Chapter 799

799.207(1)(b) (b) Except as provided in par. (e), a decision shall be rendered by the circuit court commissioner on the return date if there is time available for a hearing, the parties do not intend to call witnesses, and the parties agree to such a hearing. If for any of the reasons stated in this paragraph, the matter cannot be heard on the return date, an adjourned date shall be set.

799.207(1)(c) (c) The proceedings shall be conducted as provided in s. 799.209.

799.207(1)(d) (d) A record of the proceeding shall be made and shall be limited to the time and location of the hearing, the parties, witnesses and attorneys present and the decision.

799.207(1)(e) (e) If the circuit court commissioner cannot reach a decision on the return or adjourned date, the commissioner shall mail the decision to each party within 30 days of the date of the hearing.

799.207(2) (2) The circuit court commissioner’s decision shall become a judgment 11 days after rendering, if oral, and 16 days after mailing, if written, except that:

799.207(2)(a) (a) Default judgments will have immediate effect.

799.207(2)(b) (b) Either party may file a demand for trial within 10 days from the date of an oral decision or 15 days from the date of mailing of a written decision to prevent the entry of the judgment.

799.207(3) (3) 

799.207(3)(a) (a) There is an absolute right to have the matter heard before the court if the requirements of this section are complied with.

799.207(3)(b) (b) The circuit court commissioner shall give each of the parties a form and instructions which shall be used for giving notice of an election to have the matter heard by the court.

799.207(3)(c) (c) The demand for trial must be filed with the court and mailed to the other parties within 10 days from the date of an oral decision or 15 days from the date of mailing of a written decision. Mailing of the notice and proof of such mailing is the responsibility of the party seeking review.

799.207(3)(d) (d) Notice of a demand for trial may also be given in writing and filed by either of the parties at the time of an oral decision.

799.207(4) (4) Following the timely filing of a demand for trial, the court shall mail a trial date to all of the parties.

799.207(5) (5) A timely filing of a demand for trial shall result in a new trial before the court on all issues between the parties.

799.207 History History: 1977 c. 345; 1979 c. 32 s. 66; 1979 c. 110; Stats. 1979 s. 799.207; Sup. Ct. Order, 141 Wis. 2d xiii (1987); 1987 a. 208; 2001 a. 61.

799.207 Note Judicial Council Note, 1988: The substance of sub. (5) (b) is retained in s. 799.208. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1988]

799.208 799.208 Pretrial conference. In any action under this chapter, the pretrial conference may be conducted by telephone as provided in s. 807.13 (3) at the discretion of the court and may be conducted on the trial date.

799.208 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 141 Wis. 2d xiii (1987).

799.209 799.209 Procedure. At any trial, hearing or other proceeding under this chapter:

799.209(1) (1) The court or circuit court commissioner shall conduct the proceeding informally, allowing each party to present arguments and proofs and to examine witnesses to the extent reasonably required for full and true disclosure of the facts.

799.209(2) (2) The proceedings shall not be governed by the common law or statutory rules of evidence except those relating to privileges under ch. 905 or to admissibility under s. 901.05. The court or circuit court commissioner shall admit all other evidence having reasonable probative value, but may exclude irrelevant or repetitious evidence or arguments. An essential finding of fact may not be based solely on a declarant’s oral hearsay statement unless it would be admissible under the rules of evidence.

799.209(3) (3) The court or circuit court commissioner may conduct questioning of the witnesses and shall endeavor to ensure that the claims or defenses of all parties are fairly presented to the court or circuit court commissioner.

799.209(4) (4) The court or circuit court commissioner shall establish the order of trial and the procedure to be followed in the presentation of evidence and arguments in an appropriate manner consistent with the ends of justice and the prompt resolution of the dispute on its merits according to the substantive law.

799.209 History History: 1987 a. 208; 1991 a. 269; 2001 a. 61.

799.21 799.21 Trial.

799.21(1) (1) Determination of method of trial. In the absence of a jury demand, trial shall be to the court.

799.21(2) (2) Trial by court. If trial is to the court, the case may, with the consent of all the parties, be tried on the return day.

799.21(3) (3) Trial by jury.

