Civil Lawsuits - Less Than $10,000 (Small Claims)

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Small Claims Court is a special kind of Civil Court in which disputes are resolved more quickly and inexpensively. 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 Guide covers a large number of Frequently Asked Questions.

The three most common types of small claims cases are:

Claim for money: civil actions where the amount claimed is $10,000 or less, if the actions or proceedings are:
- For money judgments only, or
- For garnishment of wages.
Tort/personal injury action: where the amount claimed is $5,000 or less.
Eviction actions: Actions for eviction regardless of the amount of rent claimed.
Replevins:
- Non-consumer credit actions for replevin (return of personal property) if the property claimed is $10,000 or less;
- Consumer credit transactions (for return of personal property that was the subject of a lease or credit from a dealer) when the amount financed is $25,000 or less.

Basic Guide to Wisconsin Small Claims Actions:

SC-6000

The Wisconsin Court System has developed an interactive website to help complete small claims forms. The self-help small claims Web site, is designed to guide you through the process of filing a small claims legal claim. By answering a number of questions, this website will help choose and complete the forms you need to file a small claims case.

Forms Assistant Website here.