Considering
a Divorce?
Axley Can Help.
Axley’s divorce attorneys understand life-changing events in your family can be stressful and traumatic. Quality legal advice and representation during these difficult transitions is critical. Our divorce lawyers recognize the importance of reaching fair settlements that enable you to continue working and co-existing amicably with the other party when it comes to divorce or other separation.
Our attorneys are certified in the Collaborative Divorce process, which is an alternative to the traditional adversarial process. Each spouse must sign a contract that requires cooperation in disclosing financial or other relevant information. In addition, each spouse, with his or her attorneys, pledges to proceed respectfully and in good faith and not to threaten or use the court to decide issues.
That being said, we will not hesitate to take a case to trial in situations where we cannot reach a fair resolution. Axley’s attorneys are experienced and motivated trial attorneys with a proven record of success. We will carefully evaluate your case and work with you to develop a strategy to achieve your goals. We make it a priority to explain the law and the procedure to you, so that you are an integral part of the process.
Preparing for Divorce
Inventory Assets & Debts
Compile a list of all assets, debts and accounts owned by you and your spouse, including things that are titled individually and jointly.
Gather Documentation
Early in the divorce process, you will be required to provide a detailed accounting of all your financial information. Copy tax returns, paystubs, pension and retirement accounts, mortgage and loan documents, deeds, wills, etc.
Create a Household Budget
Prepare a detailed budget of your monthly income and expenses. This will help you and your spouse determine how much disposable income is available for setting up a second residence.
Preserve Communications with Spouse
Conversations regarding disputed issues with the children, mismanagement of marital assets, and abuse or threats are more likely to be scrutinized in court.
Our Madison Divorce Attorneys
Partner • Madison
Partner • Madison
Senior Associate • Madison
Our Waukesha Divorce Attorneys
Partner • Waukesha
Senior Associate • Waukesha
Kathryn has been tremendously helpful in guiding me through a very complicated paternity process. She takes a balanced approach, knowing when to be aggressive and when to step back. I also appreciate that she is efficient with her communications which keeps costs down. Hopefully they won’t have to use her, but if so, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her to friends and family.
Elizabeth was everything we could have asked for and more for a lawyer. She was professional and efficient and always got back to us in a timely manner. We cannot thank her enough for everything she did for our family. We would/will 100% recommend her to anyone needing a family lawyer.
How long does it take to get a divorce?
The court will not grant a divorce until at least 120 days have passed since the date the divorce paperwork was served on the other spouse. However, most divorces take much longer, depending on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of both spouses to reach an agreement.
How much does it cost to get a divorce?
The total cost of the divorce depends on the complexity of the issues, the willingness of both spouses to reach an agreement, whether appraisals and valuations are necessary, whether there are disagreements about custody and placement, and the cooperation of both spouses in gathering and sharing accurate financial information with one another.
When does a child get to decide where they live?
Children are never given the authority to decide where they live, although the older the child, the more likely their opinion will be taken into account. The child's opinion is just one of many factors that the court will consider.