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Recent Blog Posts
How Digital Assets Can Complicate a Wisconsin Divorce
Several years ago, the term "digital assets" referred largely to photographs stored digitally on a computer. The term has an entirely different meaning today after the explosion in cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum and Bitcoin, as well as nonfungible tokens (NFTs). As of 2024, it is estimated that 6.8 percent of the global population has invested in cryptocurrency.
Although many people have at least a marginal understanding of cryptocurrencies, NFTs are a bit more difficult to explain. Tokens are unique and associated with specific, verifiable pieces of data. They cannot be divided, duplicated, or destroyed, although they can be lost. At their core, a digital key file is purchased that is associated with a piece of artwork, music, or property title.
Regardless of how deep your understanding of these digital assets is, if they exist in your marriage, they are part of the division of marital assets that occurs during a divorce. It is important that your Oconomowoc, WI family law attorney has a good understanding of digital assets so that you can ensure a fair division.
Are You A "Person of Interest" in a Wisconsin Crime?
Being called in to talk to the police can be an anxiety-inducing experience, particularly if you are unsure why you are there. You may be told you are only a person of interest – a phrase commonly used by law enforcement to describe anyone potentially connected to a criminal offense when there is insufficient evidence to label the person a suspect.
Being labeled a person of interest can mean that you truly are not a suspect, and the police only believe you have information that could help them find the true suspect. It can also mean that the police believe you might be a suspect and are hoping you will provide information that allows them to move you from the person of interest category to the suspect category.
Even if you are told you are "only" a person of interest, you should never speak to the police regarding a criminal matter without having an experienced Muskego, WI criminal defense attorney by your side. Speaking to the police on your own could inadvertently result in your saying something that is taken out of context and used to prosecute you for a crime.
How to Deal with a Juvenile OWI in Wisconsin
Recently, a teen from Western Wisconsin was cited for OWI after crashing into a wooded area off US 18 outside of Bridgeport. The SUV the teen was driving traveled off the left shoulder of the four-lane highway, going across a snow-covered grassy area before crashing into a heavily wooded area. The teen suffered only minor injuries and was cited for OWI and Failure to Keep a Vehicle Under Control.
Every parent’s worst nightmare is receiving a call that their child is in trouble. Of course, the first priority is to ensure the child is physically unharmed. After that, the juvenile criminal charges facing your child can leave you unsure of what you need to do to protect his or her future. Having a Milwaukee, WI juvenile criminal charges attorney can help you make the right decisions to minimize the long-term damage from these criminal charges.
Personality, Motive, and Means in a High-Conflict Divorce
Although no divorce is ever likely to be considered easy or comfortable, some are more contentious than others. A high-conflict divorce is characterized by intense animosity, a seemingly endless loop of disagreements, and legal battles that keep the divorce going for years. Every decision in a high-conflict divorce devolves into chaos and quarrels, whether it involves asset division, the allocation of parental responsibilities, or spousal support.
High-conflict divorces seem to bring out the absolute worst in people, making closure and moving forward difficult, if not impossible. While there are many aspects to a high-conflict divorce, this type of divorce rarely exists if three elements are absent: personality, motive, and means. While those words may conjure up visions of a murder mystery, they also apply to a high-conflict divorce. If you believe your divorce will be especially complex, speaking to an Oconomowoc, WI family law attorney can be beneficial.
How Serious is a Fourth Wisconsin OWI?
A 40-year-old Wisconsin man was recently pulled over for driving with no headlights. Before the police had the opportunity to administer impaired driving tests, the man exited the vehicle, lay on the ground, and stated, "You got me." The driver subsequently consented to a search of his person and vehicle. The police allegedly found cocaine in the driver’s pocket, along with a half-full pitcher of beer taken from a local pub on the floorboard.
Field sobriety tests were then performed, and the man was arrested for his fourth OWI offense. Because of prior OWI convictions, the man was subject to a 0.02 alcohol concentration restriction and was driving with a revoked license and without a mandatory ignition interlock device. His chemical breath test showed a BAC of 0.11 percent.
Can You Keep Your Engagement and Wedding Ring in a WI Divorce?
