best divorce lawyer Milwaukee

No Time for Couch Potatoes

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No Time for Couch Potatoes

best divorce lawyer MilwaukeeAugust is upon us and summer is here. Time to go outside and enjoy some of the events Milwaukee and the surrounding areas have to offer. Summer doesn’t last long in Wisconsin, so we should use this time to visit parks, hike some trails, see the botanical gardens, and take a moonlight stroll by the lakeshore. Camping would be a wonderful activity for adults and children as well.

There are plenty of festivals and county fairs to attend in Wisconsin during the summer. One such annual event which takes place August 7 through August 14 is Bronzeville Week. Bronzeville Week is a celebration of Milwaukee’s African-American cultural district. This is a celebration of culture, history, art, food and entertainment.

Bronzeville is a neighborhood with a rich cultural history. Bronzeville Week celebrates that history with music, art, and fun. Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs states that “Bronzeville Week is truly an event emphasizing fun, family, community, all while introducing people of all backgrounds to culture they may not be familiar with.” In the past, Bronzeville was host to music legends Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Dizzy Gillespie, and Nat “King” Cole.

There is no shortage of local artisans in the neighborhood, and during Bronzeville Week they open their doors and showcase the work of numerous talented artists. The neighborhood also is home to murals and sculptures. All of this is surrounded by historic and beautiful architecture.

This year the event includes a 5k walk/run titled HaRUNBee for Healthy Birth Outcomes, to bring awareness to infant mortality and to bring people together to address this issue. The walk/run can be done in person on August 7th, or virtually.

If you want to cool off, duck the humidity, and absorb some culture inside, visit Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which is running until September 19th. This event is located at the Wisconsin Center and is set up so social distancing is easy to maintain, and you can take your time and enjoy this immersive experience.

Through the wonders of technology, you can walk through and be immersed in Van Gogh’s art and feel like you are standing in his paintings. Van Gogh’s words are set to a symphonic score which plays as you walk through the exhibit. It is an incredible sight to behold, and one that is fun and educational for both adults and children.

divorce lawyers Milwaukee, WI

Right Approach Right on Time

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Right Approach Right on Time

BY Felicia Owen:

Attorney General Janet Reno once said of lawyers: “I want us to be the problem-solver, the peacemaker, the sword, and the shield.” This is what we strive to do for our clients at Ohiku Law Office. We want to help make things better for you in stressful situations. We want to protect you and make sure you obtain the best outcome possible for your specific case. We have the difficult conversations so you don’t have to. We protect what matters most.

At Ohiku Law, we are the experts in family law, and we know that people come to divorces and child custody issues with questions, fears, and concerns. A divorce is a serious situation which involves children, where to live, how to live, and so many other things. It is important that you are able to ask questions, and in return, receive direct and helpful answers. A good lawyer will be able to do that.

There are times during a divorce case to be a peacemaker. Mediation is a good example. It is important to engage in meaningful mediation discussions to reach the best settlement possible. There are also times when attorneys need to be the sword for their clients. Sometimes pushing an issue and fighting in court is the only way to get our clients what they need. We are not afraid to stand up and make sure you get what is fair and right. And at the same time, shield you from as much stress and anxiety as possible.

Our family law expertise and experience are key to our problem-solving approach. No one divorce case is ever the same. Each person’s life is unique, which means each divorce is unique. What may work in one case doesn’t work in others. Out of-the-box thinking is an important component to problem-solving. If a client’s case involves a business, many properties, or children, then it will take some serious negotiation and problem-solving skills to reach the best outcome in a divorce.

Our goal is to protect what matters most to you and to help you through this process so you obtain the best outcome. We care about the whole person and about your well-being. You have worked hard for what you have, care deeply for your children, and at Ohiku Law, we respect that and will do all we can to protect all that matters most to you. It is not about us, but about you and your needs.

If you are considering divorce, call the divorce attorneys at Ohiku Law today.

Same-sex divorce: what you need to know

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Same-sex divorce: what you need to know

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal in all 50 states with the Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Prior to this ruling, many same-sex couples faced challenges when it came to interacting with the legal system, particularly in states like Wisconsin that did not recognize same-sex marriage. Today, same-sex marriage, divorce, and child custody is subject to the same laws and proceedings as any legal marriage in the State of Wisconsin. However, there are still some key considerations for same-sex couples looking for answers to their divorce law and child custody questions.

At Ohiku Law, we help high net worth individuals and couples navigate divorce law and family law, taking the time to assess each unique situation and provide expert recommendations to come to the best outcome for everyone. We are experienced in handling same-sex divorce cases and have shared below some of our top tips for those entering the process.

Same-sex divorce considerations

Prior to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling, many same-sex couples struggled to resolve divorce, separation, and child custody issues for a couple of reasons. First, in states like Wisonsin where same-sex marriage was not recognized, many of these proceedings were informal and, thus, subject to variation and interpretation. Second, for couples moving from a state where same-sex marriage was recognized to one where it was not, it was often complicated to reconcile past legal proceedings with laws of the new state of residence.

Today, same-sex and opposite-sex marriages, divorces, and child custody proceedings are treated the same in the eyes of the law. Any divorcing couple must file in their county of residence, not the county in which they married. At least one of the spouses needs to have resided in Wisconsin for six months and in their filing county for at least 30 days. Additionally, all couples must wait six months after a divorce is finalized to remarry.  Finally, no couple has to prove wrongdoing in a divorce, as Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state. These and other major factors make divorce proceedings equal for all couples, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t unique considerations for same-sex couples.

One challenge in same-sex marriage is awarding spousal maintenance. The reason this is challenging is because one major factor a court considers in awarding spousal maintenance is length of marriage. For couples who were legally married in Wisconsin, their marriage would not be more than 6-or-so years old, making length of marriage less of a contributing factor in the determination of spousal maintenance.

Child custody considerations

Another factor in divorce proceedings that can be more complicated for same-sex couples is coming to a fair and just child support and custody agreement. Before 2014, same-sex couples were not allowed to adopt a child. So, many same-sex couples chose to have one spouse adopt a child that both then cared for. In child custody cases, this may put one parent at a distinct advantage even though both provided equal, ongoing care for the child in the years since they were adopted. It is important that these issues are navigated with sensitivity and fairness to reach a judgement that is right for everyone involved – both spouses and the child or children in question.

Same-sex marriage and divorce are still relatively new to the Wisconsin law system. This means there is less precedence for rulings and many more factors to consider in same-sex cases, and that they must be handled by professionals who are sensitive to the unique opportunities and challenges presented.

At Ohiku Law, we take pride in providing expert services customized to meet the unique needs of our clients. We understand that no marriage is alike, and that same-sex marriage and divorce comes with additional considerations. We work hard to ensure every client that comes through our doors is treated with dignity and receives the most just and equitable outcome possible. Learn more about our Milwaukee divorce attorney team and give us a call with questions today.

Divorce considerations for high net worth individuals

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Divorce considerations for high net worth individuals

Divorce is a complex process for everyone, but can get even more complicated for high net worth individuals. When one or both spouses have considerable assets, questions about division of property, what counts as marital property, and who should benefit can quickly become hot-button issues. All of these concerns must be carefully and meticulously handled to ensure the outcome of the divorce proceedings is just and equitable.

At Ohiku Law, Milwaukee divorce attorney Odalo Ohiku has years of experience helping individuals and families with considerable assets navigate the divorce process. We are committed to ensuring every aspect of your divorce is expertly handled, from tax considerations to property division to custody rulings. If you are a high net worth individual considering divorce, keep reading to learn more.

Marital property 

Wisconsin is what’s known as a “marital property” state, meaning all assets and property owned or acquired by a couple during the course of a marriage are equally owned by both partners. However, there are exceptions to this rule, including property owned or inherited by one spouse before or during the marriage – but this depends heavily on the particular situation. Debt incurred during the marriage is also considered to be the equal responsibility of both spouses with some exceptions.

Marital property law will have an outsized impact in divorce proceedings, particularly between spouses with considerable assets to be divided. In rare cases, one or both spouses may try to misrepresent or hide assets to give themselves an advantage, but this is a serious mistake that carries significant consequences. If you’re worried your spouse may try to hide assets during your divorce, the best thing to do to protect yourself is to hire an experienced divorce lawyer.

Division of property in divorce

While marital property law may make it seem like everything will be split down the middle during divorce proceedings, that is not always the case. The court will make a ruling on division of property only after considering a number of factors, including length of marriage, what each spouse owned when entering the marriage, how each spouse contributed to the marriage (both financially and in regards to child care or other supports), age and health considerations for both spouses, earning capability, indivisible assets, the needs or the spouse who will retain primary care of minor children, tax consequences, and much more.

Because each of these elements are different for every couple, the final ruling on division of property will be unique in each case. So, it is difficult to pre-judge or generalize about how property will be divided in a divorce case.

How to protect your assets in divorce

If you have considerable, valuable assets, the very best way to protect your interests during divorce proceedings is to hire an experienced divorce lawyer. We work with you to carefully review your finances and assets, making expert recommendations on how to best proceed to ensure you achieve a favorable outcome. In addition to a great lawyer, it’s smart to consult with your financial planner, tax professional, and other trusted advisors as you move through the process.

Assets that will be considered and potentially divided during a high net worth divorce may include: primary and secondary homes and owned property, business interests, bank accounts, trusts, annuities, pensions and retirement accounts, any type of vehicle (cars, boats, planes, etc.), inherited property, and more. It is important to provide your attorney with a detailed accounting of these and other assets so we can proceed together with a clear picture of your unique situation.

Odalo Ohiku and the team at Ohiku Law are experts in Milwaukee divorce law, custody and placement, dispute resolution and more. We help high net worth individuals and those at all income levels achieve the best possible outcome in their divorce. Give us a call today with questions or to get started.

Hidden assets and divorce: what you should know

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Hidden assets and divorce: what you should know

Divorce is one of the most stressful events a person can experience, and it causes people to make poor decisions they may not otherwise make in less stressful circumstances. Divorce can also cause a once-peaceful couple to turn against each other and take extreme measures to protect their own interests.

Hiding assets during divorce is one of these extreme measures. Though not necessarily common, hiding assets during divorce proceedings might be tempting for one or both spouses to ensure their hard-earned finances are protected. However, hiding assets is extremely unwise and carries serious consequences if and when the deception is uncovered.

At Ohiku Law, our expert team help high net worth individuals navigate the complex divorce process. We have seen it all when it comes to divorce and are here to offer expert advice to individuals and couples in Milwaukee divorce law and family law. Read on to learn more about why people might try to hide assets during divorce and the consequences for doing so.

Why might someone try to hide assets during divorce? 

During divorce proceedings, both spouses are required to fill out a comprehensive financial disclosure statement and sign it under oath. The reason for this statement is to give the court a full picture of the financial situation of both sides to help inform the judgement process.

As stated above, divorce can be extremely stressful and put people in a position where they are worried about protecting their finances. This causes some people to make the extremely poor decision to try and hide their financial assets. Alternatively, one spouse may feel they can “get back” at the other by concealing the true nature of their finances, or otherwise gain an advantage in divorce proceedings by not disclosing the true nature of their financial assets.

How does someone hide assets during divorce? 

There are several ways someone might try to hide financial assets during divorce. One way is to intentionally undervalue marital property or assets, such as a home, vehicle, retirement savings, or shared business. Another way is to open a secret account and move money from a shared and/or disclosed account into this secret account. A person may also overrepresent the amount of debt they carry and/or underreport their annual income.

What are the consequences for hiding assets during divorce? 

As referenced above, the financial disclosure statement required during divorce proceedings is signed under oath. This means that lying on this statement is illegal and known as “perjury.” If it is discovered that an individual has lied on their financial disclosure statement, it is up to the court to determine the consequences. The court may rule that the offending spouse has to pay a portion or the entirety of the other’s legal fees or that they have to pay a fine. In rare cases, the court may rule that the offending spouse should serve jail time.

What should I do if I think my spouse is hiding assets?

If you are concerned your soon-to-be-ex-spouse is hiding assets during divorce proceedings, the best thing you can do is hire an experienced Milwaukee divorce attorney like Odalo Ohiku. We have years of experience understanding financial disclosure documents and can spot red flags that may indicate your spouse is hiding assets. We can give you expert advice and work with the court on your behalf to uncover any deception that is taking place, ensuring appropriate consequences are handed down and your assets and interests are protected. In some situations, we may recommend hiring an investigative accounting professional to review the documentation for signs of fraud.

At Ohiku Law, our team of divorce law and family law experts are here to provide you with expert divorce, custody, dispute resolution, and criminal law advice and advocacy. If you have questions about your particular situation and are wondering if Ohiku Law is the right fit for you, give us a call to schedule a discovery conversation. We help high net worth individuals and families across Milwaukee and surrounding communities protect their interests and their future.

