Three Costly Mistakes If you are thinking about a divorce, make sure you don't commit one of these three potentially costly mistakes to your case before you have spoken to an attorney. Do not tell your spouse you are thinking about a divorce. Until you meet with me for your free consultation, you will not know the consequences of a divorce in Wisconsin, given your particular situation. After our meeting, you may decide you don't wish to pursue a divorce; or, I may advise you of certain actions you should take before filing for your divorce to secure a better position for yourself in the divorce. Therefore, telling your spouse before you have information upon which you can make an informed decision may be detrimental to your legal standing. Do not take out additional loans against the marital residence. If you own your home, that asset may become a part of the marital estate, subject to division. Until you meet with an attorney for advice, do not take out a home equity loan or re-finance the mortgage for a higher mortgage as such actions could have a detrimental effect on your share of the property division. Do not jointly title gifted or inherited assets. Wisconsin is a marital property state and all assets are considered to be marital property, subject to property division, except for those assets which were gifted or inherited. By jointly titling such assets, you could lose their individual status and may have to give half the value to your spouse in the divorce action. Therefore, before making any changes, you should seek legal counsel. Attorney Valorie Kohn, MS, JD 1001 West Glen Oaks Lane Mequon, WI 53092 Telephone: 262-240-2901 Fax: 262-240-2905 HOME -  BIOGRAPHY -  LINKS AND RESOURCES -  THREE COSTLY MISTAKES Copyright © 2004, Kohn Family Law, SC. Revised -- June 1, 2004 url: http://www.kohnfamilylaw.com/mist.htm