Suspension & Dismissal Guide

Stipulation Suspending Proceedings to Effect Reconciliation and Order Suspending Proceedings to Effect Reconciliation (FA-4144VA/FA-FA4144VB)

This form is used to suspend (put on hold) the divorce/legal separation action for up to 90 days.  Both parties must agree.  If a temporary order is in effect, all orders are also suspended.  Once the divorce/legal separation is suspended, the following options apply:

• Reconcile (get back together): If at any point during the suspension, the parties agree to reconcile, they may complete the Stipulation Dismissing Divorce/Legal Separation and Order Dismissing Divorce/Legal Separation (FA-4143VA/FA-4143VB) (see below) to end the divorce/legal separation action. 
• End the suspension and continue with the divorce/legal separation: Either party may make this request at any time during the suspension. If so, he/she must complete the Motion to Revoke Suspension of Proceedings to Effect Reconciliation and Order to Revoke Suspension of Proceedings to Effect Reconciliation (FA-4145VA/FA-4145VB).  All temporary orders previously entered by the court will be reinstated.
• Do nothing: If the parties take no action and the 90 days pass, the divorce/legal separation action will proceed and all temporary orders will be reinstated.  

Stipulation Dismissing Divorce/Legal Separation and Order Dismissing Divorce/Legal Separation (FA-4143VA/FA-4143VB)

This form is used when both parties agree to dismiss or end the pending divorce/legal separation action.  If the parties dismiss the action and later choose to divorce or legally separate, they must file a new action and pay all the required fees again.

Procedural Checklist

1.   Complete the Stipulation Suspending Proceedings and the Order Suspending Proceedings or the Stipulation Dismissing Divorce/Legal Separation and Order Dismissing Divorce/Legal Separation.
2.   Come to the Family Division Office between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to have your form reviewed for completeness.
3.   Make three (3) additional copies (4 if the State is a party). You can make your own copies in the Family Division Office for $.25 per page on the coin-operated copier.  Please bring cash as it accepts $1, $5, $10 bills and coins only.
4.   Purchase and/or prepare two (2) stamped envelopes (one addressed to you and one addressed to your spouse).
5.   Mail or deliver the original, copies, and self-addressed stamped envelopes to the court. The judge will review, sign, and have a signed copy returned to you. 
6.   If you requested a:
   • Dismissal: There is nothing more you need to do. Your divorce/legal separation has been dismissed.
   • Suspension: The 90 day suspension begins the date the judge signs the order.  During the 90 day suspension you may:
     1. Reconcile and complete the Stipulation Dismissing Divorce/Legal Separation and Order Dismissing Divorce/Legal Separation and repeat #’s 1-3 above).
     2. End the suspension and continue with the divorce/legal separation.
        1.   Complete the Motion to Revoke Suspension of Proceedings to Effect Reconciliation and Order to Revoke Suspension of Proceedings to Effect Reconciliation forms.  All temporary orders will resume upon signature of the court. 
        2.   Make three (3) copies of the completed original Motion to Revoke Suspension of Proceedings to Effect Reconciliation and Order to Revoke Suspension of Proceedings to Effect Reconciliation.
         
        3.   Prepare two (2) self-addressed stamped envelopes (one addressed to you and one addressed to your spouse).
        4.   Mail or deliver the original, copies, and self-addressed stamped envelopes to the court. The judge will review, sign, and have a signed copy returned to you. 
     3. Do nothing, and after the 90 days proceed with the action on the date provided to you by the court (refer back to your Basic Guide to Divorce/Legal Separation for how to proceed).

Court Related Offices

Clerk of Circuit Court, Family Division Office
Waukesha County Courthouse, Rm C-167
515 W. Moreland Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7544
http://courtselfhelp.waukeshacounty.gov

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Available Services:

Accept Filings and Fees
Distribution of Forms, Packets, & Procedural Guides (fees may apply)
Notary Public Services
Review of forms for completeness: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Family Legal Clinic (By Appointment ONLY): Wednesdays with appointments starting at 3:00 p.m.

• 20 minutes of free legal advice with a volunteer attorney.
• Eligibility requirements: Individuals with a Waukesha County Family Court case, do not have an attorney, have never utilized the Family Legal Clinic before, have family court related legal questions, and are in need of assistance. ​

Family Court Services
Waukesha County Courthouse, Rm C-355
515 W Moreland Boulevard
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7900

Office Hours: Monday -Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Available Services: Child physical placement related mediation and studies/evaluations

Waukesha County Child Support Enforcement Agency
Administration Building, Room 348
515 W. Moreland Blvd.
Waukesha WI 53188
414-615-2586

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.