An Act to renumber 767.235 (1); to amend 767.127 (2), 767.235 (2), 767.315 (1) (a), 767.315 (2), 767.335 (intro.) and 767.35 (3); to create 767.235 (1) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: an optional final hearing by affidavit for the dissolution of a marriage.
Sponsored By: Rachael Cabral-Guevara (Republican), Eric Wimberger (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Wisconsin couples can skip final divorce hearings
Wisconsin couples can finalize a divorce or legal separation through sworn written statements instead of an in-person final hearing. Both spouses need lawyers or must use a lawyer-mediator registered on the case who drafts and files their agreement. All required parties must sign a court-approved agreement. Both spouses must request judgment by affidavit, accept the agreement, and waive the in-person hearing. Their sworn statements must confirm residency and grounds for judgment and disclose finances, military service, public assistance, and domestic-abuse-related cases. Financial disclosure forms remain due within 90 days after summons service or joint petition filing, unless the court orders otherwise. Disclosures must be updated for the affidavit signing date, and the existing waiting period still applies. The statements must address former-surname requests and confirm understanding of post-judgment rules, including the six-month ban on remarriage after divorce. Traditional hearings remain available; support and property-division rules are unchanged.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Rachael Cabral-Guevara
Republican • Senate
Eric Wimberger
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Steve Doyle
Democratic • House
Jerry O'Connor
Republican • House
Lori Palmeri
Democratic • House
Jim Piwowarczyk
Republican • House
Melissa Ratcliff
Democratic • Senate
Ron Tusler
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 11-1-2025
11/3/2025SenateReport approved by the Governor on 10-31-2025. 2025 Wisconsin Act 40
11/3/2025SenatePresented to the Governor on 10-30-2025
10/30/2025SenateReport correctly enrolled
9/17/2025SenateReceived from Assembly concurred in
9/11/2025SenateOrdered immediately messaged
9/11/2025HouseRead a third time and concurred in
9/11/2025HouseRules suspended
9/11/2025HouseOrdered to a third reading
9/11/2025HouseRead a second time
9/11/2025HouseRules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take up
9/11/2025HouseWithdrawn from Committee on Rules and referred to calendar of 9-11-2025
9/9/2025HouseRead first time and referred to committee on Rules
7/16/2025HouseReceived from Senate
6/19/2025HouseOrdered immediately messaged
6/18/2025SenateRead a third time and passed
6/18/2025SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
6/18/2025SenateOrdered to a third reading
6/18/2025SenateRead a second time
6/18/2025SenateSenator Ratcliff added as a coauthor
6/18/2025SenatePlaced on calendar 6-18-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
6/17/2025SenateAvailable for scheduling
6/13/2025SenateReport passage recommended by Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families, Ayes 5, Noes 0
6/13/2025SenateExecutive action taken
6/11/2025SenatePublic hearing held
5/7/2025Senate
Bill Text
Bill Text
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