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements for High Net Worth Couples

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements for High Net Worth Couples

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Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements for High Net Worth Couples

Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements for High Net Worth CouplesWhile divorce is likely not on the minds of engaged or newly-married couples, high net worth individuals are smart to make a contingency plan in the unfortunate case that their marriage ends in divorce. Latest counts indicate that right around 40% of marriages end in divorce. So, while it isn’t the most romantic subject to think about, there are many benefits to putting a plan in place just in case – particularly if you have significant assets to protect.

Prenuptial (pre-marriage) and postnuptial (after marriage) agreements are legal tools that dictate what should happen if the married couple decides to divorce. At The Ohiku Law Office, we are the greater Milwaukee area’s leading high-net worth divorce attorney and are skilled at drafting both prenuptial and postnuptial agreements for our clients. Read on for everything you need to know about these tools.

Why should my spouse and I draft a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement? 

There are many compelling reasons to put a plan in place in case you and your spouse decide to divorce down the road. One of the biggest is this: Wisconsin is a marital property state. This means all property and debts held by either spouse during the duration of the marriage are subject to equal division during divorce (with some exceptions). So, if you have assets you treasure, considerable wealth, or are a business owner, divorce could mean you face significant losses. A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement will help you protect what’s important to you by outlining in advance how your assets would be divided should you and your spouse divorce.

What is a prenuptial agreement? 

A prenuptial agreement is a legally-binding document drafted prior to two people getting married. In the state of Wisconsin, this tool is sometimes referred to as a Marital Property Agreement. A prenuptial agreement dictates how property, assets, and debts the couple hold should be divided if they divorce. This may include: homes or other owned property, vehicles, retirement and investment holdings, inherited wealth, owned businesses, electronics, jewelry, antiques. A prenuptial agreement may even address the issue of alimony. A prenuptial agreement does not outline issues related to child support, custody, or visitation.

Importantly, if a prenuptial agreement doesn’t explicitly state that the terms outlined therein should apply to divorce proceedings, a judge may decide the document is invalid and divide the property in a different way. The judge must also find that the terms outlined in the agreement are reasonable, that both spouses were honest and forthright about their financial situations, and that both spouses had appropriate legal support when the agreement was drafted. An experienced divorce attorney should always help draft prenuptial agreements to ensure they hold up in court.

What is a postnuptial agreement? 

A postnuptial agreement is a legal document created after a couple has gotten married. Most often, a couple will create a postnuptial agreement if one receives an inheritance or they acquire new property. Inherited wealth is often an exception to marital property division as it is considered the property of only one spouse, but that is not always the case. A married person who wants to protect an inheritance should take the necessary precaution of drafting a pre- or postnuptial agreement.

As with a prenuptial agreement, a postnuptial agreement does not outline what should happen in regards to child custody and visitation should a couple decide to divorce.

I’m Attorney Odalo Ohiku. At The Ohiku Law Office, I help high net worth clients just like you with all aspects of family and divorce law, providing expert legal services that protect what’s important to you. If you’re engaged, newly married, or considering divorce and have significant assets to consider, it’s smart to consult an experienced Milwaukee divorce attorney. Our team is ready to answer your questions – give us a call today.

5 common high net worth divorce challenges

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5 common high net worth divorce challenges

If you have assets totalling more than one million dollars and are considering divorce, you may face certain challenges during the process. Your high-net-worth status means there is a lot at stake in your divorce, but you are also likely in a position to hire an excellent divorce attorney with experience helping individuals like you navigate this process and protect your interests.

At The Ohiku Law Office, we help high net worth individuals in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin with expert divorce law, dispute resolution, custody, and other legal issues. Whether you are considering divorce and have questions on your mind or are ready to hire a lawyer to get the process started, we are here for you.

We do everything we can to support you during divorce. Those with considerable assets tend to face certain challenges that we do everything we can do ameliorate. Here are the five most common challenges we see high net worth individuals face in the divorce process.

