Basic Guide to Wisconsin Small Claims Actions

This guide gives general information about starting a small claims case in Wisconsin. It explains what small claims court is for, what types of cases fit there, and the general steps involved in filing a claim.

The court describes it as: Step-by-step guide to small claims actions. Voluntary form.

Common questions

What is this form?

This is a basic guide that gives general information about small claims actions in Wisconsin. It is not a form to file a case itself.

Do I have to pay to file?

Yes, you must pay a fee to file your Summons and Complaint using form SC-500 or SC-500I. However, you can use forms CV-410A and CV-410B if you cannot afford the fee.

Can court staff give me legal advice?

No, court staff can only give general information about court rules, procedures, and forms. They cannot tell you which form to use or help you fill it out.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect September 12, 2024.

Related forms

• CV-410A

  Petition for Waiver of Fees and Costs - Declaration of Indigency

  This form is used by an individual to ask the court to waive filing and service fees because they are poor. It requires the person to fill out details about their income, assets, and household members.

  Word2 translations

  Start a case

  Eff. Sep 12, 2024

• CV-410B

  Order on Petition for Waiver of Fees and Costs

  This form is used by the court to officially decide whether or not to allow someone to skip paying filing and service fees. It records the court's decision on a request for a fee waiver.

  Word2 translations

  Start a case

  Eff. Jan 29, 2021

• SC-500

  Summons and Complaint (Small Claims)

  This form is used to start a small claims case in Wisconsin. It asks the court to officially notify the defendant(s) that they are being sued and details what the plaintiff is asking for, such as money or property return.

  Word1 translation

  Start a case

  Eff. Mar 5, 2026

• SC-500I

  Summons and Complaint (Small Claims) with Instructions

  This form is used to start a small claims case in Wisconsin. It asks the person filing the case (the plaintiff) to state who they are suing (the defendant) and what they are asking the court for, such as money or the return of property.

  Word

  Start a case

  Eff. Mar 5, 2026

• SC-6010V

  Pre-Judgment: Basic Steps for Handling a Small Claims Case for Eviction

  This guide provides general steps for handling a small claims case when the issue is an eviction. It outlines the process from filing the case to what happens after a judgment is reached.

  Judgment

  Eff. Sep 12, 2024

• SC-6020V

  Pre-Judgment: Basic Steps for Handling a Small Claims Case for Recovery of Money

  This guide provides general steps for handling a small claims case in Wisconsin when you are trying to get money. It walks through the process from starting the case to what happens after a decision is made.

  Judgment

  Eff. Nov 21, 2019

• SC-6030V

  Pre-Judgment: Basic Steps for Handling a Small Claims Case for Replevin (Recovery of Property)

  This guide provides general steps for starting a small claims case to recover property (replevin). It tells users what types of property claims are covered and what forms to file with the court clerk.

  Judgment

  Eff. Nov 21, 2019

• SC-6040V

  Pre-Judgment: Basic Steps for Filing an Answer to a Small Claims Complaint

  This guide gives general steps for filing an answer to a small claims complaint in Wisconsin. It outlines what steps to take, such as filling out forms and filing documents, but it is not a form itself.

  Respond

  Eff. Sep 12, 2024