799.21(3)(a) (a) Any party may, upon payment of the fees prescribed in ss. 814.61 (4) and 814.62 (3) (e), file a written demand for trial by jury. If no party demands a trial by jury, the right to trial by jury is waived forever. In eviction actions, the demand shall be filed at or before the time of joinder of issue; in all other actions within 20 days thereafter.

799.21(3)(b) (b) In counties in which a circuit court commissioner is assigned to assist in small claims matters, except in eviction actions which shall be governed by par. (a), demand for trial by jury shall be made at the time a demand for trial is filed. If the party requesting a trial does not request a jury trial, any other party may request a jury trial by filing the request with the court and mailing copies to all other parties within 15 days from the date of mailing of the demand for trial or the date on which personal notice of demand is given, whichever is applicable. If no party demands a trial by jury, the right to trial by jury is waived forever. The fees prescribed in ss. 814.61 (4) and 814.62 (3) (e) shall be paid when the demand for a trial by jury is filed.

799.21(4) (4) Jury procedure. If there is a demand for a trial by jury, the judge or circuit court commissioner shall place the case on the trial calendar and a jury of 6 persons shall be chosen as provided in s. 345.43 (3) (b). The parties shall proceed as if the action had originally been begun as a proceeding under chs. 801 to 807, except that the court is not required to provide the jury with one complete set of written instructions under s. 805.13 (4) and the requirements for appearance by the parties shall be governed by s. 799.06 (2).

799.21 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 776 (1975); 1977 c. 345, 449; 1979 c. 32 s. 66; 1979 c. 128; Stats. 1979 s. 799.21; 1981 c. 317; 1987 a. 208; 2001 a. 61.

799.21 Annotation Requiring the payment of a jury fee did not violate the right to a trial by jury. County of Portage v. Steinpreis, 104 Wis. 2d 466, 312 N.W.2d 731 (1981).

799.213 799.213 Arbitration actions. Chapter 788 applies to actions relating to the confirmation, vacation, modification or correction of an arbitration award.

799.213 History History: 1991 a. 163.

799.215 799.215 Trial by court, findings and judgment. Upon a trial of an issue of fact by the court, its decision shall be given either orally immediately following trial or in writing and filed with the clerk within 60 days after submission of the cause, and shall state separately the facts found and the conclusions of law thereon; and judgment shall be entered accordingly.

799.215 History History: 1979 c. 32 s. 66; Stats. 1979 s. 799.215.

799.22 799.22 Judgment on failure to appear or answer.

799.22(1) (1) When plaintiff fails to appear. If the plaintiff fails to appear on the return date or on the date set for trial, the court may enter a judgment for the defendant dismissing the action, on motion of the defendant or on its own motion.

799.22(2) (2) When defendant fails to appear. If the defendant fails to appear on the return date or on the date set for trial, the court may enter a judgment upon due proof of facts which show the plaintiff entitled thereto.

799.22(3) (3) Plaintiff’s proof where action arose on contract for recovery of money. In any action arising on contract for the recovery of money only, if the defendant fails to appear and answer or to appear at the time set for trial, the plaintiff may file with the judge or clerk a verified complaint, or an affidavit of the facts, or may offer sworn testimony or other evidence to the clerk or judge, and either may enter judgment thereon.

799.22(4) (4) Pleading in lieu of appearance.

799.22(4)(a) (a) Any circuit court may by rule permit a defendant to join issue in any of the actions specified in s. 799.01 without appearing on the return date by answering, either by mail or by telephone, within such time and in such manner as the rule permits.

799.22(4)(am) (am) If the defendant is a nonresident of this state, the circuit court shall adopt a rule to permit the defendant to join issue in any of the actions specified in s. 799.01 without appearing on the return date by answering by mail, in such manner as the rule permits, and if the court adopts a rule under par. (a) to permit the defendant to join issue without appearing on the return date by answering by telephone, then the defendant shall also be permitted to join issue by answering by telephone, in such manner as the rule permits.

799.22(4)(b) (b) If a court adopts a rule under par. (a), then all of the following apply:

799.22(4)(b)1. 1. The existence of the rule shall be deemed an appearance by the plaintiff in that court on the return date for purposes of sub. (1).