  1. Division of assets. High net worth couples often have a considerable amount of valuable assets to be divided during divorce. These may include property such as homes, second homes, and commercial property; businesses and related income and debt; investment holdings and multiple retirement accounts; vehicles like cars, boats, or planes; and more. In the State of Wisconsin, all property and debt acquired during the course of a marriage is considered marital property and is divided equally between divorcing spouses. Despite this fact, division of assets is not as simple as drawing a line down the middle. To prepare yourself for the process of dividing assets, take an inventory and consider what you’d like to walk away with and what you are willing to give up. An experienced Milwaukee divorce attorney can help you with this process.
  2. Evaluating assets. Because high net worth individuals often have a complex asset profile, it can take extra time to ensure proper valuation of what is at stake. This is especially relevant when one or both spouses own or hold partnership in a business. The best thing you can do is hire an expert to value the business so you know what it is worth before going into mediation or court. An outside valuation can also be extremely helpful for retirement and investment accounts, stocks, and property. Make sure to hire someone who will be willing to testify to the value of these assets in courts if requested. At Ohiku Law, we can help you identify experts to help you with these valuations.
  3. Alimony. High net worth couples come in all shapes and sizes. Some couples built their wealth due to both spouses working jobs with a sizable income. In other households, one spouse was the breadwinner and the other stayed home to care for the children. Sometimes inheritance is the basis of a high net worth couple’s wealth. Decisions about spousal support, also known as alimony, can be complex when both spouses are used to a certain lifestyle but may have contributed in different ways to the marriage. Courts consider many factors when making an alimony decision, including how each spouse contributed to the upkeep of the household (income, providing unpaid childcare, etc.), the future earning potential of each spouse, and the resources required for each spouse to maintain a lifestyle that is comparable to their current situation.
  4. Length of divorce proceedings. High net worth divorces are naturally more complicated because there is more at stake. Often, this complexity translates into lengthier court proceedings due to the time it takes to value assets and determine how to divide up property. Contested divorces or ones where spouses are not able to agree on asset division can make the process even longer. At Ohiku Law, we know mediation and respectful negotiation outside of a courtroom is the best way to expedite a divorce process. We are experts at mediation and dispute resolution and can help you limit the stress of divorce by encouraging a peaceful negotiation process wherever possible.
  5. Privacy. Some high net worth couples might be concerned about unwanted publicity or public interest around their decision to divorce. While Milwaukee is not a major news hub, the small-town nature of our community can make privacy more difficult. At Ohiku Law, we can support you in protecting your privacy and planning for how to minimize public attention around your divorce.

If you’re considering divorce, the best thing you can do is hire an experienced divorce lawyer with expertise in advocating for high net worth individuals like yourself. I’m Odalo Ohiku. My team at The Ohiku Law Office are dedicated, passionate professionals with combined decades of experience in all areas of divorce and family law. Get your questions answered today – we are standing by to take your call.

High net worth divorce & COVID-19: What you should know

High net worth divorce & COVID-19: What you should know

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High net worth divorce & COVID-19: What you should know

If you have recently decided to divorce your spouse, you are not unique. Divorces have skyrocketed over the past six months, largely due to the fact that couples are spending more time cooped up at home together and have found that their marriage no longer makes them happy. Economic stressors such as job loss, market fluctuation, and disagreements about how to respond to the current health climate are other reasons people are seeking divorce during this time.

Due to the logistical and economic implications of COVID-19, divorce is slightly more complicated right now than it was in pre-pandemic times. The process becomes even more complex for high net worth individuals seeking divorce who have alimony considerations, many assets to divide, and may own one or more businesses.

If you are a high net worth individual considering divorce, you need an exceptional Milwaukee divorce lawyer on your team. I’m Odalo Ohiku. At The Ohiku Law Office, my team and I help guide people just like you across the greater Milwaukee area through the divorce process with a focus on collaboration, fairness, and ensuring you get what you deserve out of the process. We prioritize mediation with the spouse and their team whenever possible to lessen the stress and resentment divorce can cause. If mediation is not possible, we fight tirelessly for your goals and interests, resulting in favorable outcomes for our clients.

Are you a high net worth individual considering divorce during COVID-19? Here’s what you need to know.

Timing is critical. 

While you may be anxious to begin divorce proceedings as soon as possible, it’s important to consider the potential economic implications of divorcing at this current moment in time. COVID-19 has set the markets in flux, and the value of your assets today could be very different from their value three or six months from now. This could impact the settlement amount you or your spouse receive, despite the fact that Wisconsin is a marital property state, with assets and debts acquired during the marriage divided equally between divorcing spouses. Exceptions to this rule could mean one spouse walks away with significantly more, and the value of those excepted assets at the time of settlement could make a big difference.

Alimony is another element of divorce that could be impacted by the current economic climate. A judge may rule that you need to pay more in alimony due to the difficulties your ex-spouse may face in the current job market or in balancing at-home virtual learning with needing to work outside the home.

Take stock of your assets.

If the total value of your assets exceeds one million dollars, you fall into the high net worth divorce category. As you start on your divorce journey, take some time to inventory your assets and assess their current value and how that value may fluctuate over the coming year. For example, during COVID-19, your home value may be rising, while the value of your investment or retirement accounts may fluctuate or dip down temporarily.

Now is also the time to consider what assets you want to retain after the divorce and which you could stand to lose. The ultimate outcome may not be exactly what you wish, but knowing what you can stand to part with will be very helpful in expediting the settlement process.

Consider these assets in your inventory:

  • Homes, second homes, vacation properties, investment properties, timeshares.
  • Business you own or in which you are a partner.
  • Vehicles – cars, boats, airplanes, motorcycles, etc.
  • Investment and retirement accounts.
  • Bank accounts.
  • Copyrights, trademarks, and patents.
  • Valuables, antiques, and collectibles.
  • Debts – either personal or business.
  • Tax refunds.
  • Insurance policies.

Be patient.

This can be the hardest pill to swallow when it comes to divorce, and COVID-19 only slows things down. Whether we are in a pandemic or not, divorce for a high net worth couple can be extremely complex and can easily turn contentious. Knowing you are likely in for a long divorce process from the start can help you manage your expectations and stress levels and keep things in perspective. Having a divorce attorney on your team with ample experience delivering favorable outcomes for high net worth clients won’t hurt either.

If you have considered the above implications and have decided you want to proceed with your divorce, let’s get started right away. At The Ohiku Law Office, our team puts your needs and goals front and center. We help high net worth individuals in Milwaukee and surrounding areas with expert divorce and family law services, including dispute resolution, child custody and placement, alimony, and more. Give us a call with questions or to get started today.

What business owners need to know about divorce in Milwaukee

What business owners need to know about divorce

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What business owners need to know about divorce

If you own a business and are considering divorce, it’s important to be proactive to ensure your business is protected throughout the process. Most business owners spend a significant amount of money, time, and sweat equity getting their business off the ground and work hard every day to ensure that business is successful. During COVID-19, business owners are facing additional challenges to keep their businesses running.

If you own a business and are considering divorce, it’s time to do your research to determine exactly what you need to know and do to protect your business moving forward. Reading this article is a great first step. Milwaukee divorce lawyer Odalo Ohiku has extensive experience helping individuals and couples protect their businesses through the divorce process. Read on for our top tips for protecting your business through a divorce.

Tip #1: Hire the right team

One of the biggest reasons to hire a divorce lawyer is to ensure you have an advocate on your side who understands the ins and outs of divorce law and the impact it has on business owners. An experienced divorce attorney like those at Ohiku Law can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a business owner facing divorce proceedings.

The consequences of not hiring an experienced divorce lawyer can be significant and costly. Even if you are a legal expert, going through your own divorce can be mentally and emotionally taxing. You are navigating a divorce while taking care of a family and running a business. This leads to mistakes and oversights that can easily be avoided by hiring a lawyer to take care of these things for you.

Tip #2: Understand community property laws

Wisconsin is one of a handful of states that employ community property laws in regards to marriage and divorce. Community property laws dictate that any income, assets, or property earned or acquired during the course of a marriage are considered equally owned by both spouses. This includes income earned from a business and likely the business itself. Additionally, most debts incurred during a marriage are the joint responsibility of the couple – including business debts.

Tip #3: Make sure your business is accurately valued

Aside from hiring an experienced lawyer, getting a correct and fair valuation of your business is the most important step you can take as a business owner going through a divorce. You may choose to hire an experienced appraiser jointly with your spouse, or each spouse may choose to hire their own appraiser. The appraiser will take their time analyzing the business and appropriate documentation to make their final valuation, which will then be used to assess how the business will be handled during divorce proceedings. The valuation will be determined by a number of factors, including:

  • Revenue, sales, and potential future revenue
  • Tax returns relating to the business
  • Payroll records
  • Outstanding business debts and loans
  • Patents
  • Any property or assets owned by the business

If you and your spouse have an amicable relationship, the valuation process may be as simple as hiring a single appraiser and agreeing that the final valuation is fair and accurate. If your divorce is contentious, one spouse may try to undervalue the business or proceed without investigating at all. This can cost you a lot of money and extra time in court.

