How does alimony work in Wisconsin?

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Wisconsin maintenance is governed by   Wis. Stat. § 767.56   and reflects Wisconsin's status as one of only nine   community property   states.    1. Property Division First   Wisconsin presumes an   equal (50/50) division of marital property   under   § 767.61  . Maintenance follows property division — substantial property awards may reduce or eliminate the need for maintenance.    2. The Dual Objectives — LaRocque Doctrine   The Wisconsin Supreme Court in    LaRocque v. LaRocque   , 139 Wis. 2d 23 (1987), articulated   two objectives   of maintenance: -   Support objective   — to maintain the recipient at a standard reasonably comparable to that enjoyed during marriage -   Fairness objective   — to ensure a fair and equitable financial arrangement, taking into account joint efforts and contributions  For long marriages, the fairness objective often calls for   income equalization   — Wisconsin courts not infrequently start the analysis by equalizing the parties' net incomes.    3. Ten Statutory Factors — § 767.56(1c)   1. Length of the marriage 2. Age and physical/emotional health of the parties 3. Division of property under § 767.61 4. Educational level at marriage and at divorce 5. Earning capacity of the party seeking maintenance (including educational background, training, employment skills, work experience, length of absence from labor market, custodial responsibilities, time/expense for adequate education/training) 6. Feasibility that the party seeking maintenance can become self-supporting at a standard of living reasonably comparable to that during marriage, and the time for it 7. Tax consequences 8. Mutual agreement made before or during the marriage concerning financial or service contributions by one party for the benefit of the other's education, training, or increased earning power 9. Contribution by one party to the education, training, or increased earning power of the other 10. Such other factors as the court may in each individual case determine to be relevant    4. Duration   No statutory cap. Common patterns: -   Short marriages   (under 5-7 years): rehabilitative or no maintenance -   Mid-length   (7-20 years): rehabilitative or limited duration -   Long marriages   (20+ years): indefinite maintenance more likely; income equalization common    5. Modification — § 767.59   Modifiable on a   substantial change in circumstances   (e.g., income changes, retirement, remarriage prospects, health changes).    6. Termination — § 767.59(1)(c)   -   Death of either party   -   Remarriage of the recipient   - Per the terms of the decree (which may include cohabitation termination)    7. Limited-Term vs. Indefinite   Court may order   limited-term   maintenance (definite end date) or   indefinite   maintenance (no end date but modifiable).    8. Tax   Federal TCJA applies — orders post-2018 are non-deductible/non-taxable.  This is legal information, not legal advice.