Divorce: divorcing couple ignore each other

Divorce lawyer

In Racine, Wisconsin — near Milwaukee and Kenosha

When your marriage ends in divorce, you face an emotional time filled with many questions. How long does it take to get a divorce? What happens to my kids? What if my spouse and I own a business together?

Your divorce lawyer at Murphy Johnson & Trampe will take a comprehensive approach, working to answer all of these questions and arrive at the best outcome for you.

Our law firm deals with property division, child custody, alimony, and all other divorce issues at the same time — and you’ll get personal attention from the divorce lawyer who will handle your case from start to finish.

About divorce law in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, it is especially important to have the help of a property division lawyer as you go through a divorce. Wisconsin is one of only nine states that is considered a community property state. Because of this unique approach to marital property, you should have the help of an attorney to make sure that you receive the assets to which you are entitled.

Waiting period for divorce in Wisconsin

Divorce in the state of Wisconsin has a mandatory waiting period of 120 days before the court will allow you to finalize the process. You will therefore not likely resolve your divorce for at least 6 months. This 6-month timeline is realistic in cases where there are limited issues between the parties.

Wisconsin State Capitol building

Complete divorce help

We work closely with men and women at all stages of a divorce, from the decision to file through post-judgment requests for modification or enforcement of existing orders. We represent either side in a divorce, handling all issues that may arise, including:

Child custody and child placement (visitation)

We will help you establish and implement custody and visitation arrangements that are in the best interests of the child while protecting your rights as a parent.

Child support

We will help you understand the Wisconsin child support guidelines and review any proposed support orders to ensure that they comply. We will also verify that all relevant income is properly considered, including self-employment or commission-based income.

Alimony (spousal support or maintenance)

We will work with you to determine whether alimony (a.k.a. spousal support or maintenance) is necessary, and if so, how much should be paid and for how long. We will help you understand the factors considered by the court and give you a realistic assessment of what to expect.

Division of marital debts and assets

We will help you understand Wisconsin’s marital property laws and work with you to develop an equitable distribution of all debts and assets, such as real property, bank accounts and investments, retirement assets, and business property.

Free Consultation

Divorce process: wedding rings on legal books with gavel and scales
Divorce process: wedding rings on legal book with gavel and scales

Divorce process in Wisconsin

The divorce process starts with a Temporary Order Hearing, wherein the Court will address issues of custody, placement, child support, maintenance, property division, and debt payments. This initial hearing is handled by the Family Court Commissioner and the orders made by the Court are temporary. This hearing is to set rules for the parties to follow while they are awaiting their final trial or stipulated divorce hearing.

After the Temporary Order Hearing, most counties have a pre-trial where the Court seeks to determine what the issues are and set a timeline for settlement or trial. These processes change based upon the county in which the divorce is filed. Your divorce attorney will guide you regarding the specific procedures for your particular county.

The parties may settle out of court. To do so they must create a Marital Settlement Agreement or Divorce Contract. Both parties generally must appear at the final divorce hearing — even if there is a stipulated agreement — to testify to the Court regarding agreements made.

If the parties cannot come to agreed-upon terms, they must attend a Contested Divorce Hearing or Divorce Trial. A divorce trial can be costly and emotionally damaging to both parties. Your attorney will do their best to negotiate appropriate terms prior to trial, but if they are unable to do so they will resolutely represent you at trial.

Free Consultation

Divorce financial accounting: divorce binder, calculator, and pen

Business and high asset divorce

When you have a high net worth, or when you or your spouse own a business, you face a more complex divorce than usual. There are many other things that must be taken into account, such as business valuations and tax consequences of a divorce.

Our dedicated legal team works closely with experts in the business community (i.e. accountants, financial analysts, appraisers, etc.) to help you get through all the intricate procedures surrounding a high asset divorce.

Divorce attorneys

Personalized and aggressive representation in times of need

Attorney Matthew P. Johnson

Matthew P. Johnson

Partner and Shareholder

Attorney Philip Z. Trampe

Philip Z. Trampe

Partner and Shareholder

Attorney Jillian E. Clausen

Jillian E. Clausen

Senior Associate Attorney

Attorney Alana Brown

Alana Brown

Associate Attorney

Divorce attorney reviews

  • 122 Avvo reviews — 4.9 stars average
  • 57 Google reviews — 4.7 stars average

Brad

★★★★★

Excellent Service! Great communication!

I hired Attorney Johnson to represent me during my divorce. Attorney Johnson is very knowledgeable about the process and explained everything in a very clear manner. Both attorney Johnson and his legal assistant were very quick to respond to any questions that I had along the way.

anonymous

★★★★★

Will recommend!

Phil represented me for my divorce, and I am very happy I found him. He was easy to speak with, explained everything in detail, and was always available when I had questions. My anxiety was high throughout the entire process, but having Phil and his team on my side made it easier to deal with. My ex hired a lawyer that has a reputation of being overly aggressive, and Phil was able to handle anything they threw at us. I would 10/10 recommend Phil to anyone.

Dave

★★★★★

Look no further

Jillian Clausen was outstanding with helping me through my divorce. I had retained two lawyers prior to her, that both lied to me, and were only interested in continuing my case, and extracting as much money from me as they could. Jillian was extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and an outstanding negotiator.

Free Consultation