Alimony
UNDERSTANDING ALIMONY
How does alimony in Wisconsin work?
Alimony is set up to make sure both spouses avoid the negative economic effects that come from a Wisconsin divorce. In most marriages, both spouses typically enjoy a certain standard of living that is higher than if they were both single. Wisconsin family law dictates that no spouse should be come out of a divorce in a more advantageous financial position. Alimony in a Madison divorce is also called “maintenance,” or “spousal maintenance.” A trained divorce attorney can explain more of the legal basis behind alimony. To estimate your alimony payments check out our Alimony Payment Calculator.
When you need changes to your alimony order.
Usually, the alimony decisions made by Wisconsin county courts are final. But there are particular circumstances that could change the amount of alimony you or your spouse pays. One of the most common reasons for changing alimony is an increase or decrease in salary. If one partner becomes unable to pay due to financial hardship, alimony can be changed. Alimony can also be changed if an ex-spouse remarries, or even moves in with someone else. Under Wisconsin family law, alimony payments can really only be modified if a spouse’s circumstances change significantly
Terminating alimony in Wisconsin
There are really only two valid reasons for terminating alimony in Wisconsin. The first reason, of course, is death. But spousal maintenance or alimony can also be terminated in the event that one spouse remarries. According to standard Wisconsin family law practice, the courts see marriage as an increase in standard of living. Therefore, the newly married spouse will have an adequate financial safety net from his or her new marriage. In addition to death or marriage, major changes in standard of living or a major inheritance can also cause alimony to be terminated.
UNDERSTANDING ALIMONY
How does alimony in Wisconsin work?
Alimony is set up to make sure both spouses avoid the negative economic effects that come from a Wisconsin divorce. In most marriages, both spouses typically enjoy a certain standard of living that is higher than if they were both single. Wisconsin family law dictates that no spouse should be come out of a divorce in a more advantageous financial position. Alimony in a Madison divorce is also called “maintenance,” or “spousal maintenance.” A trained divorce attorney can explain more of the legal basis behind alimony. To estimate your alimony payments check out our Alimony Payment Calculator.
When you need changes to your alimony order.
Usually, the alimony decisions made by Wisconsin county courts are final. But there are particular circumstances that could change the amount of alimony you or your spouse pays. One of the most common reasons for changing alimony is an increase or decrease in salary. If one partner becomes unable to pay due to financial hardship, alimony can be changed. Alimony can also be changed if an ex-spouse remarries, or even moves in with someone else. Under Wisconsin family law, alimony payments can really only be modified if a spouse’s circumstances change significantly
Terminating alimony in Wisconsin
There are really only two valid reasons for terminating alimony in Wisconsin. The first reason, of course, is death. But spousal maintenance or alimony can also be terminated in the event that one spouse remarries. According to standard Wisconsin family law practice, the courts see marriage as an increase in standard of living. Therefore, the newly married spouse will have an adequate financial safety net from his or her new marriage. In addition to death or marriage, major changes in standard of living or a major inheritance can also cause alimony to be terminated.
Divorce Basics
What you need to know
To file a divorce in Wisconsin, you must meet basic residency requirements. You can start the process of getting a divorce by filing with the clerk in your particular county. In order to file for divorce, you only have to acknowledge that your marriage is broken beyond repair. A divorce attorney can make sure you stay organized as you begin the divorce process. Filing a divorce action in the appropriate manner is crucial in having a successful divorce.
Child Custody
What you need to know
In most family law cases, courts try to maximize a child’s time with both parents after a divorce. However, the parent with legal custody still gets to make crucial decisions on behalf of the child. Courts do consider each parent’s relationship with the children in a divorce, and they also take the child’s wishes into account in most cases. In the absence of legal custody, a divorce attorney can still make sure you play a role in the life of your child after a divorce.
Child Support
What you need to know about child support
Wisconsin courts have specific rules for setting child support amounts. Child support amounts typically last until a child is an adult and can only be changed under very specific circumstances. Therefore, it’s important that you end up paying the right amount in child support from the very beginning. If you believe your former spouse in a divorce isn't paying the right amount in child support, a divorce attorney can help you address this situation.
Helping Families Get What They Deserve.
A divorce or other family law matter is a life-changing event for you, and if you are a parent, for your children. It is an evnt that will change lives for years or perhaps forever. That’s why it’s so important to get an attorney and not just any attorney, but the right attorney
We have over 25 years of family experience and we can be aggressive when your family needs to get what they deserve. When a client retains our services we personally take care of their case. Our goal is to get you what you want. Whether that is collaborative divorce, mediation or litigation.
