Uncontested Divorce Wisconsin

What Makes a Divorce "Uncontested" in Wisconsin

An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on every term — property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and (if applicable) child custody, placement, and support. You don't need to agree on everything before filing. You just need to reach agreement before the final hearing.

The fastest version is a joint petition, where both spouses sign the same filing document. But an uncontested divorce can also start as a solo petition if the respondent cooperates and the parties settle before trial. The key distinction is the outcome, not the filing method.

Step 1: File the Joint Petition

If both spouses are ready to file together, complete and submit:

• Form FA-4110V (Joint Petition with Minor Children) or FA-4111V (without children)
• Form GF-179 (Confidential Petition Addendum — required in every filing)

File these with the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county where at least one spouse has lived for 30 days. At least one spouse must also have met the six-month state residency requirement.

The filing fee is $184.50 (no support requested) or $194.50 (support or maintenance requested). eFiling adds $35 per party.

Joint filers skip service of process entirely — no summons, no sheriff, no 90-day service deadline.

Step 2: Complete Financial Disclosure

Both parties must file a Financial Disclosure Statement (Form FA-4139V) within 90 days. This requires a full inventory of assets, debts, income, and expenses, with pay stubs and tax returns attached.

Even in an amicable split, this step is mandatory. Skipping it doesn't speed things up and can delay finalization. If one party fails to file, the court can accept the other's disclosure as fully accurate.

Step 3: Handle Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

When minor children are part of the case, most Wisconsin counties require both parents to:

• Complete an approved parenting education program (such as "Children in Between" or "Parents Forever," typically $25–$50 per parent)
• File a Proposed Parenting Plan (Form FA-4147V) if the parents disagree about custody or placement

Most counties still require the parenting class certificate even if you've already agreed on placement terms. Some counties accept online completion; check your county's specific requirements.

Step 4: Wait the 120 Days

Wisconsin imposes a 120-day waiting period. For joint filers, the clock starts on the filing date. A signed settlement agreement does not by itself shorten the period, but a court may order an immediate hearing for a health, safety, or other emergency reason.

Use this time to finalize your Marital Settlement Agreement (Form FA-4150V with children, FA-4151V without) and prepare the draft Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment (Form FA-4160VA or FA-4161VA).

Step 5: Attend the Final Hearing

Once 120 days have passed, contact the clerk's office to schedule a stipulated hearing. Bring:

• Signed Marital Settlement Agreement
• Draft Findings of Fact and Judgment
• Divorce/Annulment Worksheet (Form F-05080, completed in black ink)
• Financial Disclosure Statements from both parties
• Parenting class certificates (if applicable)

The hearing for an uncontested case is typically 15–30 minutes. The judge confirms that both parties understand and accept the terms, verifies the marriage is irretrievably broken, and signs the judgment. You're legally divorced when the judge signs — but Wisconsin bars remarriage for six months after that date.

The Simplest Case: No Children, No Property

If you have no minor children and minimal or no shared property, your uncontested divorce is as straightforward as Wisconsin allows. You'll file FA-4111V and GF-179, both complete the FA-4139V financial disclosure, draft the settlement agreement on FA-4151V, wait 120 days, and attend a brief hearing.

The Wisconsin Divorce Filing Process Guide lays out this exact sequence with form-selection decision trees, financial disclosure worksheets, and a pre-hearing checklist so you arrive at the courthouse with everything the judge needs.

See more Wisconsin guides →