Attorney Renee Read

09/01/2026

Back-to-school season is here in the Fox Valley!

Wishing our students, teachers, school staff and families a great start to the 2026–27 school year.

For families going through a divorce or other changes, the start of a new school year can bring additional decisions about school, schedules and activities. Those decisions are not always easy, but keeping the children’s best interests at the center of them is important.

Here’s to a great school year for our Fox Valley students and families!

08/28/2026

Divorce later in life can present financial considerations that are different from those faced earlier in adulthood, particularly when retirement accounts, real estate and other significant assets have accumulated over many years.

This Kiplinger article offers some practical considerations for people who are contemplating divorce after age 50.

One important caveat for Wisconsin readers: divorce and property division laws vary considerably by state. General financial information can be helpful in identifying issues to consider, but how a particular asset will be treated in a Wisconsin divorce depends upon Wisconsin law and the individual circumstances.

This article is worth a read for anyone considering the financial implications of divorce later in life.

Contemplating a gray divorce? Before calling in the lawyers, take time to understand your financial situation and the impact of dividing assets later in life.

08/25/2026

The American Bar Foundation is among the nation's leading organizations dedicated to advancing justice through empirical legal research. Its Fellows is an invitation-only honorary society composed of attorneys, judges, law faculty, and legal scholars whose careers have demonstrated outstanding dedication to the legal profession and the welfare of their communities.
I recently accepted an invitation to join the American Bar Foundation as a Fellow and look forward to supporting the Foundation's important work.
Throughout my career, I have believed that practicing law involves more than representing individual clients. It also means contributing to the legal profession, supporting the administration of justice, and continually growing as an attorney.
As a Wisconsin divorce and family law attorney, I believe that continued professional leadership, learning, and collaboration strengthen my ability to provide thoughtful, strategic representation to the individuals and families who place their trust in me.

08/18/2026

Dividing property in a divorce is rarely as simple as the division of bank accounts. Retirement benefits, business interests, real estate, executive compensation, debt and tax considerations can affect the value of the marital estate and how it should be divided.

Understanding the complete financial picture is an important part of developing a thoughtful strategy. In complex Wisconsin divorces, careful financial analysis early in the process can help identify issues that might otherwise be overlooked.

With more than 20 years of legal experience, I draw on the depth and range of that experience to help clients identify the financial issues that matter, evaluate their options, and develop a strategy tailored to their circumstances and long-term objectives.

If you are considering divorce, planning early does not mean you need to begin the process right away. An early consultation can provide an opportunity to understand the financial and legal issues that may affect you, consider your options, and make informed decisions about when or whether to move forward.

08/11/2026

The financial impact of divorce does not necessarily end when the divorce is final. Decisions made during the divorce process can affect retirement, housing, investments, taxes, and overall financial security for years to come.

This recent Fidelity article offers helpful information about taking control of your finances after divorce, including reviewing financial accounts, updating beneficiaries and estate planning documents, establishing a new budget, and reassessing longer-term financial goals.

One of the important points this article reinforces is the value of looking ahead. When considering a proposed divorce resolution, it is important to think not only about how assets are being divided today, but also about what those decisions may mean financially in the years that follow.

Article: Taking Financial Control After Divorce | Fidelity

Separating finances after divorce

08/06/2026

Happy National Paralegal Day to my awesome team: Terri & Heidi ! I’m so appreciative of these talented ladies!

Happy Paralegal Day! Give your paralegal a shout out and thank them for their work and dedication.👏

Thank you for your service to the legal profession!🙏

Did you know: The State Bar has a certified paralegal program to recognize Wisconsin’s most highly qualified paralegals. Learn more at www.wisbar.org/paralegal

08/01/2026

What an exhilarating evening! The American Bar Association's Architects of Justice Gala celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the history of lawyers advancing American ideals.

It was a genuine professional privilege to join colleagues from across the country and hear inspiring speakers as we reflected on the impact of the law on our nation and society. These moments serve as a reminder that while the practice of law begins with serving individual clients, there is also a broader responsibility to uphold the integrity of our legal system and the principles upon which it is built.

I'm so appreciative of opportunities like this, which are not only celebratory but also motivating.

07/30/2026

Like many in our community, I've spent the last few days reflecting on the impact of this week's tornado in the Fox Valley. I'm reminded that while we can't always choose the challenges we face, we can decide how we move forward. Remember your inner strength, and when circumstances seem insurmountable, look to those around you for support - you may discover they've been beside you all along.

07/14/2026

Heard of "quiet quitting"? What about "quiet divorce"?
There's a wave of overwhelmed midlife women who are quietly giving up on their marriages.
This article provides insight into what I have observed in my divorce practice as these types of cases become increasingly common.

This post explains quiet divorce: when a woman stays in the marriage but emotionally checks out after years of overfunctioning and learned futility. If you feel numb, done, or resigned, you’re not alone.

06/25/2026

For the 7th consecutive year, I have been recognized as a Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion (Silver).

This recognition is especially meaningful because it is based on client feedback. Family law clients are often going through one of the most difficult periods of their lives, and their trust is something I don't take for granted.

Over the years, I've worked with many individuals and families facing challenging transitions. Knowing that clients felt heard, supported and well-represented throughout the process makes this recognition particularly rewarding.

Thank you to every client who took the time to share feedback and place their trust in me.