rather than assigning moral responsibility.
• No legal justification needed: Unlike some states, where specific legal grounds must be cited for divorce, Wisconsin does not require spouses to present such justifications. Whether the reasons for divorce are personal, emotional or logistical, the court’s role is not to evaluate the legitimacy of those reasons but to finalize the dissolution of the marriage.

While no-fault divorce simplifies the legal process, the reasons couples choose to divorce remain deeply personal.

Wisconsin’s no-fault system enables individuals to move forward without additional legal burdens, from communication breakdowns to diverging life paths.

Understanding The Divorce Process In Wisconsin

It’s important to understand the general process you’ll go through when getting a divorce in Wisconsin. The specifics vary from case to case, but the following are the main steps you’ll need to take:

1. Determine your filing status: You need a different divorce petition form if you are filing jointly or alone. You also have to declare whether you have minor children or not.
2. Consider a temporary hearing: You may need a temporary order, such as a custody order for children during the divorce, meaning a temporary court hearing may be necessary.
3. File the divorce petition: There is a 120-day waiting period in Wisconsin, and filing the divorce petition with the circuit court starts the timer. The judge cannot issue a final ruling until the 120 days are up.
4. Serve the documents: Once you file the divorce petition or summons, you also have to serve these documents to your spouse. They then have a set amount of time to respond.
5. Receive the temporary order: If you decide to have a temporary hearing, this is when you will receive the formal order.
6. Address required parenting programs: Some parents reach a custody agreement jointly by going through mediation. If you’re not able to do so, you have 60 days to file your proposed parenting plan with the court. The court will eventually make a custody ruling.
7. Schedule the next hearing: Once you file the proper paperwork, the clerk can schedule your next divorce hearing. This is sometimes done automatically, but you may have to contact the court directly.
8. Complete the final paperwork: At this final hearing, you’ll need to have certain paperwork in place. This can include vital statistics forms, findings of fact forms, financial disclosure statements and proposed custody arrangements.
9. Go to the hearing: Bring all of your paperwork to the hearing and make sure you get there early. This is when the court makes decisions about child support, child custody, alimony and more.
10. Complete any additional documentation: In some cases, the court will ask for specific documentation even after the hearing. One example is a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO), which can be used to split up retirement benefits.

These are the general steps you’ll need to take, but the specifics differ from case to case. This is when it can be helpful to have an experienced law firm on your side.

For Any Wisconsin Divorce Legal Issue, The Only Law Firm You Will Ever Need

Mudge Porter Lundeen & Seguin, S.C., family law attorneys bring their legal skills and comforting personal touch to practice areas that include:

• Uncontested, contested and high net worth divorce, representing men and women
• Divorce mediation and litigation
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support and spousal support, spousal maintenance and alimony
• Property division — community marital property issues
• Post-judgment modifications, including requests to modify child support, custody and visitation, or terminate maintenance
• Contempt orders and enforcements when custody and support obligations are ignored
• Parental relocation
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Paternity and parental rights issues

We are versatile enough to assist you in reaching a negotiated settlement on any divorce issue, represent you in divorce mediation or aggressively advocate for you at trial. We can also assist you in other legal matters relating to the divorce such as estate planning.

To speak with an experienced, understanding Hudson divorce lawyer, contact us by calling 888-365-5389, 888-365-5389 toll-free or by email. We welcome the opportunity to serve you and your Wisconsin family in any way we can.