Category Archives: Property division

Valuating Property in a High Asset Divorce

In a Wisconsin divorce, property is divided according to community property laws. This means that marital property is split 50/50. In a high asset divorce, there is no exception, unless a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement is present.  In a high asset divorce where many valuable assets exist, it is important to seek the aid of […]

Military retired pay in a Wisconsin divorce

The most valuable asset of a military servicemember in a divorce is often military retired pay.   Servicemembers often have two retirement options:  military retirement (a pension) and the federal Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401k).  The TSP is easily divided between spouses because there is a clear account balance.  The division of the […]

Marital Property and Wisconsin Divorce

If you are in the midst of divorce or legal separation in Wisconsin, you have probably heard the phrase, “Wisconsin is a community property state.” This means that, by default, the Wisconsin Court will divide marital property equally between divorcing or separating spouses. Everything you and your spouse own is presumed to be owned by […]

Wisconsin divorce-do I get half the property?

In a Wisconsin divorce, the judge begins with the presumption that each spouse receives one-half of marital assets.  However, judge also considers 13 factors that can shift the final property division in favor of one spouse.  Common factors are the length of the marriage, the spouses’ earning ability (accounting for time spent out of the workforce to care for children), property owned […]

Divorce property division Can I sell property during divorce?

Not without your spouse’s agreement.  Wisconsin divorce property division law specifically prohibits selling, giving away, cashing in, or destroying assets once a divorce is filed.  This rules applies to all property, including retirement accounts, real estate, stocks, investments, checking accounts, CDs, vehicles, furniture, etc.   The purpose is to maintain the couple’s property as close to what it was on the date the divorce was filed.  […]

Damages in Wisconsin divorce /broken engagement?

Although a Wisconsin divorce court could not allow it, a Georgia court recently ordered a man to pay $50,000 to his “ex-fiancée,” ruling that a promise to marry is enforceable.   http://gma.yahoo.com/ga-man-must-pay-50-000-breaking-engagement-003334233.html It is not clear how the court arrived this value, though an attorney speculates it represents 1/2 the value of a jointly-owned home.   The Wisconsin legislature abolished […]

Military benefits in Wisconsin divorce.

Continuing a discussion of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals’ decision in Peterson v. Bauer, http://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=104582, I want to focus on the treatment of military retired pay in a Wisconsin divorce.    Federal rules govern the division of military retirement benefits upon divorce. Therefore, Wisconsin divorce cases involving military members must account for relevant federal laws.  The division of military benefits depends upon the length […]

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