Getting a divorce can be one of the best things that can happen to a person, especially when they are miserable in their marriage. Yet while a divorce can be positive, it can also be extremely time-consuming and stressful. The division of marital property is one of the more important and often contentious elements in the divorce process. Everything you and your spouse own must be allocated to one of you, depending on whether it was acquired before or after you were married. Here are a few specific assets you must allocate during your Wisconsin divorce:

The Family Home

Determining what you will do with the family residence can be difficult for a lot of people. Many have an emotional attachment to their home, especially if they have had children grow up there. If one spouse has a particular attachment to the home, that spouse could either buy out the other spouse’s portion of the home or apply for a new mortgage on the home. If neither spouse wants to keep the residence, the easiest solution is to sell the home and split the profits.

The state of Wisconsin has had a long relationship with firearms. Since Wisconsin was admitted to the United States and the Constitution of Wisconsin was adopted in 1848, citizens have been given the right to “keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose.” In Wisconsin, both open carry and concealed carry are legal, although they both have different requirements. Concealed carry requires a person to have a permit, while open carry does not. Not knowing open carry laws can result in weapons charges, which is why it is important to know the laws before you carry.

Wisconsin Gun Laws

The state of Wisconsin is an open carry state, meaning you are legally permitted to carry a loaded weapon in public. Open carry does not require a permit or license to legally do so. A person is considered to be openly carrying a gun if the gun is in plain view while you are in public. If the gun is hidden from ordinary view, then it is considered to be concealed and you must have a permit to legally carry the firearm. You must also be at least 18 years old to openly carry a gun in Wisconsin.

Because they are often used interchangeably in conversation, many people think theft, robbery, and burglary are all the same thing. They are actually three rather different charges with various levels of consequences. If you are charged with theft, robbery or burglary, it is important to understand the potential punishments you face for a conviction and to secure experienced legal representation as soon as possible.

Theft Charges

According to Wisconsin law, theft occurs when you intentionally take and use, transfer, conceal, or retain possession of moveable property without the owner’s consent and with the intention of permanently depriving them of that property. Like most states’ theft laws, the punishments for theft in Wisconsin largely depend on the value of the property taken. If the value is not more than $2,500, the charge is a Class A misdemeanor, which carries up to nine months in prison and $10,000 in fines. Penalties for stolen property valued at $2,500 or more can be classified as anywhere from a Class I felony to a Class F felony. This means you could face anywhere from three to 12 years in prison and fines between $10,000 and $25,000.

Coming to the decision that you and your spouse should get a divorce is often a relief, as perhaps you will finally be able to live the life you want. While it may feel like a weight has been lifted, there is much work to do before your divorce agreement is completed. The next step in the divorce process can be a daunting one -- letting everyone know you are getting divorced. 

For most people, telling children about divorce is difficult. Here are a few tips to help you make the conversation easier:

Getting a DUI can be detrimental in many ways. You may face driver’s license suspension, jail time, and expensive fines, but you could also face other financial burdens relating to your DUI. One complication is you will probably see an increase in your car insurance rates. With any person’s auto insurance, the rate you pay is typically dependent on the person’s driving record. If you have an OWI conviction on your record, your car insurance company will likely raise your premiums, although the percentage your rate is raised depends on the company.

What Causes Car Insurance to Go Up?

Your insurance rates are usually determined by how much of a risk your insurance company considers you to be. If the insurance company has reason to believe that you are a risky driver, then you will pay more for your insurance coverage. There are a number of factors that affect how your insurance company determines whether you are a risky driver. These include: