OHIKU LAW OFFICE

Navigating custody disputes can be one of the most challenging aspects of any divorce, but the stakes are even higher in high net worth cases. These complex situations involve substantial assets, intricate legal considerations, and, most importantly, the well-being of the children involved. You can read about it in our most recent blog article. https://www.ohiku.com/navigating-custody-disputes-in-high-net-worth-divorce/

Navigating Child Custody in High Net Divorces Discover expert strategies for handling custody disputes in high net worth divorces. Protect your children's best interests.

Another year with the State Bar Diversity Clerkship Program! Ohiku Law Office hosted Kate as a clerk for 10 weeks. Kate gained practical legal experience, and we obtained valuable legal support.​

There are times when a divorce needs to pause. Some of the top reasons individuals consider putting their divorce on hold include:
Health Issues: Sudden illnesses or ongoing medical treatments that require attention.
Family Emergencies: The death of a close relative or significant caregiving responsibilities.
Financial Disputes: Unresolved disagreements over asset division, debts, or financial settlements.
Temporary Reconciliation: Efforts such as counseling or trial separations aimed at salvaging the marriage.
Legal Complications: Complexities in legal documentation or compliance with court orders.
Child Custody Battles: Lengthy negotiations or disputes regarding child custody and support arrangements.
Emotional Well-being: Needing time to emotionally adjust or manage high-stress situations. You can read more about this in our new blog post. See comments for link.

Something fun for the weekend!

August is National Black Business Month. Ohiku Law Office is a Black Owned Small Business and we celebrate and embrace diversity and inclusion. Diversity is more than a mission statement, mantra or aspiration – at the Ohiku Law, it’s our culture. Diversity is represented in the backgrounds of our attorneys, the languages we speak, and the clients we serve. We are dedicated to promoting an inclusive environment, welcoming individuals of all races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, and disabilities. Our values are not choices we make, they’re who we are.

There are times when a divorce needs to be put on hold as it moves through the court system. Whether it’s due to personal reasons, financial disputes, or temporary reconciliation, understanding how long a divorce can be paused is crucial for anyone facing this situation. Our new blog article covers the various factors that can impact the duration of a divorce hold, particularly within the context of Milwaukee and Wisconsin state laws. https://www.ohiku.com/how-long-can-divorce-be-put-on-hold/

How Long Can You Pause a Divorce? Find out how long you can put a divorce on hold and the reasons behind delays. Expert advice inside.

OHIKU LAW OFFICE is happy to have supported Sanctuary for the Skies. The Sanctuary includes 10 native plants, a bird bath, a bird feeder, and a nest box.
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We always love participating in the Diversity Clerkship Program and enjoyed having law student Kate in our office this summer. "The State Bar's Diversity Clerkship Program offers law students the opportunity to experience what it is like to work as an attorney in the summer after their 1L year – and to expand their legal skills." https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/InsideTrack/Pages/Article.aspx?Volume=16&Issue=14&ArticleID=30579&fbclid=IwY2xjawEh_4NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdwl9as58qPCzLTr9yD1wLfiB_FHP08poRL5BSsmyM4vt3uaQaG_i4Ix6A_aem_6Ev1heJgzuX8Xetgvvi3TA

Diversity Clerkship Program Jump-starts Legal Careers The State Bar´s Diversity Clerkship Program offers law students the opportunity to experience what it is like to work as an attorney in the summer after their 1L year – and to expand their legal skills.

One thing people often ask about is the difference between divorce and legal separation. In Wisconsin, both divorce and legal separation require the couple to meet specific legal requirements. The steps involved in each process and the legal implications of choosing one option over the other are as follows:
Residency Requirement: To file for a divorce or legal separation in Wisconsin, at least one spouse must be a state resident for at least six months and a resident of the county where the action is filed for at least 30 days.
Grounds: Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state, meaning that neither spouse needs to prove misconduct by the other spouse. The only ground for divorce or legal separation is the “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage.
Filing Process: Both divorce and legal separation begin by filing a petition with the appropriate county court. After filing, there is a mandatory 120-day waiting period before the court can finalize the divorce or legal separation.
Division of Assets and Debts: In both divorce and legal separation, Wisconsin follows the principle of marital property, wherein all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided equally between the spouses unless there is a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement stating otherwise.
Child Custody and Support: In both cases, the court will determine child custody, placement, and support based on the best interests of the child.
Spousal Support: The court may award spousal support (also known as alimony) in both divorce and legal separation cases. You can read more about this topic in a blog article posted on our website. (link in comments)

Looking for nature? Here are some beautiful places to visit this weekend.

"The Diversity Clerkship program has allowed me to work at a law firm where I feel supported. I am entrusted with preparing legal documents and communicating with clients, often utilizing my bilingual skills to communicate with clients who primarily speak Spanish."
- Kate Rodriguez, DCP clerk 2024

Our DCP clerk, Kate, has had a great impact on our firm during her time this summer. It has been a pleasure watching her actively get involved in the firm.

Contested divorces differ from amicable divorces where an agreement can easily be reached. But agreements are still possible in contested cases. Mediation often plays a crucial role in reaching an amicable resolution in contested divorces. Unlike the adversarial nature of a trial, mediation is a collaborative process, where both parties work with a neutral third-party mediator to find mutually satisfactory solutions to their disagreements. This can lead to more personalized resolutions that better align with the specific needs and preferences of each spouse. We discuss this and more in our blog about contested divorces and what makes them different. (link in comments)

We love participating in the State Bar of Wisconsin Diversity Clerkship Program. We participate every year, and it is always a wonderful experience for all involved. It is an amazing program.

July is Disability Pride Month. The anniversary of the passage of the ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act.

Good news! Voting is so important and this will make it easier for so many.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Overrules Teigen, Authorizes Ballot Boxes In a 4-3 decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has overruled a 2022 decision that held ballot drop boxes were illegal.

Fun events for the weekend!

We published a blog on our website discussing what you should and should not say in divorce court. We talk about how important it is to be honest:
THE IMPORTANCE OF HONESTY AND DIRECTNESS
When presenting your case in court, it’s crucial to be honest and direct with your statements. Lying or exaggerating facts can damage your credibility and negatively impact the judge’s perception of you. It’s best to stick to the facts and avoid any attempts at deceit.
You can read more on our website (link in comments).

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON ISSUES YOU SEE WHEN MEDIATING A DIVORCE?
Divorce mediation is a useful tool that allows couples who are going through a divorce to come to an agreement on important matters, such as division of assets, parenting plans and more. It is much less expensive than traditional litigation and can often be completed in a fraction of the time.

When it comes to divorce mediation, there are a few common issues that often arise. One of the most frequent areas of dispute is finances, with couples arguing over who should get which assets, how to divide debts and other financial matters. Another major area of contention is usually parenting plans, including decisions about custody and visitation rights for both parents. Finally, couples may struggle to agree on the specifics of their separation agreement, including matters such as alimony or spousal support.

Have a sports law question? Attorney Giancarlo Mora can help. He brings a unique perspective to his practice, thanks to his extensive background in the sports industry. Recognizing the significant impact contractual agreements have in sports and entertainment, he has become an invaluable resource for clients seeking innovative solutions to their legal matters. Drawing on his wealth of experience in drafting and reviewing contracts within the sports sector, Attorney Mora ensures his clients’ interests are safeguarded, leaving no room for uncertainties in any transaction.

One question people often ask is how long it takes to go through the divorce process in Wisconsin. It depends on many factors, but uncontested divorces can be faster than contested divorces. Uncontested divorces usually go through the courts faster. If both parties can reach an agreement on all key issues and file their paperwork promptly, a final divorce judgment can often be obtained within a few months.
On average, an uncontested divorce in Wisconsin can be finalized in 3-6 months. However, it’s important to note that even in uncontested divorces, there may still be potential delays if the parties are unable to reach an agreement or if the court has a backlog of cases. You can read more on our website (link in comments). Call or text us with any questions.

Happy 4th of July from everyone at Ohiku Law Office! Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Local events for this 4th of July weekend.

Happy 4th of July! Here are our top picks for the weekend:

❤️ Sunday Family Fun Day at Northwestern Mutual Community Park

💙 FREE Fun in the Parks: Summer Night Movie at Veterans Park, Brunch by the Beach at Lakeshore State Park, Shakespeare in the Park by Pocket Park Puppet Players

❤️ Fourth of July Fun: Fireworks, Greendale Family 4th Fest, and more!

Get the full Weekend Guide: https://www.mkewithkids.com/post/weekend/

Ohiku Law Office attorney Matthew Torres has a background in criminology and social work, allowing him a unique perspective in the legal field, merging his legal experience with his in-depth understanding of complex family dynamics. Attorney Torres is primarily a family and criminal law practitioner. However, he also represents clients in educational and employment related matters, particularly in claims of harassment and discrimination. You can reach him at 414-287-0088.

The Supreme Court has been handing down rulings the last few days. On Friday, they overturned a 40-year-old decision that made it easier for the federal government to regulate the environment, public health, workplace safety and consumer protections. Instead of the federal agencies making decisions when rules may not be crystal clear, this ruling gives that power to the courts. This in effect strips agencies like the EPA of power and instead puts some decisions in the hands of judges who are not experts in the field. This ruling will have far reaching implications which we will see play out in the future.

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage was legal in all 50 states with the Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Prior to this ruling, many same-sex couples faced challenges when it came to interacting with the legal system, particularly in states like Wisconsin that did not recognize same-sex marriage. Today, same-sex marriage, divorce, and child custody is subject to the same laws and proceedings as any legal marriage in the State of Wisconsin. However, there are still some key considerations for same-sex couples looking for answers to their divorce law and child custody questions. You can read more about this on our website. (link in comments)

Diversity is more than a mission statement, mantra or aspiration – at the Ohiku Law, it’s our culture. Diversity is represented in the backgrounds of our attorneys, the languages we speak, and the clients we serve. We are dedicated to promoting an inclusive environment, welcoming individuals of all races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, and disabilities. Our values are not choices we make, they’re who we are.