Family law is complicated, and no two divorces are the same. However, there are several steps all couples must complete to finalize their separation. The family lawyers at Osborne, Tripp & Schmidt in Sparta, WI, discuss the general process of filing for divorce, regardless of your particular situation.

File a Petition

The first step of filing is completing a petition that states your grounds for the divorce. The state of Wisconsin has “no fault” divorce laws, which means you can simply file for divorce on the grounds that your relationship is “irretrievably broken.” Your family lawyer will help you complete this petition accurately and file it with the appropriate office. After you file the petition with the courts, you will need to serve your spouse with a copy of it, and then they will have to file a response.

Seek Temporary Orders

If one spouse provides for the other financially or one of you will be doing most of the child care during the proceedings, you will need to ask the court for temporary orders regarding spousal support and custody. The court can typically grant such orders in a matter of days, and these will remain in effect until you and your spouse attend a full hearing.

Negotiate a Settlement

If you and your spouse can agree on a reasonable arrangement regarding child custody, your financial situation, and any shared assets, the court will sign off on it, and then your divorce will be finalized. If you cannot agree to the terms of the divorce on your own, though, the court will step in and determine them for you during a trial.

If you are considering filing for divorce in Sparta, WI, you can rely on a family lawyer from Osborne, Tripp & Schmidt for quality legal counsel during the proceedings. You can learn more about the firm’s areas of practice by visiting their website. Call (608) 269-2400 to schedule an initial consultation with an attorney today.