We are a renowned Wisconsin Divorce & Family Law Firm. We've represented Wisconsin residents in many counties across the state, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Dane, Rock, Jefferson, Kenosha and counties. Don’t let your spouse in a difficult divorce case prevent you from getting the settlement your family deserves.
Alimony
What you need to know about alimony
In a divorce, Wisconsin courts aim to establish financial equality between spouses. Alimony, or spousal maintenance, is the main way courts do this. There is such a thing as temporary alimony, but most alimony orders are permanent, so it’s important that spouses have a bold legal advocate to argue their case in a divorce trial. Although marriage is supposed to be a give-and-take, oftentimes one spouse sacrifices more than the other during a marriage. Factors such as these can influence how much alimony is paid after a divorce is finalized.
John T. Fields & Associates
Wisconsin Divorce & Family Law Firm
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YOUR DIVORCE
CHILD CUSTODY
Divorce with children
ALIMONY
PROPERTY DIVISION
Property Division
What you need to know about property division
Wisconsin family law guidelines are pretty clear-cut when it comes to property division during a divorce. Although there are exceptions, assets are usually split evenly. Still, property division can get pretty complicated. Dishonest spouses will hide or undervalue marital assets to cheat the other party out of his or her fair share. In property division cases, a divorce attorney will help you avoid being taken advantage of. Many types of assets, including ones you probably never thought of, can be divided during the divorce process.
THE ALIMONY SETTLEMENT
How courts determine alimony
Before an alimony settlement can be agreed upon in a Wisconsin divorce, the courts, will look at several factors pertaining to both spouses. A good divorce attorney can assertively present a client’s case in court and ensure a fair alimony settlement. The most important factor the court looks at is the length of the marriage. Most of the time, 10 years is the limit – for marriages shorter than 10 years, the court may not be likely to award alimony. If one spouse has a large amount of individual property, the court may also award alimony. Age, emotional health and education levels also come into play when for the courts.
Presenting your alimony case
Clients have to prepare to present their alimony case to the court in a divorce battle. To prepare, they should bring a written history detailing employment as well as educational background. Most Madison divorce attorneys also tell spouses to bring their tax returns from the marriage, as well as financial documents verifying the value of other assets like luxury items and other significant holdings. The process can be cumbersome, but it’s far worse to be stuck with an unfair alimony payment after a divorce. A divorce attorney like John T. Fields & Associates will help you prepare the right documents and he has the experience needed to help win your case
Understanding the different types of alimony
Of course, not all alimony is created equally. In alimony settlements, there are many different types of alimony payments. In addition to permanent alimony, which usually lasts until a spouse remarries or dies, there is also temporary alimony. Usually, this type of alimony in a divorce case is awarded to a lower-earning spouses to help him or her with expenses until the divorce is finalized. There is also lump-sum alimony, or alimony that is paid all at once, usually soon after a divorce is finalized. This saves one spouse the headache of worrying about alimony payments over time.
THE ALIMONY SETTLEMENT
How courts determine alimony
Before an alimony settlement can be agreed upon in a Wisconsin divorce, the courts, will look at several factors pertaining to both spouses. A good divorce attorney can assertively present a client’s case in court and ensure a fair alimony settlement. The most important factor the court looks at is the length of the marriage. Most of the time, 10 years is the limit – for marriages shorter than 10 years, the court may not be likely to award alimony. If one spouse has a large amount of individual property, the court may also award alimony. Age, emotional health and education levels also come into play when for the courts.
Presenting your alimony case
Clients have to prepare to present their alimony case to the court in a divorce battle. To prepare, they should bring a written history detailing employment as well as educational background. Most Madison divorce attorneys also tell spouses to bring their tax returns from the marriage, as well as financial documents verifying the value of other assets like luxury items and other significant holdings. The process can be cumbersome, but it’s far worse to be stuck with an unfair alimony payment after a divorce. A divorce attorney like John T. Fields & Associates will help you prepare the right documents and he has the experience needed to help win your case.
Understanding the different types of alimony
Of course, not all alimony is created equally. In alimony settlements, there are many different types of alimony payments. In addition to permanent alimony, which usually lasts until a spouse remarries or dies, there is also temporary alimony. Usually, this type of alimony in a divorce case is awarded to a lower-earning spouses to help him or her with expenses until the divorce is finalized. There is also lump-sum alimony, or alimony that is paid all at once, usually soon after a divorce is finalized. This saves one spouse the headache of worrying about alimony payments over time.
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