The state of Wisconsin gives divorcing couples the options of jointly filing a petition requesting a termination of their marriage. This makes it easy for spouses who can agree to divorce and can cooperate throughout the legal process to incur minimal expense. To ensure the lowest possible cost, couples must complete a written separation document detailing their plans for handling issues including:
• Alimony payments
• Child custody arrangements
• Child support payments
• Division of jointly owned property
• Payment of jointly incurred debts
• Visitation rights for non-custodial parents
Sometimes spouses may be in agreement on the importance of drafting a written separation agreement rather than relying upon a judge’s unpredictable verdict but be able to reach mutually satisfactory resolutions on some issues. In such cases, they may decide to share the costs of hiring a mediation specialist. A person who helps facilitate divorce mediation in Wisconsin could be a lawyer or another kind of specialist in the field. Their job is to help couples discuss their issues and come to terms.
In some cases, a judge may order two spouses to attend at least one session of divorce mediation in Wisconsin. This will almost certainly be the case if there is disagreement over any issues involving minor children. Whether beginning divorce mediation in Wisconsin voluntarily or merely attending a session when ordered to by a judge, neither spouse is committed to signing an agreement whose terms they disagree with. Either partner may choose to terminate the sessions at any time. Nothing said during these meetings will be reported to a judge.
The standard procedure followed in sessions of divorce mediation in Wisconsin involves both spouses meeting in a room with their mediator. If the issues in dispute are relatively simple, it may be possible to achieve a resolution during a single meeting. In other cases, spouses may need to commit to multiple sessions to resolve all their issues. While this may prove to be expensive, the cost will be worthwhile if both partners agree not to emerge without a mutually satisfactory agreement.
During these meetings, other legal experts may be brought in as co-mediators to offer advice on legally unclear issues, provide mental health expertise or otherwise help resolve disputes. Some couples who are especially at odds may decide they need to be seated in separate rooms and have their mediator go back and force. If two partners no longer reside in the same area, they may decide to attempt divorce mediation in Wisconsin through teleconferences.
If a judge orders mediation, couples may be ordered to jointly split the cost or come to another arrangement. Couples who cannot afford to pay for divorce mediation in Wisconsin may be able to obtain pro bono services. You are entitled to question any mediator about their education and experience with your type of divorce issues to make sure they can help you. Regardless of the expense, this process will be almost certainly be far less costly than retaining a lawyer to represent you in family court.
