Alimony in Wisconsin
State-specific overview · Family Law
Wisconsin courts award alimony using statutory factors with presumptions against permanent awards in shorter marriages.
How Wisconsin treats Alimony
Wisconsin law (Statute § 767.56) requires judges to consider 13 factors including the length of marriage, age, earning capacity, and standard of living. The state presumes alimony should not extend beyond half the marriage length for marriages under 20 years. Alimony terminates upon the recipient's remarriage or death, and courts may modify awards based on substantial changes in circumstances.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.