799.22(4)(b)2. 2. A proper answer by the defendant under the rule shall be deemed an appearance by the defendant in that court on the return date for purposes of sub. (2).

799.22(4)(b)3. 3. Any summons under s. 799.05 (6) or (7) or 799.12 (6) (c) and any notice under s. 799.16 (4) shall notify the defendant of the option to answer without appearing in court on the return date and the methods of answering permitted by the rule.

799.22 History History: 1979 c. 32 s. 66; Stats. 1979 s. 799.22; 1987 a. 208; 1989 a. 56.

799.225 799.225 Dismissal of pending actions. The court may without notice dismiss any action or proceeding, in which issue has not been joined, which is not otherwise disposed by judgment or stipulation and order within 6 months from the original return date.

799.225 History History: 1979 c. 32 s. 66; Stats. 1979 s. 799.225.

799.24 799.24 Judgment.

799.24(1) (1) Entry of judgment or order; notice of entry thereof. When a judgment or an order is rendered, the judge, circuit court commissioner or clerk of circuit court shall immediately enter it in the court record and note the date thereof which shall be the date of entry of judgment or order. The clerk of circuit court, except in municipal and county forfeiture actions, shall mail a notice of entry of judgment to the parties or their attorneys at their last-known address within 5 days of its entry. Upon payment of the exact amount of the fee prescribed in s. 814.62 (3) (c), the clerk of circuit court shall enter the judgment in the judgment and lien docket.

799.24(2) (2) Applicability of s. 806.15. Section 806.15 shall apply with respect to judgments entered in the judgment and lien docket.

799.24(3) (3) Stipulated dismissal. Prior to the entry of judgment, upon stipulation of the parties to a schedule for compliance with the stipulation, the court or circuit court commissioner may enter a stipulated judgment of dismissal in lieu thereof. Any such judgment may be vacated without notice to the obligated party, and the unsatisfied portion thereof entered, upon application by the prevailing party and proof by affidavit of noncompliance with the terms of the stipulation.

799.24 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 776 (1975); 1977 c. 345; 1979 c. 32 s. 66; Stats. 1979 s. 799.24; 1981 c. 317; 1983 a. 302 s. 8; 1987 a. 208; 1995 a. 224; 1997 a. 27; 2001 a. 61.

799.24 Annotation When written notice of entry of judgment showed an incorrect date of entry, the time to appeal under s. 808.04 (1) was not shortened to 45 days. Mock v. Czemierys, 113 Wis. 2d 207, 336 N.W.2d 188 (Ct. App. 1983).

799.24 Annotation A judgment for payment of a forfeiture can be docketed, accumulates interest at 12 percent, and may be enforced through collection remedies available in other civil proceedings. OAG 2-95.

799.25 799.25 Costs. The clerk shall without notice to the parties tax and insert in the judgment as costs in favor of the party recovering judgment the following:

799.25(1) (1) Filing fee. The fee prescribed in s. 814.62 (3) (a), if paid.

799.25(3) (3) Mailing fee. The mailing fee prescribed in s. 814.62 (4), if paid.

799.25(5) (5) Garnishee fee. Any garnishee fee paid.

799.25(6) (6) Service fees and other charges. Lawful fees or charges paid to the sheriff, constable or other person for serving the summons or any other document, and charges paid to the sheriff in connection with the execution of any writ of restitution.

799.25(7) (7) Witness fees. Amounts necessarily paid out for witness fees, including travel, as prescribed in s. 814.67. The fees for witnesses and their travel shall not exceed 50 percent of the amount recovered unless an order is entered specifying the amount to be paid in excess of 50 percent and the reasons therefor.

799.25(9) (9) Jury fee. The fee prescribed in ss. 814.61 (4) and 814.62 (3) (e) for a jury if demanded under s. 799.21 (3).

799.25(10) (10) Attorney fees.

799.25(10)(a) (a) Attorney fees as provided in s. 814.04 (1) and (6), except if the amount of attorney fees is otherwise specified by statute.

799.25(10)(b) (b) In an action of replevin and attachment the value of the property recovered shall govern the amount of the attorney fees taxable. In an action of eviction the attorney fees taxable shall be $10 plus such sum as is taxable under par. (a) on account of the recovery of damages.

