If you live in Appleton and want to file for divorce, you can initiate the proceedings. Wisconsin is a no-fault state. It doesn’t matter whether your spouse has committed adultery or both of you have just drifted apart; you can get a divorce stating the marriage is “irretrievably” broken. Before you take the first legal step to end your marriage, consider consulting one of the divorce attorneys Appleton to understand the situation better. For your help, here are some quick aspects about lawyering up for your divorce.
When you can possibly manage without a lawyer
- You and your spouse are in agreement on key things concerning the divorce
- You know the divorce laws and how things work in county courts
- Yours is a simple divorce with no complications
Even in these circumstances, it is wise to get an attorney on your side, especially because you may not always take the right steps to protect your interests in an aggressive manner.
When you definitely need an attorney
- You are a victim of domestic violence
- You and your spouse don’t get along
- You have considerable assets
- You own a business
- You don’t understand how divorce proceedings work
- You need alimony
How can an attorney help?
There are numerous law firms in Appleton that deal exclusively in family law and divorce matters. A skilled and experienced lawyer can help with the following –
- Explain your rights and what you are entitled to
- Check if you would qualify for alimony
- Help you make decisions with regard to child custody
- Guide you on the legal process
- Handle all the necessary paperwork
- Evaluate the factors that can delay the divorce
- Negotiate with your spouse and their lawyer
- Help with getting temporary orders
- Guide you on getting restraining orders
How much do divorce attorneys charge?
It largely depends on the facts and type of your case. If yours is a contested divorce with many issues, a divorce attorney may charge on the higher side. For uncontested divorces with minimum work, a lawyer may even take a flat fee. The standard hourly rate in various Wisconsin states is anywhere from $200 to $500.
Check online now to find more on the best-rated divorce attorneys in your area and insist on a personal meeting, even if this means paying a small fee for the consultation. Before you go to meet a lawyer, make a list of questions you may have on your mind.
