Bills · 2025-2026 Regular Session

SB 189

Relating to: an optional final hearing by affidavit for the dissolution of a marriage.

Introduced, completed
Passes Senate, completed
Passes Assembly, completed
Governor signs, completed
Law, completed

Unfamiliar terms? Glossary

What this bill does

Plain-language analysis by the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau

This bill allows a court to enter a judgment of divorce or legal separation based on an affidavit signed by each party to the action (final hearing by affidavit). Under current law, all hearings and trials to determine whether a divorce or legal separation must be granted must be before the court entering the judgment.

In order for a final hearing by affidavit to be granted, the parties to the divorce or legal separation action must 1) be represented by counsel or have worked with a lawyer mediator with special skills and training in dispute resolution who is registered on the case and drafted and filed the signed stipulation related to divorce or legal separation, 2) sign and file any stipulation required by the court, and 3) submit the signed affidavit, which must meet a number of requirements, including that the affidavit waives the right to a hearing in person before a court.

Registered lobbying interests · 2

Organizations that registered lobbying activity on this bill with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission. Registration means interest, not a position for or against. Official record

Votes

Senate: Report passage recommended by Committee on Mental Health, Substance Abuse Prevention, Children and Families, Ayes 5, Noes 0

Passed 5–0 Jun 13, 2025 official source full page

No individual roll call was recorded for this vote. Committee votes and some older sessions record totals only.

Full history