Small Claims

Small Claims Court is a special kind of civil court in which disputes are resolved more quickly and inexpensively and the rules are simpler and less formal. To understand more about small claims matters we recommend you read the Basic Guide to Wisconsin Small Claims Actions. The self-help small claims website, designed to guide you through the process of filing a small claims legal claim is available online.

For the statutes governing small claims actions, see Chapter 799 of the Wisconsin Statutes. 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. Court staff cannot give legal advice.

Frequently Used Small Claims Forms

IF THE PLAINTIFF FILES A LETTER OF APPEARANCE, AND THE DEFENDANT FILES A WRITTEN ANSWER OR DOES NOT WISH TO CONTEST THE CLAIM, NEITHER PARTY NEEDS TO APPEAR AT THE FIRST HEARING (called a "Joinder").

 Please note, additional forms and guides are available online through the Wisconsin Court System. We recommend you review the specific guides applicable to you before filing. Additional information can also be found online through the Wisconsin State Law Library or Wisconsin State Legislature.

Questions Regarding Service


Pre-Judgment: Basic Steps to Small Claims Service

Small Claims Dates

Small Claims return dates are the first and third Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in Room 231 of the Justice Center.

NOTE:  Per Wis Stat 799.05(3)(b) the return date CANNOT be more than 30 days from the summons issued date.
                                                                                                  

 2019 Small Claims Return Dates  
 January 2 January 16
 February 6 February 20
 (Only 1 return date in March) March 20
 April 3 April 17
 May 1 (No 2 pm Motions) May 16 (Thurs)
 June 5 June 19
 July 3 July 17
  August 7  August 21
September 4 September 18
 October 2
  October 16
 November 6  November 20
 December 4   December 18


Other SC Hearings: are held:
Pre-Trial Conferences 4th Wednesday of the month
Court Trials held in morning of return date
Motion & Contempt Hearings 2:00 pm on return date