Wisconsin Family Law Insider

You assume you need proof of cheating or abuse to file for divorce in Wisconsin, or that your spouse can block the divorce by refusing to cooperate. Wisconsin divorce law operates under a single no-fault standard—irretrievable breakdown of the marriage—and the court doesn't want to hear who's at fault or why the marriage failed. Sterling Lawyers Lead Attorney and CEO Jeff Hughes reveals...

Your spouse racked up thousands in credit card debt—or you're fighting to keep your house and that 3% mortgage rate. You assume the spending spouse takes the debt, right? Wrong. Wisconsin's community property law says you're equally responsible for everything from the marriage, regardless of whose name is on it. Sterling Law Offices Managing Partner Holly Mullin and Senior Partner J...

You’re a dad in Wisconsin, but unless you’re married to the mother, the law doesn’t automatically recognize you. Even if your name is on the birth certificate, you may have zero custody or placement rights until you take action. In this episode, Sterling Lawyers CEO and Lead Attorney Jeff Hughes explains exactly how to establish paternity in Wisconsin—step by step—and why it’s the foundation for e...

Your friend paid half the marriage length. The online calculator says something completely different. Your attorney won't give you a straight answer. Alimony in Wisconsin is a scary part of divorce because there are no standard formulas—just judicial discretion that varies dramatically even within the same county. Sterling Law Offices Managing Partner Holly Mullin and Senior Partner Jeff Morr...

You've heard horror stories about divorces costing tens of thousands and draining your finances. But what does a Wisconsin divorce actually cost in 2025—and more importantly, what makes costs skyrocket from $3,000 to $100,000? Sterling Lawyers CEO and lead attorney Jeff Hughes reveals the truth about divorce expenses, from minimum filing fees to contested litigation that destroys finances. In...

Alimony in Wisconsin is the scariest part of divorce because there are no standard formulas—just judicial discretion that varies judge to judge, even within the same county. Sterling Law Offices Managing Partner Holly Mullin and Senior Partner Jeff Morrell reveal why even experienced attorneys get wildly wrong predictions. In this episode, you'll learn about: Why marriage length and income di...

You thought child support in Wisconsin ended when your child turned 18. You stopped paying—or stopped expecting payments. Then you got hit with an enforcement notice or penalties. Sterling Lawyers Lead Attorney and CEO Jeff Hughes reveals why the age 18 assumption destroys families financially and the exact documentation you need to avoid enforcement nightmares. In this episode, you'll learn...

Maintenance buyout in Wisconsin offers a creative alternative to monthly spousal support payments, providing finality and eliminating uncertainty for both paying and receiving spouses. Sterling Law Offices Managing Partner Holly Mullin explains how maintenance buyout works, when it makes sense, and how discount structures create win-win divorce settlements. In this episode, you'll learn about...

Wisconsin child custody hearings determine your parental rights and your child's future, making thorough preparation essential. Sterling Lawyers Lead Attorney Jeff Hughes reveals the 8 exact steps to prepare for Wisconsin child custody hearings. In this episode, you'll learn about: Filing requirements and service procedures that start the custody process Legal custody versus physical pla...

Military divorce in Wisconsin involves complex federal laws that create unique challenges beyond typical civilian divorce cases. Sterling Law Offices Managing Partner Holly Mullin breaks down critical financial issues in military divorce, including retirement pay division, health benefit eligibility, and federal law protections that can create long-term problems if mishandled. In this episode, you...

Filing for divorce in Wisconsin involves specific legal steps that protect your rights, finances, and time with your children. Sterling Lawyers Lead Attorney Jeff Hughes breaks down the 6 exact steps you need when filing for divorce in Wisconsin, whether you're initiating the divorce or responding to one. In this episode, you'll learn about: Residency requirements and no-fault divorce st...

Most people think prenups in Wisconsin are ironclad contracts that courts must enforce. The reality? Courts throw out prenups all the time—for lack of understanding, unfairness at implementation, missing disclosures, or provisions against public policy. Holly Mullin, Managing Partner at Sterling Law Offices, and Ellen Rhodeman, Senior Partner with extensive prenup experience, reveal what actually...

Do you think living together for years creates a common law marriage in Wisconsin? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers lead attorney Jeff Hughes reveals the truth about common law marriage and how misconceptions could leave you legally unprotected when relationships end. Wisconsin does not recognize common law marriage regardless of duration Unmarried separation means no spousal support or property...

Are you considering a prenup in Wisconsin and wondering if it's right for your situation? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers Managing Partner Holly Mullin and Senior Partner Ellen Rhodeman explain how prenuptial agreements work in Wisconsin's 50/50 marital property system and why they benefit couples at all income levels.  They talk about: Prenup Wisconsin agreements override 50/50 marita...

Are you confused about the four types of custody in Wisconsin and what they mean for your parental rights? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers lead attorney Jeff Hughes explains the crucial differences between legal custody and physical placement under Wisconsin law and what each means for your relationship with your children. Legal custody determines major decision-making rights for medical educati...

Are you confused about Wisconsin property division in divorce? In this episode, Sterling Law Offices managing partner Holly Mullin and Madison Senior Partner Nikole Messerschmidt explain Wisconsin's community property system and how it affects every asset and debt in divorce cases.  They cover: Wisconsin community property law and common ownership misconceptions Inheritance and gift protectio...

Are you confused about how restraining orders affect custody rights in Wisconsin? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers lead attorney Jeff Hughes explains the crucial differences between protective orders and custody law and why understanding these distinctions protects your rights and your children.  Jeff covers: Protective orders provide immediate safety under Chapter eight thirteen Custody decision...

Are you confused about the difference between custody and placement in Wisconsin family law? In this episode, Sterling Law Offices Managing Partner Holly Mullin and Madison Senior Partner Nikole Messerschmidt explain these critical terms that often get used interchangeably but have very different legal meanings. Custody legal decision-making authority for major life choices Placement physical time...

Are you in a custody fight and worried about losing your kids? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers lead attorney Jeff Hughes reveals the biggest custody mistakes parents make and provides actionable strategies to protect your parental rights in custody cases. Judge priorities child's best interests not "better parent" assessments Daily parenting documentation beats assumptions about t...

Are you worried about hidden costs blindsiding you during your Wisconsin divorce? In this episode, Sterling Lawyers managing partner Holly Mullin and Madison Senior Partner Nikole Messerschmidt reveals third-party expenses not included in attorney fees and how to budget appropriately.  They discuss: Third-party expert costs: appraisals, business valuations, Guardian ad Litem Cost-benefit examples:...

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...