Divorce in Wisconsin
State-specific overview · Family Law
Wisconsin is a pure no-fault state requiring a 120-day waiting period from filing to final judgment.
How Wisconsin treats Divorce
Wisconsin recognizes only "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage" as grounds, with no fault-based options available. A mandatory 120-day waiting period runs from the date the divorce petition is filed until the court can enter a final judgment. Wisconsin is a community property state, dividing marital property equally unless the court finds equal division is inequitable. The waiting period applies to all divorces, though it may be waived in cases of domestic abuse or hardship.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce 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.