Most women remember every detail surrounding their engagement ring because it often coincides with being asked to marry the person they fell in love with. Although both parties may choose wedding rings together, both the engagement and wedding rings are technically given to the other spouse before they are officially and legally married.
While it might seem that this renders engagement and wedding rings separate property, this assumption is not always upheld when a dispute arises. Like a handful of other states, Wisconsin is a community property state. This means that all marital assets are split 50/50, regardless of any extenuating circumstances. Most states in the United States have gone to equitable distribution, meaning marital assets are split fairly, although not necessarily equally.
Before allocating marital assets, determining which assets are separate and which are marital must occur. Many different factors are involved in splitting marital assets, including engagement and wedding rings. Having an experienced Menomonee Falls, WI divorce attorney from Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP by your side can make these issues much easier, causing you far less stress.
Can I Seek Attorney Fees When My Spouse Causes Divorce Delays?
Sometimes, a spouse who is perhaps not on board with a divorce persists in causing delays and taking unreasonable positions, dragging out the divorce longer than necessary and making it more expensive. This can also occur when one spouse argues about virtually everything for no other reason than to be contentious. The spouse who just wants the divorce over and done with can be tempted to walk away from his or her share of assets or from receiving spousal support that is well-deserved.
While it is understandable to be exhausted from a spouse who is unnecessarily causing the divorce to drag out, rather than giving up assets that are rightfully yours, seeking attorney fees from your spouse may be the better choice. If you find yourself in such an untenable situation, speaking to a knowledgeable Brookfield, WI divorce attorney from Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP can be your best course of action.
Do Disorderly Conduct Laws Violate Free Speech?
Because more and more election workers are being harassed and even threatened, the Marathon County Board of Supervisors recently voted to approve a revision of the county’s disorderly conduct ordinance. The change would allow law enforcement to cite an individual when harassing behavior is directed toward an election official.
Before the change, the ordinance prohibited a person from engaging in "violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance." The change in the ordinance adds a line addressing the behaviors listed above when directed at an election official.
Although the ordinance passed, there was some pushback among several board members who objected, saying they were concerned that the ordinance violated constitutionally guaranteed free speech. Another stated that he feared the ordinance could hinder a citizen’s ability to question election integrity. Violation of the new ordinance could bring a fine between $500 and $1,000.
The Dangers of Listening to Divorce Advice from Social Media
Virtually everyone in America has at least dipped a toe into the social media waters. An individual may be on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, or a variety of other sites. Many lawyers today advertise on social media, particularly TikTok, where you will find trendy videos of attorneys sharing their opinions on newsworthy events or even giving "free" legal advice.
If you are considering filing for divorce, you may have considered doing it on your own – with a little help from lawyers on social media and a few downloaded forms from the Internet. You can certainly save money by handling your divorce in this manner, but before you decide to go that route, it is important to understand why getting your legal divorce advice from social media is rarely a good idea.
In fact, when you choose to get your legal advice from social media, you may negatively impact your divorce in a variety of ways. While it may be fun or interesting to watch attorney videos on TikTok, remember – this is your life and your future. Speaking to an experienced Brookfield, WI divorce attorney can ensure you do not make missteps that are impossible to fix and can adversely affect many aspects of your divorce.
What Do I Do If My Spouse Served Me with Divorce Papers in Wisconsin?
Being served divorce papers – particularly when you had no idea your spouse wanted a divorce – can be devastating. You may wonder what you need to do immediately as well as how the months ahead should be managed to safeguard your future. Especially as it relates to financial decisions, the choices you make and the concessions you give "just to get it over with" can have long-term, adverse repercussions.
Having an experienced Oconomowoc, WI divorce attorney from Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP who can answer all your questions and help you focus on the best options helps to ensure the best outcome possible. While it is understandable that being served with divorce papers has left you reeling, this is not the time to bury your head in the sand. Taking decisive, informed action is your best defense during this difficult time.
What Should You Do First After Being Served with Divorce Papers?
Your first step should be to hire an experienced divorce attorney. This is not a time when you should attempt to DIY your divorce. There is too much at stake, and a simple mistake can have far-reaching implications. Many people ask friends, family members, and co-workers for a divorce lawyer referral, while others will look online to choose an attorney.
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