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

• Affidavit of Non-Military Service
• Answer and Counterclaim
• Letter of Appearance - For noneviction cases filed in Ozaukee county, the plaintiff or attorney may file a letter of appearance in lieu of appearing at the initial return date
• Summons and Complaint

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

Please note Ozaukee County Local Rule 207.3 requires personal service.

Small Claims Dates

Small Claims return dates are the first and third Wednesday of the month at 1:00 p.m. at the Ozaukee County Justice Center, Room 231, 1201 S Spring Street, Port Washington, WI 53074. 

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

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