Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state. It doesn’t matter whether your spouse has cheated on you or whether there is a case of abuse; the irretrievable breakdown of your marriage is the ground for your divorce. If you fear for your life or when your spouse has a history of domestic abuse, you can consider getting a restraining order by talking to your divorce lawyer Kenosha. Here comes the big factor – How much will the divorce cost? We have a few pointers below for your help.
An uncontested divorce
If both parties (read: your spouse) can discuss, negotiate, and come to an agreement on pertinent issues, you can file for an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is the simplest kind of divorce you can get in Wisconsin, and there is a 120-day cooling-off period, which is the minimum time you need to wait for the process to get over. The cost of uncontested divorces may vary, but for most circumstances, you can expect to pay $2,000 or a little more for everything included.
A contested divorce
While an uncontested divorce is always a cheaper option, not everyone can expect a smooth journey while ending their marriage. A contested divorce often involves issues that are hard to resolve, such as asset distribution, child custody, and child support. Also, there could be allegations and other matters that may need extensive negotiation. If there is no agreement between you and your spouse, a contested divorce could be your choice, although it doesn’t mean going to trial. There is always the option of mediation. A high-asset divorce can cost as much as $100,000 or more, while regularly contested divorces may cost $10,000 or more.
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Keeping costs in control
If you want to reduce the cost of your divorce, consider cooperating with your spouse. You should also have an attorney on your side to ensure that you get sane advice on handling matters that need attention. More often than not, divorces become a battle of egos and attitudes. Still, as long as both parties are keen on retaining control over the process, they can hope to achieve more through mediation and by letting attorneys do their job.
When working with a divorce lawyer for the first time, ask about the costs. In a contested divorce, it can be hard to get a clear ballpark as there is no clarity about the work involved. Your lawyer can help you understand the retainer fee and hourly costs.