Wisconsin Family Law Insider

Are you confused about fixed-fee versus hourly billing for your Wisconsin divorce? In this episode, we break down the critical differences between billing models to help you make informed representation decisions.  We discuss: Fixed fee provides cost certainty versus hourly uncertainty The usual misconceptions and the benefits of communication Rare cases inappropriate for fixed fee due to complexi...

Your child says they want to live with you and can explain why, but does that actually change custody outcomes? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers lead attorney Jeff Hughes clears up the biggest misconception in Wisconsin custody law and explains what courts actually consider.  We tackle: No magic age in Wisconsin custody law Child wishes are one factor among many Mature reasoning about stability b...

Are you going through a Wisconsin divorce and worried about how retirement accounts will be divided? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers managing partner Holly Mullin and attorney Mike Kyrios break down everything you need to know about retirement account division to protect your financial future. The critical difference between easy-to-value accounts (401(k)s, IRAs) and complex pensions requiring p...

Are you panicking because a Guardian ad Litem has been assigned to your custody case? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers lead attorney Jeff Hughes explains why GALs aren't obstacles but actually your best opportunity to win custody when you understand their process and prepare properly.  They discuss: How Guardian ad Litems interview everyone in your child's life, not just parents Why GAL...

Are you confused about how to properly value real estate in your Wisconsin divorce? In this episode, Sterling Law Offices Managing Partner Holly Mullin and Senior Associate Mike Kyrios explain the three methods for valuing Wisconsin divorce real estate and when each approach is most appropriate for accurate property division.  They talk about: Three valuation methods: online estimates, comparative...

Are you considering divorce but unsure where to start or whether it's the right decision? In this episode, Sterling Law Offices managing partner Holly Mullin discusses the critical pre-filing considerations that are rarely talked about but incredibly important for anyone contemplating divorce.  We explore: Why to consider marriage counseling before consulting divorce attorneys How to research...

Are you wondering how much your child's wishes matter in Wisconsin custody cases? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers lead attorney Jeff Hughes explains the 7 key factors that determine how children's preferences impact custody decisions in Wisconsin, including legal requirements and practical considerations.  We discussed:  Why child's wishes matter but don't decide Wisconsin cu...

Are you considering divorce mediation but unsure about how it works and whether it's right for your situation? In this episode, Sterling Law Offices managing partner Holly Mullin explains the three types of divorce mediation and helps you understand when mediation might be a better alternative to traditional divorce litigation. How divorce mediation differs from arbitration and why parties co...

Is your marriage struggling, but divorce seems too final? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers lead attorney Jeff Hughes explains the five key differences between Wisconsin legal separation and divorce, helping you understand when separation might be the better choice for your situation.  We explore: How easy reconciliation from legal separation compares to remarrying after divorce Debt protection be...

Are you nervous about appearing in family court and unsure about proper courtroom etiquette? In this episode, Sterling Law Offices attorneys Holly Mullin and Robert Keenan share essential tips for presenting yourself professionally during family law proceedings and avoiding behaviors that damage your credibility.  We explore: Why staying silent and letting your attorney speak protects your case Ho...

What does litigation actually look like in Wisconsin family law cases? In this Wisconsin Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin sits down with Partner Robert Keenan to demystify the litigation process beyond what you see on TV.  They talk about: The litigation timeline from filing pleadings Why Wisconsin requires a 120-day waiting period and typical case duratio...

Your spouse wants a divorce and you don't—it's one of the most powerless feelings imaginable. You're scared, confused, and desperately want to fix things, but everything you try seems to make it worse. In this episode, Sterling Lawyers CEO Jeff Hughes shares what he's learned from hundreds of Wisconsin couples facing this devastating situation. Drawing from cases where marriage...

What are the different types of discovery in Wisconsin family law and when should each be used? In this Wisconsin Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin continues her conversation with Partner Robert Keenan about discovery strategies that can make or break your case.  They explore: The four main types of discovery tools Why document production requests are most...

Why are disclosure and discovery so critical in Wisconsin family law cases? In this Wisconsin Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin sits down with Partner Robert Keenan to explain these essential processes that ensure transparency and fairness in divorce proceedings.  They explore: The difference between disclosure (financial disclosure statements) and formal d...

Worried a Wisconsin judge might see you as an unfit parent? One devastating mistake can cost you custody—but it's not what most parents think. In this essential guide, Sterling Lawyers' lead attorney Jeff Hughes reveals what "unfit" actually means under Wisconsin law and how loving parents can protect themselves.  Jeff breaks down the critical factors: The four major red flags...

Are you worried about how a Guardian ad Litem investigation could impact your custody case? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin and Senior Associate Bailey Holt discuss the essential strategies for working effectively with Guardian ad Litems and protecting your parental rights during these critical investigations. We discuss: How to prepare for GAL meetings and what inf...

What’s the difference between a guardian ad litem and a social worker—and how do they influence custody outcomes? In this episode of Wisconsin Family Law Insider, Managing Partner Holly Mullin welcomes Senior Associate Attorney Bailey Holt to break down two of the most misunderstood roles in contested custody cases: guardian ad litems (GALs) and social workers.  Holly and Bailey discuss: The legal...

Are you worried about making costly mistakes in your Wisconsin divorce? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers CEO and lead attorney Jeff Hughes reveals the four biggest mistakes that can quietly destroy divorce cases and shares strategies to protect yourself during Wisconsin divorce proceedings. Why seemingly small "clever moves" can torpedo your entire case How to recognize and respond to m...

How long does Wisconsin maintenance last, and can it be changed? In this Wisconsin Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin continues her conversation with Senior Associate Bailey Holt about Wisconsin maintenance law. Building on their previous discussion about eligibility, they dive deeper into the duration and modification aspects that concern most clients.  The...

Who gets maintenance in Wisconsin divorces and why? In this Wisconsin Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin sits down with Senior Associate Bailey Holt to demystify one of the most frequently asked questions in family law. Maintenance (also called alimony or spousal support) remains the biggest gray area in Wisconsin divorce law, and many clients have misconcep...

Are you worried about losing custody in Wisconsin even though you're a great parent? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers lead attorney Jeff Hughes reveals why even excellent parents lose custody battles and shares four critical documentation strategies that can protect your parental rights: Why good parents lose custody due to poor documentation Essential cloud-based filing systems that courts...

What exactly are "variable expenses" in Wisconsin child support cases? In this Wisconsin Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin sits down with Partner Austin Miller to clarify this often misunderstood aspect of family law. Variable expenses go beyond basic child support and can create confusion for divorcing parents.  They explore: What qualifies as va...

Confused about who pays for your child's medical expenses after divorce? In this Wisconsin Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin sits down with Partner Austin Miller to demystify healthcare cost responsibilities for co-parents. Understanding these often-overlooked financial obligations is crucial for avoiding post-divorce conflicts.  We explore:  How court...

Facing a Wisconsin divorce? In this episode, we reveal the 6 critical money moves to protect your finances before you even file. Drawing from years of experience as lead attorney for Sterling Lawyers, we share: How documenting financial accounts could save you thousands (and why one client lost an entire savings account without proper paperwork) Why your credit score remains vulnerable during divo...

How do courts calculate spousal maintenance (alimony)? In this Wisconsin Family Law Insider episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin sits down with Partner Austin Miller to break down this often subjective aspect of family law. Whether you're potentially paying or receiving maintenance, understanding how courts make these determinations is crucial. They explore: The key differe...