Divorce

Divorce Lawyer in Madison, Wisconsin

At the law office of  Wessel, Lehker & Fumelle, our lawyers utilize over 50 years of combined experience and a straightforward approach when handling divorce issues. Whether you are seeking a contested or uncontested divorce, we are able to handle the central divorce (dissolution of marriage) and any issues that stem from the divorce. Contact us today to discuss your divorce or to learn more about one of the issues listed below.

Children's Issues

If there are children involved in the divorce, the entire situation requires an approach that considers their best interests when determining how to award child custody and child support. Custody is handled in the best interests of the child by the courts, while child support is awarded based upon a statute-based formula. We confidently represent our clients' interests throughout the process of resolving child support and child custody matters and afterward, including modification and enforcement of standing orders.

Division of Property and Debt Distribution

As a general rule, the courts view property division as a 50/50 split between the divorcing parties. However, there are always factors that require exceptions to be made and judges to deviate from the general rules. One factor that is considered when determining how to divide the property is the length of the marriage, along with the property and debts held by the parties before and during the marriage. Also, debts are divided the same way in which property is divided. Situations in which property divisions may become complicated include when a family business needs to be divided or one of the parties has gifted or inherited property.

Spousal Maintenance

A payment made by one spouse to support the other after a divorce is called spousal maintenance. Sometimes known as alimony or spousal support, spousal maintenance is awarded according to fairness and need of the spouse, in the court's estimation. Post-divorce income is examined, as well as factors such as age of the parties, length of the marriage, and income-earning potential of the spouse seeking maintenance payments.

Collaborative Law

Though we are not afraid to argue a case in court, our firm is well versed in a popular avenue of dispute resolution called collaborative law. Through this process, spouses can work cooperatively to resolve a divorce and related issues, such as child custody and spousal maintenance. This process often relieves the stress and anxiety of a divorce, allowing the family to maintain ties and respectful relationships.

• We also handle legal separation issues for clients that wish to live separately but not divorce.

To learn more about the divorce and family law services our firm offers, contact an attorney at our firm today.

Wessel, Lehker & Fumelle

Family Law Attorneys

123 East Doty, Suite 303 • Madison, WI 53703

Telephone (608) 256-1480 • Fax (608) 294-7250

Map and Directions • E-Mail the Firm

The Wisconsin family law lawyers at Wessel, Lehker & Fumelle, represent clients located throughout Wisconsin in communities such as Madison, Portage, Juneau, Jefferson, Dodgeville, Beloit, Monroe, Janesville, Beaver Dam, Baraboo, Elkhorn, West Bend, and Waukesha.

Dane County • Green County • Iowa County • Sauk County • Columbia County • Dodge County • Washington County • Jefferson County • Walworth County • Rock County