Property division in Wisconsin divorce law is the process of dividing marital assets and debts between divorcing spouses. It is not a means of determining fault or financial liability for the dissolution of marriage; rather, it seeks to fairly divide assets and debts so that each spouse can begin their new life on equal footing.

Like many other aspects of divorce, property division can be complex. That’s why it’s so important to talk to an experienced divorce attorney. If you’re in the Milwaukee area, contact The Ohiku Law Office. We have extensive experience with marital property division in divorce and would be happy to answer your questions.

How Property Division is Handled in Wisconsin Divorce 

The Wisconsin court system follows an equitable distribution model when dividing assets and debts during a divorce. This means that the court will not necessarily divide everything equally, but will strive to be fair and just when looking at the contributions each spouse made to the marriage. The court will look at factors such as the length of the marriage, the economic circumstances of each spouse, and any contributions made by either party to increase the value of the marital property. Finally, the court will consider any prenuptial agreements or other contracts which would affect distribution.

The difference between marital and non-marital property in Wisconsin divorce law.

In general, marital property is any asset or debt acquired during the marriage, while non-marital property is anything owned prior to the marriage or acquired after separation. Marital property is subject to division during a divorce, while non-marital property must remain with its original owner. Wisconsin law requires all assets and debts acquired during marriage be divided equitably between the spouses, and any prenuptial agreements are also taken into consideration when determining how to divide property. In cases where one spouse has significantly more assets or debts than the other, the court may order a payment of alimony to balance out the division of marital property.

What happens to debt in a Wisconsin divorce?

All debts acquired during the marriage are considered to be jointly owned and must be divided equitably between both parties in a Wisconsin divorce. This includes any credit card debt, mortgages, car loans, student loans, or other financial obligations. The court may consider each party’s contributions to the marital estate when deciding how to divide any debts, as well as any prenuptial agreements that may be in place. It is important to understand that even if only one spouse’s name is on a loan agreement, both parties are still responsible for the repayment of that debt.

How to protect your assets during a Wisconsin divorce.

When going through a divorce in Wisconsin, it is important to take steps to protect your assets. This can include establishing and maintaining separate bank accounts or other financial accounts, as well as avoiding any joint purchases or investments during the proceedings. If you have significant non-marital property, such as inherited items or gifts received prior to marriage, it is important to document this and keep it separate from marital assets. However, it’s crucial to know that it’s not worth “hiding” assets in an effort to keep them, this will only harm you in the long run and lengthen your divorce proceedings. It is wise to seek counsel from an experienced divorce attorney who understands the complexities of property division in Wisconsin divorce law.

In conclusion, it is important for both parties involved in a divorce to understand the role of property division in Wisconsin law and how it affects their rights as they go forward. It is also important for each party to have an experienced Wisconsin divorce attorney on their side who can help protect their interests during the process. With good representation, both parties can walk away from the divorce with a fair settlement that allows them to begin their new life on an equal footing.

Questions? Looking for a divorce lawyer in Milwaukee? Contact The Ohiku Law Office today.

Transparency is a critically important element to any divorce, especially for those with a high net worth. It opens up the lines of communication, allows for a clear understanding of both sides of the divorce, and sets realistic expectations from the outset. Most importantly, transparency puts everyone on the same page. No one wants to be left in the dark during a divorce, especially when there is a lot at stake.

A high net worth divorce can be especially complex, with numerous assets and debts to divide. Transparency ensures that both parties are aware of all the details of the divorce and can make informed decisions about their future. It also helps to avoid surprises down the road. If both parties are transparent from the beginning, they can approach the divorce with a clear understanding of what to expect. This can help to reduce stress and conflict during an already difficult time.

How to Be Transparent During a High Net Worth Divorce

One of the most difficult aspects of a divorce is dividing up your assets. This can be especially complicated if you have a high net worth. In order to avoid any disputes, it is important to be as transparent as possible with your spouse. This means providing full disclosure of all your assets, including investments, property, and any other valuables. You should also keep close track of any joint accounts and make sure that both spouses have access to them. Keep a detailed record and provide a copy to your divorce lawyer, updating the record anytime anything changes. By being upfront about your finances, you can help to ensure that the divorce process goes smoothly and that both parties end up with a fair share of the assets.

