WI SB189

Wisconsin divorces and legal separations may now be granted without an in-person court hearing if both parties submit affidavits meeting specified requirements and have either legal representation or worked with a registered lawyer-mediator.

Required affidavits must confirm residency requirements, affirm financial disclosures were made, state whether either party is in the military or receiving public assistance, and disclose any pending or completed domestic abuse cases.

Both parties must sign a court-approved stipulation, file a stipulation for judgment upon affidavit, and waive their right to an in-person hearing.

The affidavit process satisfies the statutory requirement for a court finding that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" or that the marital relationship is broken.

Enacted October 31, 2025; effective November 2, 2025.