Wisconsin Small Claims Court

How it works in Wisconsin

1. Make sure you are suing the right party, then choose the county. For a money claim that is usually where a defendant lives or where the claim arose. Consumer claims have their own rules.
2. Complete the Summons and Complaint (SC-500 or SC-500I) and make two copies for each defendant, or use the court’s online forms assistant.
3. File with the clerk of court or through eFiling and pay the fee. If you can’t afford it, ask for a waiver with form CV-410A.
4. Serve the defendant as the court’s service guide (SC-6050V) explains.
5. Go to court on the return date shown on the summons. Your case may be heard first by a court commissioner.
6. If a commissioner decides and you disagree, file a Demand for Trial (SC-517) on time and mail a copy to the other side.

What it costs

$124 from 1 November 2026: $39 filing fee, $61 court support surcharge and $24 justice information surcharge. Milwaukee County adds $7.50

How long you have to sue

Wis. Stat. §§ 893.43, 893.52, 893.54. These are general limits. The clock can start late, pause or be much shorter, as it is for claims against a government agency.

If you lose

After a court commissioner’s decision, either side can demand a trial before a judge within 10 days of an oral decision or 15 days of mailing a written one; a judge’s decision goes to the Court of Appeals, generally within 45 or 90 days.

Official links

• Wisconsin small claims self-help
• Court forms
• Find your court