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By: Hansen & Hildebrand, S.C.

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Susan Hansen

Latest from Family Law Blog

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Divorce may not be easy—but Wisconsin just made the process a little less stressful. With the passage of a new law allowing Divorce by Affidavit (2025 Senate Bill 189), many couples can now finalize their divorce without any court appearance. This change is a major step toward making the legal system more efficient, accessible, and compassionate for families navigating this transition.
What Is Divorce by Affidavit?
Divorce by Affidavit allows qualifying couples to complete their divorce through notarized written

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Continue Reading Wisconsin Offers No-court Divorce: Introducing Divorce by Affidavit

By Attorney Renee A.R. Nawrocki, Of Counsel at Hansen & Hildebrand, S.C.
Bank account, driver's license, social security card, and passport

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” is a famous line from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The meaning of this well-known line would suggest that simply changing someone’s name does not change that individual’s nature or identity. But is it really that simple? In most instances, a party in a Wisconsin divorce may request that the Court restore that individual to a former

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Continue Reading A Rose by Any Other Name: The Decision to Legally Change Your Name Following Your Divorce

By: Erin Idler, Attorney & Mediator and Jeremy Doering, Doering & Co. CEO/Founder

Cutouts of a family and a house on a balanced seesaw

Family law and real estate often intersect, especially in the context of divorce and property division. When a married couple decides to separate, one of the most significant issues is dividing the family assets. Making decisions about real estate, especially the family home, has emotional, financial, and legal impact for both parties. Working with professionals, including a realtor, lender, individual lawyer or joint mediator, who understand…
Continue Reading The Intersection of Family Law and Real Estate in Wisconsin: What You Need to Know

By: Attorney Susan A. Hansen, Partner at Hansen & Hildebrand and Co-Founder of Family Mediation Center

Attorney meeting with older couple

Gray divorce, the term used to describe divorces involving couples over the age of 50, has been on the rise in recent years. In Wisconsin, as in many other states, more older adults are choosing to end their long-term marriages.

While divorce can be challenging at any age, gray divorce presents a unique set of challenges. Older couples often have complex financial situations,…
Continue Reading Gray Divorce in Wisconsin: Navigating a New Chapter

By Attorney Erin M. Idler

Lawyers are mediating disputes and providing legal advice.

Divorce does not have to be a battle. An amicable divorce can be a less stressful and costly process than a contentious one. You and your spouse do not have to agree on all items in advance to have an amicable divorce. Here are considerations that can help you navigate to a peaceful resolution. 

Open Communication

Open communication includes approaches that can help you both in the process. Maintaining a respectful tone, avoiding blame,…
Continue Reading How to Have an Amicable Divorce

By Lindsey A. Kujawa, Partner, Attorney, & Mediator

Hundreds of LGBTQ events are occurring nationwide this month to celebrate and support the LGBTQ community. In recognition of Pride Month, we are sharing input about Wisconsin estate planning for LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender individuals, whether married, unmarried, in a civil union, or single, need to do estate planning to protect themselves in a legal system that may not assure their intended wishes are followed.
Continue Reading Estate Planning Considerations for Same-Sex and LGBTQ+ Couples

By Erin M. Idler, Attorney & Mediator
Planning for death or disability too often a topic people avoid. It is important to plan ahead and legally protect your loved ones from a legacy of conflict and court cost.
We are available to prepare Estate Plans, including Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney for Healthcare and Finances.   Here are 4 key considerations for estate planning as you think about creating or updating an estate plan:​

1. ​​Estate Planning is

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Continue Reading Key Considerations for Estate Planning in Wisconsin

By Erin M. Idler, Attorney & Mediator

As a divorce lawyer for over 30 years, I have too often seen children become pawns in a divorce or witness endless and damaging conflict.

As a parent, you have a choice!​If you have children and are considering divorce, you should consider mediation. In the mediation process, you work with a child specialist who will help you create a family plan focused on the well-being of your children along with a…
Continue Reading 5 Reasons Why Mediation is Better for Your Children

By: Attorney Susan A. Hansen, Partner at Hansen & Hildebrand and Co-Founder of Family Mediation Center

Considering divorce? You are not alone—nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce. As marital issues escalate, you may see divorce as your only option. If you are not involved in marriage counseling, you may be wondering how to bring up divorce to your spouse. It can be a challenging first step.

Your initial conversations can affect the entire divorce process and every aspect of your…
Continue Reading How to Bring up Divorce to Your Spouse

Deciding to divorce is one of the most difficult decisions you can make during your lifetime. Divorce impacts every aspect of your life including your family’s finances and interpersonal relationships now and in the future.

Divorce Options

One critical, but often overlooked step in deciding to divorce, is deciding how to divorce. The process you and your spouse choose will have a significant impact not only on the divorce process itself, but also on the shape and nature of your future financial…
Continue Reading Not to Decide is to Decide: The Importance of Choosing How to Divorce

By Lindsey A. Kujawa, Partner, Attorney, & Mediator

If you are going through the financial and emotional turmoil that typically accompanies divorce, creating or updating your estate plan may be the last thing on your mind. To avoid litigation (and serious unintended consequences), you need to be aware of the practical implications of divorce on estate planning and powers of attorney.​It is important to maintain valid financial and health care power of attorney documents.  These documents ensure that, if…
Continue Reading Divorce and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know