799.25(10)(c) (c) If judgment is for the defendant, the amount claimed in the complaint, the value of the property sought to be recovered or the amount recovered on the defendant’s counterclaim, in the court’s discretion, shall govern the amount of the attorney fees that the defendant shall recover, and the defendant is not entitled to recover for cost items the defendant has not advanced.

799.25(10)(d) (d) No attorney fees may be taxed in behalf of any party unless the party appears by an attorney other than himself or herself.

799.25(11) (11) Additional costs. Additional costs as may be allowed to a municipality under s. 814.63 (2).

799.25(12) (12) Security for costs. When security for costs shall be ordered pursuant to s. 814.28, the maximum amount allowed shall be $50.

799.25(13) (13) Additional costs and disbursements. The court may permit additional costs and disbursements to be taxed pursuant to ch. 814.

799.25 History History: 1971 c. 32; Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 773 (1975); 1977 c. 187, 449; 1979 c. 32 ss. 66, 92 (16); 1979 c. 176; Stats. 1979 s. 799.25; 1981 c. 317 ss. 85sn to 85sz, 2202; 1981 c. 365, 391; 1987 a. 208; 1989 a. 359; 1993 a. 490.

799.25 Annotation A court commissioner lacked jurisdiction over a counterclaim alleging a frivolous action, and the commissioner’s order finding the claim not frivolous was void. Hessenius v. Schmidt, 102 Wis. 2d 697, 307 N.W.2d 232 (1981).

799.255 799.255 Small claims fees. In actions under this chapter, the clerk shall collect the fees prescribed in s. 814.62.

799.255 History History: 1981 c. 317.

799.26 799.26 Money damages; disclosure of assets requested.

799.26(1) (1) When a judgment for money damages is entered under this chapter, the court or circuit court commissioner shall order the judgment debtor to execute under penalty of contempt a disclosure statement and to mail or deliver that statement to the judgment creditor or to the clerk of circuit court in the county where the judgment is entered within 15 days of entry of judgment unless the judgment is sooner satisfied. The statement shall disclose, as of the date of judgment, the debtor’s name, residence address, employers and their addresses, any real property interests owned by the debtor, cash on hand, financial institutions in which the judgment debtor has funds on deposit, whether the debtor’s earnings are totally exempt from garnishment under s. 812.34 (2) (b), and such other information as required by the schedules adopted under sub. (3).

799.26(1m) (1m) If the judgment debtor complies with sub. (1) by mailing or delivering the disclosure statement to the clerk of circuit court, the judgment debtor shall mail or deliver a copy of that disclosure statement to the judgment creditor.

799.26(2) (2) Failure to comply with an order under sub. (1) is punishable by a remedial sanction under ch. 785. Execution of a disclosure statement and delivery of the disclosure statement to the clerk of circuit court or sheriff upon service of a motion for contempt is compliance with the order.

799.26(3) (3) The judicial conference shall adopt standard schedules for the disclosure required by sub. (1), which shall inform judgment debtors of the requirements of this section, the sanctions for nondisclosure or fraudulent misrepresentation, a general description of garnishment and execution, and information about the types of assets and income which are exempt from the claims of creditors. The judicial conference shall also adopt a standard form pleading invoking the contempt powers of the court under sub. (2), copies of which may be obtained by judgment creditors without charge from the clerk.

799.26 History History: 1987 a. 208; 1991 a. 182; 1993 a. 80; 2001 a. 61.

799.27 799.27 Adjournments.

799.27(1) (1) On request. Except in eviction actions, a party who appears on the return date shall be given, on request, an adjournment of at least 7 days, or such longer period as the court grants. In eviction actions, no adjournments shall be granted except for cause shown under sub. (2) and (3), unless with the consent of the plaintiff.

799.27(2) (2) For cause. For good cause shown to the court by either party, the court may extend the time within which any act may be done, except the time for the taking of an appeal.

799.27(3) (3) Same; terms. No continuance under sub. (2) shall be granted, unless by consent of the parties, except upon such terms as the court deems just.

799.27 History History: 1979 c. 32 s. 66; Stats. 1979 s. 799.27.

799.28 799.28 New trial.