The Jensen Defense

Download Wisconsin Family Law Forms

Following are the general forms used throughout the course of a divorce case.  You may download each of the forms by clicking the link. Please bear in mind that these forms are offered as an example only and no assurances are made as to fitness for your particular purpose.  In other words, you must not simply fill-in your name, print it out, file it with the court, and expect it to satisfy your needs  Each form must be modified as necessary to meet the needs of each individual case.  The best way to make sure that any legal pleading is appropriate for your needs is to consult an experienced family lawyer.

1.  Summons and Petition for Divorce.   This is the initial pleading.  It alleges all of the necessary facts which, if true, would entitle the petitioner to a divorce.  Filing the summons and petition with the court grants the court subject matter jurisdiction.  Serving the summons and petition personally upon the respondent gives the court personal jurisdiction over the respondent.

2.   Order to Show Cause.  This order is usually accompanied by an affidavit of the petitioner alleging that the petitioner is in need of temporary orders.  Temporary orders are interim orders on matters such as custody, placement, child support, and use of property.  These orders continue only until the final judgment of divorce is granted.

3.  Financial Disclosure Form.  At the commencement of the case each party is required to file a financial disclosure form.  The form is updated at the final hearing.

4.  Certificate of Compliance.   This form certifies that all of the statutory requirements for a divorce have been met.  The court will not set a pretrial conference or a trial date without this form on file.

5.  Order for Pretrial Conference.  This order is signed by the judge and commands each party to appear before the court for a pretrial conference.   At the pretrial conference a final effort will be made to settle the issues.  The court will be informed as to what issues cannot be settled, the estimated length of the trial, and then a trial date will be set.

6.  Marital Settlement Agreement.  This is a written "contract" settling all of the issues in a divorce case with minor children.  If such an agreement is reached the court will conduct and hearing and most likely accept it as the judgment of the court.

7.   Judgment of Divorce.  This is the final judgment of the court granting the divorce.

8.  Stipulation and Order to Modify Support/Placement/Maintenance.   This is a written formal agreement between the parties to modify the judgment.  Once the parties sign the document is submitted to the court.   If the judge signs off on the agreement it becomes a binding court order.

9.  Notice of Motion and Motion to Modify Support/Placement/Maintenance.   If parties cannot agree to a modification of the final judgment then a motion must be filed.  This is the form that must be used.

10. Memorandum of Law on Modification Standard.  This brief sets forth the standard that must be met where the motion for modification is brought more than two years after the entry of the original judgment.

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