Let’s say you’re walking down the sidewalk on a winter day when you slip on a patch of ice that the property owner failed to clear. Or perhaps you’re driving through an intersection when another vehicle runs a red light and t-bones you. If you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. However, Wisconsin follows a “comparative negligence” system, which can affect how much you receive. This guide from the attorneys at Vanden Heuvel & Dineen explains the fundamentals and provides practical guidance on managing injury claims. At ..read more

You’re walking down the baking aisle at the grocery store, comparing prices on chocolate chips, when you hear a loud crash behind you. You turn to see a tall fluorescent light fixture lying in pieces inside your cart. Jagged shards of glass have cut deep into your hand and forearm. Blood is everywhere. After the initial shock wears off, you find yourself faced with medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and lasting nerve damage from the deep cuts. You may be wondering if the store is legally responsible for this accident. Should you pursue compensation for your losses? You likely have t ..read more

As parents going through a divorce, the main priority should be easing the transition for children as much as possible. At Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C., we understand this dilemma. You’re trying to move forward with your life. Yet, there is still a shared responsibility with your ex-spouse to care for the child you’ve brought into this world, and collaboration is non-negotiable. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key things Wisconsin parents need to know about child support – from what it is to how it’s calculated and enforced. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge during this chall ..read more

Going through a divorce is difficult, even when the marriage has been over for a long time. While life on the other side can feel like a fresh start, the legal proceedings are often confusing and overwhelming. At its core, divorce legally dissolves a marriage between two people. On a personal level, there is always an underlying reason—one or both partners are unhappy, major life goals no longer align, trust has been destroyed, etc. In legal terms, these personal reasons translate into “grounds” for divorce. At Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C., our attorneys have over 40 years of experience gu ..read more

Marriage can be a beautiful thing, filled with love, companionship, and shared experiences. At one point, you and your spouse likely entered the marriage full of hope and ready to build a life together.  Over time, things may have changed, and you may have decided it’s best to go your separate ways. But what happens to everything you accumulated during your marriage? Your home, retirement savings, and personal possessions—how will these be divided when you divorce? Here at Vanden Heuvel & Dineen, S.C., we understand this is a challenging situation for many of our clients in eastern Wi ..read more

Fatherhood comes in all shapes and sizes in today’s modern families. It could come from a stepdad who’s been there since day one. Or a sperm donor who enabled a couple to start a family. There’s also the deadbeat dad who abandoned his responsibilities. The role of a father can be complex. But according to the law, establishing paternity has a very specific meaning. Paternity means being legally recognized as a child’s biological father. This article will explore why determining the legal father is so important for children, parents, and society in Wisconsin. We’ll also show you how VHD Law can ..read more

Domestic violence remains a stark reality, impacting lives with alarming frequency. According to the Wisconsin Domestic Violence Homicide Report, in Wisconsin alone, the disturbing trend saw 96 lives lost in 2022, reflecting a 20% surge from the previous year. This chilling rate of nearly one death every 3.8 days positions Wisconsin as eighth nationally for the number of women tragically killed by men. These figures underscore the critical need for victims to understand and utilize protective measures like restraining orders. A restraining order is a legal decree issued by a court to protect a ..read more

When facing family legal matters, choosing the right family law attorney is a pivotal decision that can influence the direction and outcome of your case. In family law, the stakes are often high and deeply personal, making the selection of a competent and compatible lawyer crucial. To ensure you embark on this journey with the best possible guidance, it is essential to ask insightful questions. These questions do more than clarify credentials; they establish a foundation for a strong client-attorney relationship. The right inquiries can reveal a family law lawyer’s experience, approach, and co ..read more

In family law, prenuptial agreements often evoke different emotions and opinions. The agreement is a pragmatic tool crafted before marriage to outline the distribution of assets and responsibilities should the union dissolve. Far from being a mere contingency plan, prenuptial agreements offer couples a transparent, mutually beneficial foundation, providing clarity and security for the future. Besides protecting individual interests, they can streamline the separation process, potentially reducing conflicts and legal complexities. Prenuptial agreements can fortify a relationship with honesty an ..read more

Going through a divorce brings intense emotions – sadness, anger, and confusion, to name a few. Rest assured, you are not alone in this process. With empathy, understanding, and experience by your side from a law firm like VHD Law,  you can navigate through the divorce process with confidence. Let’s take an inside look at what walking down the divorce road entails from start to finish right here in Wisconsin.  Preparing for Divorce Before any legal filings, paperwork, or proceedings, take time to process the profound life change ahead. That means self-care and leaning on trusted frie ..read more