Assembly Bill 189 proposes a significant change to the process of obtaining a divorce or legal separation in Wisconsin by allowing for an optional final hearing by affidavit. This new provision enables a court to grant a judgment of divorce or legal separation without requiring an in-person hearing, provided that both parties meet specific conditions. These conditions include being represented by legal counsel or having worked with a registered lawyer mediator, filing a court-approved stipulation, and submitting a signed affidavit that meets various requirements, such as affirming residency and waiving the right to a hearing.

The bill also includes several amendments to existing statutes. Notably, it renumbers the current statute regarding divorce proceedings and creates a new subsection that outlines the conditions under which a judgment can be granted without a hearing. Additionally, it amends several sections to clarify that certain requirements can be satisfied through the affidavit process, thereby streamlining the divorce procedure. The bill aims to simplify the legal process for couples seeking to dissolve their marriage while ensuring that necessary legal protections and disclosures are maintained.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 767.127(2), 767.127, 767.235(2), 767.235, 767.315(1)(a), 767.315, 767.315(2), 767.335(intro.), 767.335, 767.35(3), 767.35