Going through a divorce is one of life's most stressful experiences. Beyond the emotional weight, there are real legal questions that need answers: How will property be divided? What about custody arrangements? Will spousal support be part of the agreement? Having a knowledgeable legal team on your side can make all the difference in protecting your rights and reaching a fair outcome.
At Hawks Quindel, our Wisconsin family law lawyers have been standing up for Wisconsin families for over 60 years, and we are ready to help you move forward with confidence.
Why Choose Hawks Quindel for Your Wisconsin Divorce?
Since 1959, we have built our reputation on one simple principle: we work for you. Our attorneys bring decades of experience in Wisconsin family law to every case, and we take a client-centered approach that puts your needs and goals first. Here is what sets us apart:
- A legacy of advocacy. With over 60 years of service across Wisconsin, we have helped thousands of clients through difficult transitions and fought hard for outcomes that protect their futures.
- Five convenient locations. Whether you are in Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, Waukesha, or the greater Chicago area, our offices are close to where you live and work.
- Proven client satisfaction. We have earned over 200 five-star Google reviews from real people who trusted us with their most important legal matters.
- Compassionate, honest counsel. Divorce is personal, and we treat every client with the dignity and respect they deserve. You will always know where your case stands and what your options are.
When you choose Hawks Quindel, you are choosing a firm that has spent decades fighting for fairness and accountability on behalf of working people and families throughout Wisconsin.
Hear From Our Clients
“happy with our settlement”
Bill Parsons and Brook Tylka and the rest of the staff from Hawks Quindel were very helpful with our case. They kept me up to date on the progress of my claim from the very beginning. After our first conciliation, we felt very confident we had the right attorney to...
“a practice someone can trust”
Hawks and Quindel are an amazing law firm to deal with. It’s a scary time and everyone there puts you at rest that they have your best interest at heart. They never make you feel like you are bothering them and they kept me in the loop with answers before... “thoroughness, patience, and insight”
I can’t praise Aaron Halstead and Connor Clegg enough for their work on my legal matter. I especially appreciated their thoroughness, patience, and insight. They were always responsive to my questions. They helped me navigate a challenging workplace issue and obtain a good outcome. I would and do recommend them. “highly recommend seeking the services of this firm”
During this very difficult time, the staff at Hawks and Quindel kept me reassured and informed every step of the way. I had the pleasure of working with Attorneys Jessa Victor and Brook Tylka. Jessa, Brook, Matt, and Hadley, thank you for all of your hard work, professionalism and compassion!... “my case was won”
From our first phone call with Donnie Malchow, we knew we'd found the right person to help us. I had filed for disability and been denied. He was willing to walk beside us and thoroughly explain the entire process (lasted over a year and a half) and expectations (gave us... “I would wholeheartedly recommend HQ”
I had another law firm representing me on a non-compete, and when it became clear that I needed new representation, I reached out to Hawks Quindel. Aaron Bibb took my case and he represented me extremely well to an agreeable resolution of the case, and costs were extremely reasonable and... “went above and beyond”
Attorney Halstead and his team went above and beyond to not only win my case, but because of certain circumstances I had going on, they did everything they could to help and rush the settlement through. They were always quick at responding to emails and phone calls with questions I... “I highly suggest this firm”
I can't imagine using any other firm after having Hawks Quindel, they were so knowledgeable and experienced but yet so down to earth to talk with. They kept me informed every step of the way and always answered when I had a question. What a staff, so many great people,... “empathy, intelligence, and professionalism”
I reside in New Mexico but drove a semi-truck coast to coast for an unscrupulous trucking company out of Wisconsin. This logistics company harassed, bullied lied and discriminated against me, keeping my earned wages, and leaving me in a financial hole. Devastated I called and left a message for the... “people treat you like family”
Top notch law firm Jacob and Natalie were my 2 attorneys that represented me on both of my cases? They did a fantastic job. Speaking up for me as they do for thousands of people and especially the little guys down-to-earth, people treat you like family, these people are godsons. “Way beyond my expectations”
Many thanks from my family to all of you at the firm!!! Hawks Quindel, S.C. is the only place I would consider for LTD, disability, SSDI, ERISA, EEOC, DRoW legal help!! Jessa Victor and her team got me all the answers and results when I didn't think it was possible!!!... “His team were patient and professional”
I had the pleasure of being represented by Aaron N. Halstead, Shareholder, on my discrimination case. His team were patient and professional. I would highly recommend this firm for the professionalism and efficiency for working through my case. “If there were 10 stars”
If there were 10 stars I would give them that. There are not enough words to express my gratitude for Aaron, Ben and their team. I felt strong with them behind me. Exceeded expectations is an understatement. “wonderful to work with”
I had mauve she was wonderful to work with! She helped me with my long battle to get SSI and SSDI. Which thankfully I now have! She's a delight and really helps boost anyone's confidents. “Extremely knowledgeable”
I had an incredible experience regarding my workers compensation case with Jakob Feltham! It was my first workers compensation case (*or first case ever), and I didn't know anything about the legalities surrounding my issue, or what I was entitled to? Jake Feltham had ALL my answers, and made it... “I’m happy with the work they did”
They were extremely responsive and good at communication throughout the process. They were accommodating of my disability and explained things well, taking time to answer all my questions. I'm happy with the work they did. Felt like I really had people on my side during a confusing and difficult time. “consistently responsive and professional”
My recent experience with Hawk Quindel, and in particular with John Leppanen in the Milwaukee office. He, was extremely valuable. The support/intake staff responded quickly to my initial inquiry, and John was responsive and made time soon after our initial contact to begin work on my case. John was able... “the best lawyers, trustworthy”
Excellent people, the best lawyers, trustworthy, always seeking the best results in the shortest possible time. I highly recommend them. “Very Helpful”
Eze the intake coordinator was awesome, very helpful and connected me with the right people to help with my situation! Thank you Eze! “Had My Back”
In 2010, I returned home from my second deployment. In 2012, I was told by the VA I couldn’t return to the job I was working at. It is now 2019, and through 7 years of needing legal representation, Hawks had my back through 3 separate issues: short term disability,... “Best Decision”
I really don’t know how to put this in words to express how happy, satisfied, and really just overwhelmed with a sense of justice being handed out on my behalf. This big corporate work comp insurer treated me wrong, but before I decided to give up I contacted Hawks Quindel,... “Highly Recommend”
The attorneys at Hawks Quindel worked tirelessly on my behalf. They were transparent at every step of the way, and answered any questions I had directly and in ways that someone without a legal background could easily understand. Although I would highly recommend them to anyone who is potentially facing... How Divorce Works in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a "no-fault" divorce state. That means neither spouse needs to prove the other did something wrong in order to end the marriage. Under Wisconsin Statute § 767.315, the only ground for divorce is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken," which simply means the relationship cannot be repaired.
To file for divorce in Wisconsin, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for a minimum of six months and in their county of residence for at least 30 days. Once the divorce petition is filed, there is a mandatory 120-day waiting period before a court can finalize the divorce. This waiting period gives both parties time to work through important issues like property division, custody, and support.
Key Issues in a Wisconsin Divorce
Every divorce involves resolving several major legal questions. While no two cases are the same, most Wisconsin divorces address the following:
- Property division. Wisconsin follows community property principles, meaning most assets and debts acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned and are typically divided equally.
- Child custody and placement. Courts determine both legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical placement (where the child lives) based on the best interests of the child.
- Child support. Wisconsin uses a percentage-of-income formula to calculate child support obligations, taking into account both parents' incomes and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.
- Spousal maintenance. Sometimes called alimony, maintenance may be awarded when one spouse needs financial support after the divorce. Courts look at factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, and contributions to the household.
Each of these issues can carry long-term financial and personal consequences, which is why having a skilled attorney review your specific situation matters so much.
Property Division in Wisconsin Divorces
One of the biggest concerns in any divorce is what happens to the property. Wisconsin is one of only a few community property states in the country, which means the starting point for dividing marital assets is a 50/50 split. This applies to homes, vehicles, retirement accounts, investments, and even debts accumulated during the marriage.
However, equal division is not always the final result. Courts have the discretion to divide property differently when circumstances warrant it. Under Wisconsin Statute § 767.61, a judge may consider factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse's contributions (including homemaking and child care), the age and health of both parties, and whether one spouse brought significant assets into the marriage.
Property that was owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is generally considered separate property and may not be subject to division. But it is important to note that if separate property has been mixed or "commingled" with marital property, things can become more complicated.
For couples in communities like Brookfield, Wauwatosa, or the Dane County area, the value of the family home is often one of the largest assets at stake. Understanding how property division works under Wisconsin law is critical to making informed decisions during this process.
Child Custody and Placement
For parents, custody and placement decisions are usually the most emotionally significant part of a divorce. Wisconsin courts prioritize the best interests of the child above all else when making these determinations.
Legal Custody vs. Physical Placement
It is helpful to understand two important terms:
- Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about a child's life, including education, health care, and religious upbringing. Wisconsin courts generally favor joint legal custody, meaning both parents share in these decisions.
- Physical placement refers to where the child actually lives day to day. Placement schedules can range from equal time with both parents to arrangements where one parent has primary placement, and the other has regular periods of physical placement.
Courts look at a long list of factors when deciding custody and placement, including each parent's relationship with the child, the child's adjustment to their home and community, and whether either parent has a history of domestic abuse.
Parents can also create their own custody and placement agreements, which a court will typically approve if it serves the child's best interests.
Working Toward Agreement
Many Wisconsin divorces involving children benefit from mediation or negotiation rather than a courtroom battle. Collaborative approaches can reduce conflict, save time, and produce arrangements that work better for the whole family. Our attorneys are experienced in both negotiation and litigation, and we always look for the path that best serves you and your children.
