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Wisconsin Small Claims Court Limits
Wisconsin small claims court limit is $10,000 for all plaintiffs. No limit for eviction suits.
Court Name: Small Claims Court (Circuit Court)
Official Website: https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/smallclaims.htm
Filing Fees in Wisconsin
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $75-100 |
Filing fees vary by county. Additional fees for service of process.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 10 days before the return date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 10 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Wisconsin small claims court but most parties represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Circuit Court within 15 days.
Wisconsin Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is recommended to show you attempted resolution before filing.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin small claims court limit is $10,000 for all plaintiffs. Eviction suits have no dollar limit.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Wisconsin?
Filing fees typically range from $75 to $100 depending on the county. Service fees are additional.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you have 6 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract.
How do I appeal a Wisconsin small claims judgment?
Either party may appeal to Circuit Court within 15 days of the judgment.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup