Contested Divorce

The information contained on this web page is provided as a courtesy to members of the public, and shall not be construed as legal advice. If you have questions, contact the Wisconsin Bar Association Lawyer Referral and Information Service 800-362-9082 for additional assistance.

Contested Hearing

In contested divorce cases, the final hearing will be a trial at which the judge hears testimony from the interested parties, witnesses, and expert witnesses (such as property appraisers, accountants, Guardian ad Litem, medical providers). Parties should be prepared to present to the Court at trial all documents requested by the Court relating to their debts and assets. During the hearing, the judge will also review any exhibits submitted by the parties. The party presenting documents and/or exhibits in court must also have enough copies for distribution to all parties, including the judge.

The trial may last several hours and the judge will make the final decision on all issues still contested by the parties.

No party will be allowed to appear by phone or video means at a contested divorce/legal separation trial without prior approval from the Court.

Authenticated Copies of Final Divorce / Legal Separation Documents

The original divorce/legal separation documents will be filed with the Oconto County Clerk of Courts. A copy of the Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Judgment and Marital Settlement Agreement will be mailed to each pro-se party upon a $10 copy fee being paid to the Oconto County Family Court Commissioner's Office. If a party has an attorney representing them in the divorce, that party should contact their attorney for copies of the final divorce documents.

The Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Judgment and Marital Settlement Agreement should be kept in a safe place as you may be required to provide these documents to financial institutions, employers, health care providers, Social Security Administration, Department of Motor Vehicles, and other agencies upon their request.

Copies of family court documents may be requested from the Oconto County Clerk of Courts. Copies are $1.25 per page. An additional fee of $5 per document is charged for documents requiring certification.