Spousal Maintenance in Wisconsin
Spousal maintenance, often referred to as alimony, is not automatically awarded in every divorce. Whether maintenance is appropriate depends on a variety of factors, and Wisconsin law gives judges significant discretion in these decisions.
Some of the factors courts consider include:
- The length of the marriage
- Each spouse's education, earning capacity, and employment history
- The age and physical health of both spouses
- The division of property in the divorce
- Whether one spouse contributed to the other's education or career advancement
- The standard of living established during the marriage
Maintenance can be temporary, helping a spouse get back on their feet after a transition period, or it can be longer-term in marriages that lasted many years, where one spouse sacrificed career opportunities to support the family. The goal is to ensure that both parties can maintain a reasonable standard of living after the divorce.
Understanding how courts approach maintenance in your specific county, whether that is Milwaukee County, Dane County, Outagamie County, or elsewhere, can help you set realistic expectations and plan for your financial future.
The Divorce Timeline in Wisconsin
Knowing what to expect can ease some of the stress of the divorce process. Here is a general overview of how a divorce moves forward in Wisconsin:
- Filing the petition. One spouse files a divorce petition with the circuit court in their county of residence.
- Serving the other spouse. The other spouse must be officially notified of the filing and given a chance to respond.
- Temporary orders. Either party can request temporary orders for things like child custody, support, or use of the family home while the divorce is pending.
- Discovery and negotiation. Both sides exchange financial information and work toward agreements on contested issues. Mediation may be used during this phase.
- Final hearing. If the parties reach an agreement, the court reviews and approves it. If not, a judge will make the final decisions after a trial.
The entire process takes a minimum of 120 days, but most divorces take longer depending on the complexity of the issues involved. Having an attorney who understands the local court system and procedures can help keep your case on track and protect your interests at every stage.
Protecting Your Financial Future During Divorce
Divorce has significant financial implications that can affect you for years to come. Taking proactive steps early in the process can help safeguard your financial well-being.
Start by gathering important financial documents, including tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, mortgage documents, and retirement account statements. Having a clear picture of your household finances will be essential during property division negotiations.
It is also important to understand your credit standing. If you and your spouse share joint credit accounts, talk to your attorney about steps to protect yourself from unexpected liabilities. Opening individual bank accounts and establishing credit in your own name, if you have not already, are practical steps that can help you transition smoothly.
For families in the Milwaukee metro area, the Fox Valley, or the Madison area, the cost of living and local housing market can play a meaningful role in decisions about property division and support. An attorney familiar with your community can provide valuable insight into these local factors.
Wisconsin Family Law FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions people have when considering divorce in Wisconsin.
How long does a divorce take in Wisconsin?
The minimum timeframe is 120 days from the date the petition is filed and served. However, most divorces take several months to a year or more, depending on how many issues need to be resolved and whether the parties can reach agreements outside of court.
Can I get divorced in Wisconsin if my spouse does not agree?
Yes. Because Wisconsin is a no-fault state, only one spouse needs to assert that the marriage is irretrievably broken. If one party contests this, the court may require counseling, but the divorce can still proceed.
What happens to our house in a divorce?
The family home is treated as marital property and is subject to division. Common outcomes include one spouse buying out the other's share, selling the home and splitting the proceeds, or reaching a creative arrangement that works for both parties.
Do grandparents have custody or visitation rights in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law does allow grandparents and other third parties to petition for visitation rights under certain circumstances, but these cases involve a high legal standard. Courts must consider the parents' wishes and the child's best interests before granting visitation to non-parents.
How is child support calculated in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses a percentage-of-income model. For example, the standard guideline for one child is 17% of the paying parent's gross income. Adjustments may apply based on shared placement arrangements and other factors. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families provides more details on these guidelines.
Will I have to go to court for my divorce?
Not necessarily. Many divorces are resolved through negotiation or mediation without a trial. However, at least one brief court appearance is typically required to finalize the divorce, even when both parties agree on all terms.
Can a divorce agreement be modified after it is finalized?
Certain aspects of a divorce judgment, such as child custody, placement, support, and spousal maintenance, can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Property division, however, is generally final once the judgment is entered.
Family Law Resources
Talk to Our Wisconsin Family Law Attorney Today
Every decision made during a divorce can shape your life for years to come. Where you live, your financial security, your relationship with your children — these things are too important to leave to chance. At Hawks Quindel, we have spent over six decades helping Wisconsin families protect what matters most, and we are ready to do the same for you.
Whether you are just beginning to consider divorce or are already in the middle of a difficult situation, our team is here to provide the honest guidance and dedicated representation you need. With five offices across Wisconsin and Illinois, getting trusted legal support is easier than you think.
Reach out today for a consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward a stronger future.