Q. Tell us about yourself and your practice.
A. My practice involves all aspects of litigation appeals and representations in matters dealing with personal bankruptcies and divorce/ family law.
I graduated from Riverside University High School in Milwaukee. I went on to Marquette University, also in Milwaukee to obtain my bachelor\'s degree. From there I went to New York and graduated from Syracuse University having obtained my law degree. I have passed the Wisconsin bar exam and am licensed to practice in all State of Wisconsin courts, the federal courts in Wisconsin, the 7th circuit court of appeals and the United States Supreme Court.
Q. Do you offer a free initial consultation?
A. Yes via telephone.
Q. How long do you take to process a divorce?
A. It depends on whether the husband and wife agree or do not agree to the terms of divorce. The more the parties agree, the quicker it is to get a divorce. Generally speaking it usually takes a minimum of 5 or 6 months to complete the whole process, if the parties are pretty much in agreement. If they are not, the divorce process could last a couple of years. Sticking points in a divorce usually center around custody/ placement of minor children, as well as, child support and also division of assets.
Q. Will you accompany a party to court yourself or send a representative?
A. I make appearances with my clients for all cases.
Q. What should one do if served with divorce papers?
A. You have only 20 days to file an " Answer and Counterclaim" . You should hire an attorney as soon as possible.
Q. How long do you have to be married before you can file for a divorce?
A. I never thought of this question. I will assume that you are eligible for divorce upon the marriage certificate being entered by the clerk of court.
Q. What are the grounds for a divorce?
A. The State of WI is a " no fault" divorce state meaning that a divorce may be obtained when the marriage is " irretrievably broken" . Frankly this means you can get a divorce, if you want one.
Q. Does it matter who files for the divorce?
A. No. But the person that files the divorce controls the situation more at the beginning of the case, simply because if a person has a plan he/she will start living his/her life accordingly. A person who is served with divorce papers will be reacting, while a person who files for divorce is proactive.
Q. Is a 50/50 split the usual financial settlement?
A. Yes there is a presumption of equal division of property in the State of Wisconsin. Wisconsin is what some call a " community property state" meaning that both debts and assets are split equally between the parties. But depending on the length of the marriage, financial misconduct of the parties etc. debts and assets may not be divided 50/50 but could be divided unequally between the parties. One party may end up with more than 50% of the assets or debts.
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