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)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Divorce by affidavit, no court visit
The law lets a judge end a marriage using sworn affidavits, without a final in‑person hearing. You qualify only if both of you have lawyers or used a registered lawyer‑mediator on the case, you both signed a court‑approved agreement, and you both filed a stipulation for judgment on affidavit. Each of you must file a sworn affidavit that confirms petition facts and residency, states the marriage is broken, lists military and public‑aid status, confirms required financial disclosures, and says you freely agreed to the terms. The affidavits must also ask the court to adopt your agreement, waive an in‑person hearing, note any name change and any related domestic‑abuse cases, and say you understand post‑judgment rules, including the six‑month remarriage ban. The court can make the required findings from the affidavits and will include your agreement in the judgment. The usual waiting period still applies before the court can grant the judgment.
Court tells you about remarriage wait
When the judge grants a divorce in court, the judge must say it takes effect right away. The judge must also say state law bans remarriage for six months after the judgment. This notice applies to parties who appear in court at that time.
Update financial forms to affidavit date
You must update your financial disclosure to the date of the final hearing. If the court grants your case by affidavit, you instead update to the date you signed the affidavit. You still must file the disclosures within 90 days after service or a joint filing, or when the court orders.
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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