What Can Happen When Divorcing Couples Aren’t Transparent

If transparency is not followed during a high net worth divorce, it can have serious consequences. One of the most important aspects of any divorce is asset division. Without full transparency, it can be very difficult to determine who owns what and how to divide assets fairly. This can lead to one spouse being unfairly awarded more assets than the other, which can cause major financial problems down the road.

In addition, a lack of transparency can impede child custody arrangements. If one spouse is not fully transparent about their finances, it can make it difficult to determine who has the financial resources to care for the children. As a result, it is essential that both spouses are fully transparent about their finances during a high net worth divorce. Failure to do so can have serious consequences for both parties involved.

The Benefits of Transparency

The end of a marriage is always difficult, but it can be especially challenging when high net worth is involved. In addition to the emotional stress of a divorce, there is also the potential for significant financial damage. To protect their assets, many people choose to be less than transparent about their finances during a divorce. However, this approach can often backfire. If hidden assets are discovered, it can jeopardize the divorce settlement and cause even more conflict. Furthermore, being less than honest about finances can damage relationships with children and family members.

Although it may not be easy, being honest about finances and property can help to ensure a fair settlement and preserve important relationships.

Protect Your Interests During High Net Worth Divorce

If you are going through a divorce and have a high net worth, it is important to ensure your interests are protected. Here are some tips:

• First, be sure to hire an experienced divorce attorney who is familiar with handling high net worth cases. This will give you the best chance of a favorable outcome. If you’re looking for a Milwaukee divorce attorney, contact Attorney Odalo Ohiku at The Ohiku Law Office today.
• Second, pull together a complete financial picture of your assets and liabilities as soon as you know you are getting divorced. This will help you and your attorney determine what is fair and equitable in the property division process and will be a necessary piece to your divorce case down the road.
• Third, be prepared to negotiate. Unless there are grounds for an uncontested divorce, you will likely have to negotiate with your spouse over the division of assets. Be prepared to compromise in order to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both parties.

By following these tips, you can help protect your interests during a high net worth divorce.

Considering divorce? Call Milwaukee’s Ohiku Law Office today. Attorney Odalo Ohiku and Attorney Felicia Owen are experienced in all areas of divorce and family law, including child custody and placement and alternative dispute resolution. Contact us today.

When you are a father getting divorced, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities as they pertain to child custody. Too often, fathers do not seek the help of an attorney because they believe that they will automatically be granted joint custody and shared placement of their children. This is not always the case.

If you are a father who is going through a divorce, it is important to speak with an experienced divorce lawyer who can help you understand what to expect during the process. At The Ohiku Law Office, we have helped countless parents and families navigate through the difficult process of divorce. We want to help you too. Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know as a father about child custody and physical placement.

Looking for a Milwaukee divorce lawyer? Contact Ohiku Law today.

What is “Child Custody”?

In Wisconsin, child custody is defined as the legal authority to make decisions about your child. These decisions include, but are not limited to, decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. There are two types of child custody in Wisconsin: legal custody and physical placement. Legal custody means  that you have the right to make decisions about your child’s welfare. Physical placement means that you have the right to have your child live with you.

What else should fathers know about “Physical Placement”? 

Physical placement is also referred to as “physical custody.” This type of custody gives a parent the right to have their child live with them. Physical custody can be shared between parents or granted by the courts to one parent. When the court grants physical placement to one parent, that parent is referred to as the “primary custodial parent.” The other parent is typically given visitation rights in these scenarios, unless the court deems it dangerous or otherwise inappropriate for the child to spend time with the other parent.

What Happens if My Spouse and I Cannot Agree?

If you and your spouse are unable to come to an agreement about child custody or physical placement, the court will make a decision for you. The court will always put the best interests of the child first when making these decisions. In order to determine what is in the best interests of the child, the court will consider a number of factors, including:

• The age and sex of the child.
• The wishes of the child’s parents.
• The child’s relationship with their parents, siblings, and other important people in their life.
• The child’s adjustment to their home, school, and community.
• The mental and physical health of all parties involved.
• The child’s educational needs.
• Whether either parent has a history of abuse or neglect.
• Any other factors the court deems relevant.

I’m a Father. How Can I Learn More About My Rights?

If you are a father who is going through a divorce, it is important to seek the help of a divorce attorney with experience in child custody, placement, family law and, ideally, mediation. An attorney can help you set goals and map out your ideal situation for child custody and placement, explore options for mediation with your spouse, understand your rights and responsibilities during the divorce process, and provide resources and guidance on how to help your whole family come through the divorce process in a healthy way. If your case goes to court, an attorney can also help you navigate through the child custody process, understand what’s going on, and ensure that your rights are protected.

Ohiku Law: A Parent’s Best Resources

The Ohiku Law Office is dedicated to supporting families going through the often difficult and stressful process of divorce. We understand the challenges and stresses that come with divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. Our team is here to help you every step of the way. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

When a marriage falls apart, the process of getting through a divorce can be overwhelming. Going to court adds extra stress and complexity. Luckily, there are ways to prepare yourself for navigating all aspects of divorce, including divorce court. It all starts with hiring the right lawyer.

At The Ohiku Law Office, Milwaukee Divorce Lawyer Odalo Ohiku helps high net worth individuals through every step of the divorce process, including court appearances. He has successfully represented clients in divorce court for years and approaches his practice with compassion, flexibility, and deep knowledge of the law. Learn more about how Ohiku Law can help you through your divorce.

Divorce is never easy. If you’re facing a divorce, it’s essential to take some time to prepare yourself and understand what to expect when you go to court. Here are Attorney Ohiku’s five tips for successfully navigating divorce court:

Hire a Divorce Lawyer

The best possible thing you can do as you approach divorce is to hire the right lawyer to be on your side. Look for someone with experience in the particular aspects of divorce you’re facing (high net worth, child custody, complex asset division, etc.). Also, look for someone with extensive experience navigating Wisconsin and Milwaukee divorce courts. This will give you an advantage as your lawyer will have a deeper knowledge of the law and better relationships with key players like local judges and lawyers. Above all, choose a lawyer who takes the time to listen to you and makes you feel comfortable as you work through the difficult divorce process together.

Get Organized

Next, make sure you have all your documents in order. This includes any financial documents like tax returns, bank statements, and investment account records. A thorough inventory of your assets will also be helpful in understanding your goals around asset division. If you have children, a written out plan for how you would like to navigate child custody and placement is key. The more organized you are from the start, the smoother the entire divorce process will be. If you’re not sure where to start, a consultation with an experienced divorce lawyer can help get you on the right track.

Prioritize Goal Setting

Before heading to divorce courts, it’s important to be clear about your goals for crucial aspects like child custody and asset division. Where would you like your children to live? Do you want to share legal custody or are you looking for full custody? What assets are most important to you? What assets would you be willing to part with? Work with your lawyer to create a strategy to help you achieve the best possible outcome in these areas.

Be Strategic

Together with your divorce lawyer, take time to consider all the ways your soon-to-be ex-spouse may try to strengthen their case. They may try to play up your negative qualities or paint you as an unfit parent. Be prepared to counter these arguments with positive evidence of your own. Your lawyer can help guide you through common pitfalls and craft a plan that strengthens your unique situation so you have a better chance of reaching your goals.

Let Expertise Be Your Guide

Some of the best advice we can give is to listen to your lawyer during preparation meetings and follow their instructions when you’re in court. They know what they’re doing and how best to help you win your case. An experienced Milwaukee divorce attorney like Odalo Ohiku has seen it all when it comes to local divorce court proceedings and can use this institutional knowledge to help you overcome common barriers. You hire a lawyer for a reason; utilize their expertise to your advantage.

If you’re considering divorce, don’t go through it alone. Contact The Ohiku Law Office to schedule a consultation with Milwaukee Divorce Lawyer Odalo Ohiku. He will help you navigate every step of the process, including divorce court, and work with you to achieve the best possible outcomes for you and your family. Contact Ohiku Law today to get started.

When you’re going through a child custody case, the stakes are high. Your children are your life, and you want to make sure that you do everything possible to protect them. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right lawyer for your case. Not all lawyers are created equal, and finding the right one can mean the difference between a successful outcome and a devastating loss.

At Ohiku Law, we understand what families are going through during a child custody battle. Our team of experienced attorneys has the compassion and knowledge necessary to guide you through this difficult time. We’ll work tirelessly to help you reduce stress, support your family, and get you the best possible outcome in your case. Milwaukee Divorce Lawyer Odalo Ohiku also offers support for those going through a divorce.  Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Understanding Child Custody Law in Wisconsin

When it comes to child custody, there are two types of cases: legal custody and physical placement. Legal custody refers to the right to make decisions about your child’s welfare, including decisions about education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. Physical placement refers to where your child will live and how much time they will spend with each parent.

In Wisconsin, courts use a “best interests of the child” standard when making decisions about child custody and placement. This means that the court will consider a variety of factors when making its decision, including the wishes of the child’s parents, the child’s relationship with their siblings and grandparents, the stability of each home environment, each parent’s ability to care for the child physically and emotionally, and more.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Lawyer

Going through a child custody case without the right lawyer can be devastating. The wrong lawyer could make mistakes that cost you valuable time with your children. They could also fail to properly advocate for your interests, leading to an unfavorable outcome in your case.

When choosing a lawyer to represent you in a child custody case, you’ll want to look for five qualities: experience, compassion, flexibility, tenacity, and knowledge. Let’s dive a little deeper into each of these.

Experience

When choosing a lawyer, it’s essential to look for someone experienced in handling child custody cases. Child custody law is nuanced, and a lawyer with experience navigating Wisconsin family court will be better equipped to fight for the best interests of you and your family. They can also help you understand what to expect, and help you plan for possible challenges or roadblocks. Attorneys Odalo Ohiku and Felicia Owen of Ohiku Law have extensive experience navigating family court here in the Milwaukee region. Call us today at (414) 287-0088 to learn more.

Flexibility

No two child custody cases are alike. That’s why it’s important to choose a lawyer who is flexible and willing to tailor their approach to your unique case. When emotions are running high and there are children involved, the most important thing is that you’re able to support your family. That’s why a one-size-fits-all approach simply won’t cut it. At Ohiku Law, we understand that every family is different, and we’ll work with you to create a custom legal strategy tailored to meet your unique goals and reduce stress for everyone involved.

Tenacity

When you’re up against another parent in a child custody battle, you need a lawyer who knows how to fight tenaciously for your best interests while also exercising compassion for the family. You need someone who isn’t afraid of a challenge, and who will tenaciously advocate for your interests in court. At Ohiku Law, we have a reputation for being tough negotiators and aggressive litigators. We’ll do whatever it takes to get you the best possible outcome in your case.

Deep Knowledge of Family and Divorce Law

Finally, you’ll want to choose a lawyer with deep knowledge of family and divorce law. This will ensure that they are able to properly navigate the nuances of child custody law and advocate for your interests both inside and outside of the courtroom. Attorney Odalo Ohiku and Attorney Felicia Owen have extensive experience handling high net worth divorces and complex child custody cases. They are also certified mediators, which means they are skilled at helping families resolve their differences without resorting to litigation.

If you’re facing a child custody battle in the Milwaukee region, call Ohiku Law today at (414) 287-0088 to schedule a consultation with our experienced legal team. We are Milwaukee divorce attorneys who also support child custody and placement cases. We’ll help you navigate this difficult time and fight for the best interests of you and your family.