Small Claims

Pre Judgment Matters

For the statutes governing small claims actions, see Chapter 799 of the Wisconsin Statutes. To understand more about small claims matters we recommend you read the Basic Guide to Wisconsin Small Claims Actions. You are not required to have a lawyer however you should consider seeking legal assistance. There are specific and complicated rules that must be followed in small claims.

Review our Small Claims Guideline to assist you with filing a new case.

The self-help law center forms assistant is also available to walk you through completing forms and filing a new case.

Return date forms

Letter of Appearance by Attorney - Cannot be used for eviction return dates; personal appearance required.

Letter of Appearance by Plaintiff (pro se) - Cannot be used for eviction return dates; personal appearance required.

Answer and Counterclaim - If defendant files BEFORE the return date, appearance at the return is not required. Can be used for eviction return dates BUT personal appearance still required.

Itemization of Back Rent and Damages

Small Claims Return Dates

Returns are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in Room 231

Per Wis Stat 799.05(3)(b) the return date can't be more than 30 days from the summons issued date                                                

2023 Small Claims
Return Dates
November 1
November 15
December 6
December 20
2024 Small Claims
Return Dates
 January 3January 17
February 7February 21
March 6 March 20
April 3April 17
May 1May 15
June 5
June 19
July 3July 17
August 7August 21
September 4September 18
October 2October 16
November 6November 20
December 4December 18


Post Judgment Matters

Form NameForm No.Purpose
Motion and Request for Hearing on Contempt and Order for Hearing on ContemptMotion: SC-507A
Order: SC-507B		Initiate a proceeding to enforce the Order for Financial Disclosure Statement
Motion to Reopen Small Claims Judgment and Order on Motion to Reopen Small Claims JudgmentMotion: SC-515A
Order: SC-515B		Allows a plaintiff or defendant who failed to appear at a return date to ask the court for a hearing to reopen the default judgment. 
Affidavit Based on Noncompliance Eviction and Order for Judgment Based on Noncompliance EvictionAffidavit: SC-5400VA
Order: SC-5400VB		Plaintiff may request the court to vacate a dismissal and enter judgment
Affidavit Based on Noncompliance for Money Judgment Non-Eviction and Order for Money Judgment Non-EvictionAffidavit: SC-5420VA
Order: SC-5420VB		Plaintiff may request the court to vacate a dismissal and enter judgment
Satisfaction of Judgment or Partial Satisfaction of LienGF-129To satisfy a lien or judgment in whole or partially


Motion and Contempt Hearings

Motion and Contempt Hearings are held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m.

2 p.m. hearings will NOT be heard on the following dates for 2024:

May 15, June 19, and October 2