Common mistakes made in Wisconsin divorces

There are no doubt many Wisconsin couples who have gone through a divorce and later regretted how they handled things. This is not a surprising sentiment since ending a marriage can often be an emotional process, and many individuals are feeling both antagonistic and hurt. However, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid that can make the process easier and provide better results.

One common error is to try to rush through a financial investigation. What a couple owes and owns and how these are split up can have a huge impact on someone’s life for years to come. It is essential to spend time, even if it seems boring and tedious, to collect financial information to get an accurate picture of a couple’s assets.

Another frequent mistake that people make is picking and choosing the wrong battle. Many estranged spouses will spend an exorbitant amount of time and money on getting a few extra dollars of child support, for example, but the child is nearing emancipation and the additional support will end up being less than the expense.

While the view of divorce as portrayed in movies and on television often involves couples sparring in a courtroom, litigation is not the only way to end a marriage. Alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation may be better suited for a couple that can communicate on some issues, and in many cases it will be less time-consuming and cost less money.

Understanding the legal processes associated with the end of a marriage and how issues are decided can help people avoid common mistakes. A family law attorney can assist a client who is contemplating a divorce by explaining the various legal issues that are likely to be involved.