Vernon County Circuit Court, Wisconsin Document Filing Requirements

Applies to

Marital settlement agreement

In a pro se divorce, the parties must reach, sign, and file a marital settlement agreement covering all issues of the marriage before the final hearing is scheduled.

In a divorce case where neither party is represented by an attorney (i.e., a pro se divorce) the final hearing will not be scheduled until: 2. The parties have reached, signed and filed a marital settlement agreement which covers all the issues of the marriage, including child custody, placement and support, maintenance (alimony), division of property and allocation of debts;

Applies to

Notice of court appearance

Every notice of a court appearance must clearly state its date, time, and location.

All notices of court appearances, shall state clearly the date, time and location of the court appearance.

Applies to

Proposed findings conclusions

In a pro se divorce, the petitioner must file proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Judgment of Divorce before the final hearing is scheduled.

In a divorce case where neither party is represented by an attorney (i.e., a pro se divorce) the final hearing will not be scheduled until: 4. The petitioner files proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Judgment of Divorce.

Applies to

Educational program

In a pro se divorce involving minor children, the parties must complete an educational program about the effects of divorce on a child before the final hearing is scheduled.

In a divorce case where neither party is represented by an attorney (i.e., a pro se divorce) the final hearing will not be scheduled until: 3. The parties have completed (if minor children are involved) an educational program concerning the effects on a child of a dissolution of marriage; and

Applies to

Temporary order

Every temporary order must include a provision requiring participation in the program.

5. All temporary orders shall include a provision providing for participation in the program.

Applies to

Final judgment

Participation in the educational program is required for a final judgment in a divorce involving a minor child.

1. It shall be the policy of the court to require participation in the program as a condition of the granting of a final judgment in all divorces involving a minor child.

Applies to

Certificate of completion

Upon program completion and payment of the fees, the Director must provide each party with a certificate of completion.

3. The Director of Family court Counseling Services shall provide a certificate of completion to each party upon completion of the program and payment of the fees.

Applies to

Financial disclosure statement

In a pro se divorce, each party must complete, sign, and file a standard financial disclosure statement before the final hearing is scheduled; the parties may file separate forms or one joint form.

In a divorce case where neither party is represented by an attorney (i.e., a pro se divorce) the final hearing will not be scheduled until: 1. Each party has completed, signed and filed a standard form financial disclosure statement (each party may file a separate form or they may file a joint form);

Applies to

Certificate of completion

In cases scheduled for final hearing after April 1, 2011, the certificate must be filed by the final hearing.

4. In all cases scheduled for final hearing after April 1, 2011—whether contested, stipulated or by default—the certificate shall be filed with the court by the time of the final hearing.

Applies to

Post judgment contempt action

A post-judgment contempt action alleging failure to complete a financial disclosure statement must be supported by an affidavit.

Post-judgment contempt actions alleging failure to complete a financial disclosure statement must be supported by affidavit and must be personally served.