Divorce is overwhelming, particularly for a business owner. Hiring the right Milwaukee divorce lawyer, like Odalo Ohiku and his team at Ohiku law, can make the process much easier on you and your family. When a couple with shared interests in a business decide to divorce, it’s imperative to take the necessary steps to protect the business interests, assets, employees, and customers.
For questions about your specific situation or to get started on the road to securing a divorce that protects your business, call the offices of Ohiku Law today. We also provide expert estate planning, child custody, bankruptcy, and other services to protect you and your family.

5 Ways to Ease the Strain of Divorce | Ohiku Law

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5 Ways to Ease the Strain of Divorce | Ohiku Law

Divorce is simply a fact of modern life. Studies estimate between 35 – 40% of marriages end in divorce. If you and your spouse have decided that divorce is the best way forward, you are embarking on what can be an emotional, stressful, and complex legal and personal process that will have profound implications for your life and that of your family.

At Ohiku Law, we provide expert divorce and family law service for people in Milwaukee and surrounding communities. We have helped a lot of people get through the divorce process and have seen firsthand the negative impact it can have on everyone involved. If you are considering divorce, or if you have started down that road, read on for some simple ways you can make the process a little easier on yourself and your family.

  1. Be mindful of the big picture. When it comes to divorce, no one gets everything they want. Divorce is a legal process that often involves a lot of emotions and other complex feelings for those involved. The client’s we’ve worked with who have had the best experiences with divorce go into the process knowing they will have to compromise. Focusing too much on getting every little detail to go your way will leave you frustrated. Instead, try to focus on the end goal of the process and what you want your future to look like. This type of visualization can help you get through the tough moments with your feelings and sanity intact.
  2. Prepare your finances. As soon as you decide to get divorced, it’s time to get organized. We can’t stress this enough: divorce is a complicated process that involves nearly every aspect of a person’s life, with finances playing a major role. First, get all your financial account information and contact info for key advisors in one place. Next, make copies of important documents, like your will, bank statements, recent pay stubs, loan/mortgage information, important bills, insurance policy information, etc. Finally, start saving money to put toward legal expenses. By getting prepared early, you will save yourself a headache down the road.
  3. Take advice with a grain of salt. As outlined above, a lot of people have gone through the divorce process and it is likely you know more than one person who has gotten divorced. Friends and family will want to share their personal divorce experiences with you and give you advice. While they probably mean well, taking divorce advice from someone not familiar with all the details of your situation, the goals and outcomes you want to achieve, your family dynamics, and divorce law in your state can steer you in the wrong direction. Having an experienced attorney like Odalo Ohiku as your primary advisor in the process will help ensure you have the best experience possible.
  4. Do your best to protect the feelings of your children. If you are considering divorce and have children – no matter what age – they will be impacted by this major life change. While this fact is unavoidable, there are steps you can take to make the divorce experience much, much easier on your children. First, avoid talking negatively about your soon-to-be ex-spouse in front of them. In almost all situations, children of divorce continue to have a relationship with both parents and it’s important that they are given the space they need to build their own feelings about that relationship. Another tip: consider exploring therapy resources specifically designed to support children going through divorce. Having someone to talk to who has experience with this specific issue can be helpful for children as they navigate their emotions about this significant life change.
  5. Get professional support. Many people considering divorce are concerned about how much it will cost. The truth is: divorce is not cheap. To save money, some people decide not to hire a divorce attorney to support them in the process. This is a mistake. An experienced divorce attorney can help you navigate the complex process of divorce, avoiding mistakes and pitfalls that make the process last much longer and cost significantly more. A divorce attorney can also give you advice on how to prepare your finances so you are ready for the cost, and will keep the process moving to ensure you get through this experience in the best way possible.

I’m Odalo Ohiku, an experienced divorce attorney in Milwaukee with expertise in family law, child custody and placement, dispute resolution, and much more. Every client I work with has a unique situation and my ethic is to provide the exact service each needs to meet their goals and have the best experience possible. If you have questions or are ready to get started, give the offices of Ohiku Law a call today.