If you are planning to get a divorce in Wisconsin, you may be wondering how long the process takes. From filing the paperwork and negotiating divorce issues, to finalizing the divorce and everything in between, there are many steps involved in divorce proceedings. While the exact timeline of your divorce will vary depending on the specifics of your situation, here is a general idea of how long a Wisconsin divorce takes. 

Filing the Initial Divorce Paperwork 

In Wisconsin, there is a mandatory waiting period of 120 days between the divorce filing date and the point at which the divorce is finalized. The purpose of this waiting period is to provide the two people pursuing a divorce with time to think about their decision. 

A waiting time ensures that spouses are not legally dissolving their marriage as part of a rash decision. The 120-day waiting period also allows each of the divorce lawyers representing the parties to prepare for settlement negotiations or trial. 

In the state of Wisconsin, a weapons charge will likely either be classified as a felony or a misdemeanor. People who are found in possession of an illegal weapon will receive either a felony charge or a misdemeanor charge based on the specifics of their situation.

For example, someone who has been convicted of a felony in Wisconsin prior to being found in possession of a weapon will be charged with a Class G felony. On the other hand, an individual who is found in possession of a weapon in Wisconsin will likely receive a misdemeanor charge if their illegal weapon possession coincides with another crime, such as failing to abide by a restraining order. 

Three Steps To Fight a Wisconsin Weapons Charge

No matter which type of weapons charge you are facing in the state of Wisconsin, there are three important steps that should be followed after being charged with the unlawful possession of an illegal weapon. 

Coming to a mutual child support agreement is challenging for both parents, and modifying that same arrangement can be problematic. Not only are changes difficult, but the timing of those revisions needs to be considered. Under Wisconsin law, noncustodial parents are obligated to make child support payments until the child is 18 years old, or 19 if the child is still in high school or working towards their GED. Knowing when to make changes to a Child Support Order and how to go about it are crucial, so is understanding how to receive your owed support from a non-compliant noncustodial parent. 

When Can Changes in the Child Support Agreement be Made?

In Wisconsin, there is a 33-month waiting period before any modifications can be made to the initial child support agreement. Rare exceptions can be made if there is a significant change in circumstances, including a change in either parent’s income, health needs of the child changing, or either parent being placed in jail. A few misconceptions about what constitutes a change in the agreement include failing to follow visitation rules, the custodial parent legally moving with the child, or either parent voluntarily leaving their job. Changes in the child support agreement can only occur once every three years, and the court will determine whether or not if a review will be ordered.

How to Change a Child Support Order

Before an order is changed, it is reviewed by a local child support agency and/or by the court. If a child support agency is providing you services, they can write up an agreement for both parents to sign, but the court has to approve any revisions made to the agreement. If the court orders a review, both parents will be required to provide their current financial information. When a child support order is changed, the amount of support can increase, decrease, or stay the same. If the support amount stays the same, adding medical support to the court order is a possibility. Any changes that are made will not take effect until the court has signed the order. 

A domestic violence-related conviction may carry severe penalties, including prison time and fines. Offenders may also be subject to a protective order. Having a conviction on your record can seriously damage your reputation. Thankfully, everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and people charged with a crime have rights.

What to Do If You Are Accused of Domestic Battery

Your decisions in the immediate aftermath of a domestic battery charge are critical and may make the difference between conviction and exoneration. Here are three pieces of advice:

Watch What You Say - Be very careful with your words, especially when talking to the police or the victim. Your words can and will be used against you. If you are taken into police custody, the police may try to get you to make confessions or admit guilt. Remember, you have the right to remain silent and consult with legal counsel.

For years, marijuana usage was strictly illegal throughout the United States. The buying and selling of the narcotic were considered a serious criminal offense that would often land the offender in jail. Now, marijuana dispensaries can be found in many large cities around the country and possessing small quantities of the plant is no longer considered a criminal offense in many states. However, marijuana is still a controlled substance in the Badger State and the cultivation, possession, or sale of the drug can trigger harsh criminal penalties.

Penalties for Marijuana Possession

In the State of Wisconsin, a first-time offense for possession of marijuana is a first-degree misdemeanor. Offenders may face a maximum jail sentence up to six months and a maximum fine of $1,000. A subsequent offense for possession is charged as a felony. Offenders may spend up to 3.5 years behind bars and maximum fines up to $10,000.

Driving Under the Influence  

Driving while under the influence of marijuana in Wisconsin is a crime. The severity of the penalties associated with the offense depends on the number of previous offenses.