Court Rules
Common questions about Dane County Circuit Court rules

Does Dane County Circuit Court require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Dane County Circuit Court rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Except in mortgage foreclosure actions or when the court directs otherwise, summary judgment motions must include a brief, affidavits, and notice of the standard briefing schedule.

View ruleSource: page 1

What page or word limits apply to brief in Dane County Circuit Court?

Dane County Circuit Court's rule states these limits: 40 pages; 40 pages. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, typed initial and response briefs may not exceed 40 pages.

View ruleSource: page 1

What page or word limits apply to facsimile transmission in Dane County Circuit Court?

Dane County Circuit Court's rule states these limits: 15 pages. A facsimile transmission may not exceed 15 pages including any cover sheet unless the assigned judge or commissioner approves a case-by-case exception.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Facsimile transmission page limit

What formatting rules apply to filings in Dane County Circuit Court?

Dane County Circuit Court's formatting rule includes binding securely bound, stapled or bound at the top of the document with a secure device., and metal tab fasteners or other devices approved by the clerk of court may be used.. Documents longer than one page must be securely stapled or bound at the top with an approved secure device to be accepted for filing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Pleadings

What must be included with initial pleadings filings in Dane County Circuit Court?

The rule requires caption. Initial pleadings must include the case classification type and code in the caption.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Caption

What must be included with pleadings and papers filings in Dane County Circuit Court?

The rule requires caption. All pleadings and papers must use the specified Wisconsin court caption.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Caption

How may parties contact Dane County Circuit Court?

The rule addresses phone communications with the duty judge. The duty judge may be contacted by telephone at any time for emergency matters.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Duty Judge on Call and Availability

How does Dane County Circuit Court handle sealed or redacted filings?

Dane County Circuit Court rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Medical information supplied by medical or psychiatric personnel must be kept confidential, tightly limited in access, and, after the judge's use, sealed in a labeled envelope and stored with the designated court ADA coordinator.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Requiring Medical Documentation in ADA Situations

How do I request an adjournment or extension in Dane County Circuit Court?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. A stipulated continuance request requires written or on-the-record party consent and a showing of good cause.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Continuances

Are filing fees or waivers addressed in Dane County Circuit Court?

A fee is required for covered filings. Each new case filing requires its own separate filing fee.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Pleadings

Is electronic filing required in Dane County Circuit Court?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. A request for cameras or recording equipment must be eFiled using the court-developed form at least three business days before the proceeding, although the judicial officer may shorten that period for good cause and the notice is not required at initial appearances.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Notice of Intent Procedure

When is a filing treated as filed in Dane County Circuit Court?

The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. The creditor must file the notice of earnings garnishment no later than five business days after the garnishee is served.

View ruleSource: page 1

What rule applies to service for pleadings in Dane County Circuit Court?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party. In every residential eviction action, the plaintiff must serve the court-adopted form informing the defendant that free mediation is available at or before the return date and place it directly behind the summons and complaint.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Mandatory Forms Plaintiff Shall Serve in Certain Residential Eviction Actions.
Complete rules summary for Dane County Circuit Court

In every residential eviction action, the plaintiff must serve the court-adopted form informing the defendant that free mediation is available at or before the return date and place it directly behind the summons and complaint.

In residential eviction actions based on alleged nonpayment of rent or other expenses, the plaintiff must serve the court-adopted form advising defendants of counsel and possible government-funded financial and legal assistance, placing it directly behind the summons, complaint, and mediation-notice form.

The Affidavit of Service must identify the required forms as served either by listing them in the summary of documents served or by attaching copies and confirming service.

A stipulated continuance request requires written or on-the-record party consent and a showing of good cause.

A non-stipulated continuance request must be made by motion, heard, and supported by good cause shown by the requesting party or with that party's written consent.

Every continuance request requires court approval.

Initial pleadings must include the case classification type and code in the caption.

The action title must include the full names and addresses of all parties, including persons appearing in a representative capacity.

All pleadings and papers must use the specified Wisconsin court caption.

The caption must include the action title, case number, and document name.

Subsequent documents should state the first party's full name followed by “et al.”

Documents filed by a represented party must include the attorney's name, state bar number, telephone number, and address.

Documents filed by a self-represented party must include the party's name, signature, and address.

All pleadings, motions, and other papers must be filed on white paper.

Each new case filing requires its own separate filing fee.

Documents longer than one page must be securely stapled or bound at the top with an approved secure device to be accepted for filing.

Paper clips and binder clips do not satisfy the secure binding requirement.

All motions must specifically state their grounds and factual basis; nonspecific motions may be denied sua sponte with notice and leave to renew timely.

An attorney may withdraw only with the assigned judge's consent, a proper showing of cause, and a written order allowing withdrawal.

Counsel seeking withdrawal from criminal traffic, misdemeanor, or felony cases must file a written motion, except that the State Public Defender may substitute counsel in a misdemeanor case within 30 days of initial appearance.

A continuance request must be made in writing, may be sent by fax, and must state the reason for the request and the positions of all unrepresented parties and attorneys after diligent efforts to ascertain them.

A continuance request must be submitted at least five working days before the scheduled hearing, and the parties must appear as scheduled unless the court grants the request or stipulation.

Except in mortgage foreclosures, no notice to the defendant is required before judgment is entered when the defendant was personally served.

In mortgage foreclosure actions, the proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and judgment must include a specific property description.

When service is by substitute service or publication, the notice of motion for default judgment must be mailed to the defendant's last known address.

After the hearing-request period expires, the plaintiff may apply for default judgment with the required affidavits.

A judge may require additional notice or proof concerning service, damages, or costs when appropriate.

The assigned year-prefixed JD case number must appear on all later pleadings and exhibits in John Doe cases.

In eviction and replevin actions, the petition or motion to set aside judgment must be served by mail, with proof of mailing, no later than 48 hours before the hearing.

The creditor must file the notice of earnings garnishment no later than five business days after the garnishee is served.

More Judges in Dane County Circuit Court

Benjamin Jones
Judge
David Conway
Judge
Jacob Frost
Judge
Julie Genovese
Judge
Rhonda Lanford
Judge
Stephen Ehlke
Judge