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Family and Paternity Division
Divorce or Legal Separation
Review the Basic Guide to Divorce (form #FA-4100V) to learn about legal issues to consider, such as, what county to file in, divorce versus legal separation or annulment, custody, child support, maintenance, property division, and debts.
Also, the Wisconsin Court System website offers self-help and forms assistance with divorce and family law.
Required Forms to File
If you and your spouse will be completing the forms together (jointly), an original of each of the following forms, along with 2 additional copies, must be submitted:
- Confidential Petition Addendum (form #GF-179)
- Joint Petition with Minor Children (form #FA-4110V)
- Joint Petition without Minor Children (form #FA-4111V)
If only one party will be completing the forms to start the action (solely), an original of each of the following forms, along with 3 additional copies, must be submitted:
- Confidential Petition Addendum (form #GF-179)
- Summons & Petition with Minor children (forms #FA-4104V & #FA-4108V)
- Summons & Petition without Minor Children (forms #FA-4105V & #FA-4109V)
Optional Forms to File
Please review the form details online to determine if the following forms are appropriate for your situation.
- Stipulation & Order for Temporary Order with Minor Children
- With Children (forms #FA-4126VA & #FA-4126VB)
- Without Children (form #FA-4127VA & # FA-4127VB)
- Affidavit to Show Cause & Request Hearing for Temporary Order
- With Children (forms #FA-4128VA & #FA-4128VB)
- Without Children (forms #FA-4129VA & #FA-4129VB)
Filing Fees
Fees can be paid by cash, check or money order payable to Clerk of Courts. Credit/Debit cards are accepted with an additional fee assessed. You will be charged $0.25/page for copies if you fail to supply them at the time of filing.
- $184.50 – Without children or request for maintenance (spousal support)
- $194.50 – With children or request for maintenance (spousal support)
At the time of filing, you will be given a date for an Order for Appearance for a Scheduling Conference. Please read this page carefully. The date is basically set out to accommodate the 120 day waiting period requirement. Should all issues be settled, you may call our office to obtain a hearing date for your final divorce.
Additional information and directions will be given upon filing the action.
Supporting Children during Divorce Program
Parents with minor children will be mandated to attend this co-parenting class, which promotes positive strategies to support children as their parents divorce. More information will be provided after the initial paperwork is filed.
Request for Mediation Services
If you are experiencing difficulties with physical placement (visitation) of your minor child(ren), Wisconsin Statutes provide that you first attempt to mediate your differences prior to formal court action.
The purpose of mediation is to allow parents input into developing a solution to their placement issues and avoid the emotional and financial burdens court actions may entail. The focus of mediation is to reach an agreement or plan which will be in the best interest of your child(ren). If you are unable to reach an agreement or fail to follow the visitation schedule you agreed to in mediation, you may then be advised to file a motion with the Court for judicial determination of your disputed issues.
Affidavit & Order to Show Cause to Change
If you would like the court to change an existing court order in the following areas: custody, placement, support, maintenance, or other, you need to file for modification.
Required Forms to File
To file for a modification, submit an original and 3 additional copies of the following forms:
- Affidavit to Show Cause (form #FA-4171VA)
- Order to Show Cause (form #FA-4171VB)
Filing Fees
Fees can be paid by cash, check or money order payable to Clerk of Courts. Credit/Debit cards are accepted with an additional fee assessed. You will be charged $0.25/page for copies if you fail to supply them at the time of filing.
- $50.00 Modify Placement/Custody
- $30.00 Modify Support/Maintenance & Other
Additional Information
Documents must be personally served and proof of such service must be filed. (See form #FA-5000 for service instructions.)
You are to take notes during the hearing as you may be directed to complete the Decision & Order (form #FA-4175V).
Affidavit & Order to Show Cause for Contempt
If you would like the court to address a violation of an existing court order, you need to file for contempt.
Required Forms to File
Please submit an original and 3 additional copies of the following forms:
- Affidavit for Finding of Contempt (form #FA-4172VA)
- Order to Show Cause for Finding of Contempt (form #FA-4172VB)
Additional Information
Documents must be personally served and proof of such service must be filed. There is no filing fee for this action, however, since these documents must be personally served, there will be a separate service fee payable directly to the serving agency. See form #FA-5000 for service instructions.
You are to take notes during the hearing as you may be directed to complete the Decision & Order (form #FA-4176V).