Milwaukee Metro Divorce Lawyer
Serving all areas of Family Law in the Northern Milwaukee Metro Area
If you are contemplating, or in the process of finding a lawyer for, a divorce, it can be a very trying time. The family law attorneys at Napierala Law Office in Bayside, Wisconsin aim to make the process as easy and affordable as possible, while also ensuring that the future of you and your children is safe and secure. The following information can help answer some basic questions about divorce and family law, but it is not legal advice. The only way you can really ensure that the information you are getting pertains to your unique situation is to speak with an experienced and effective family law attorney. Call our law office at (414)755-8450 or click here to email us.
Most client have the same fears and questions. Clients also hold beliefs about the legal process in a divorce or about the behavior of the people involved that are not accurate. Here are the most common questions that clients ask, and their answers.
Is Divorce a Lengthy Process?
It is difficult to determine how long a divorcee proceeding will take. We are better able to give you an estimated time range later when we understand more clearly what is at issue. The time involved is primarily based on four factors:
- The number and complexity of the contested issues (including, but not limited to: Real Estate, Property, Children, Debts and Liabilities):
- The likelihood of cooperation and whether there is an inclination to settle
- The attitude, tenacity and the willingness of your spouse to cooperate: and
- The desire for litigation of the lawyer of your spouse
Is Divorce an Expensive Process?
It is difficult to make a realistic estimate of the total fee even when we know what issues are contested, the intensity of the parties’ feelings, and the complexity of the issues. If the parties want to settle, make compromises and end the matter quickly, they can do so. if the parties do not trust each other, want complete discovery of all assets and liabilities, and argue many issues to the bitter end, the process becomes very long, drawn out, and expensive. going to trial is almost always more expensive than settling the lawsuit.
Your Personal Investment of Time: You will have to spend your own time to prepare your lawsuit. Your spouse does not prepare your lawsuit; your spouse's attorney does not prepare your lawsuit. Your attorney prepares your lawsuit, but we can do that only with your help. You must make a commitment to put time into your case. If you are not prepared to spend the time and do the work, then your case will not be as satisfactorily or inexpensively prepared as it will if you make the expenditure of time. A lawyer can only be as successful as the client allows. The more you contribute with regards to financial disclosures, wage statements, real estate information, etc. the more we can do for you.
Your Personal Investment of Mental Health: Many health professionals will tell you that going through a divorce is one of the most painful experiences you can have. It is recommended that all parties going through a divorce be in counseling to help with the emotional issues. It is unusual for both parties to want to end the relationship simultaneously. Therefore, one party is very often emotionally hurt along the way. If that is you, then divorce can be an extremely painful process. Often one party raises issues as a way of dragging the matter out to punish the other spouse. The more issues raised, the more painful the process can become. Our practice recognizes the emotional and psychological difficulties that accompany a divorce proceeding. We will do our best to alleviate your fears and apprehensions although outside support is strongly recommended. Counseling will aid you through this difficult time and make your attorney’s job easier. Your attorney is trained to assist you with your legal needs, and is not property equipped to counsel you emotionally.
Your Personal Financial Investment: Divorce proceedings have the potential to be very expensive. Thus, we advise you to scrutinize your issues and interests at an early stage to determine what issues can be settled. We do not recommend making unreasonable or unnecessary concessions, but we recommend you look carefully at the issues that separate you and your spouse. You do exercise some control over the issues in your case. Therefore, if there are concessions you can make that might bring your case to a speedy conclusion and thus reduce your fees, please consider making them. Litigation often begets further litigation.
For additional information on divorce and family law in Wisconsin, see the following links:
Information on contested divorce proceedings
Documents required / good information to have organized before you see your family law attorney
How to deal with your spouse through the divorce process
