Vernon County Circuit Court, Wisconsin
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Document Filing Requirements10 rules
5. All temporary orders shall include a provision providing for participation in the program.
1. It shall be the policy of the court to require participation in the program as a condition of the granting of a final judgment in all divorces involving a minor child.
3. The Director of Family court Counseling Services shall provide a certificate of completion to each party upon completion of the program and payment of the fees.
4. In all cases scheduled for final hearing after April 1, 2011—whether contested, stipulated or by default—the certificate shall be filed with the court by the time of the final hearing.
In a pro se divorce, the parties must reach, sign, and file a marital settlement agreement covering all issues of the marriage before the final hearing is scheduled.
Court's wording
In a divorce case where neither party is represented by an attorney (i.e., a pro se divorce) the final hearing will not be scheduled until: 2. The parties have reached, signed and filed a marital settlement agreement which covers all the issues of the marriage, including child custody, placement and support, maintenance (alimony), division of property and allocation of debts;
In a divorce case where neither party is represented by an attorney (i.e., a pro se divorce) the final hearing will not be scheduled until: 4. The petitioner files proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Judgment of Divorce.
In a pro se divorce involving minor children, the parties must complete an educational program about the effects of divorce on a child before the final hearing is scheduled.
Court's wording
In a divorce case where neither party is represented by an attorney (i.e., a pro se divorce) the final hearing will not be scheduled until: 3. The parties have completed (if minor children are involved) an educational program concerning the effects on a child of a dissolution of marriage; and
In a divorce case where neither party is represented by an attorney (i.e., a pro se divorce) the final hearing will not be scheduled until: 1. Each party has completed, signed and filed a standard form financial disclosure statement (each party may file a separate form or they may file a joint form);
All notices of court appearances, shall state clearly the date, time and location of the court appearance.
Post-judgment contempt actions alleging failure to complete a financial disclosure statement must be supported by affidavit and must be personally served.
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The certificate filing deadline is no later than the final hearing in cases scheduled for final hearing after April 1, 2011.
4. In all cases scheduled for final hearing after April 1, 2011—whether contested, stipulated or by default—the certificate shall be filed with the court by the time of the final hearing.
Page 1 | Co-Parenting & Child Development - Educational Group for Parents
If ADR does not resolve the case, the defendant must file a written answer with the clerk within 10 days of the return date.
If the case is not resolved by ADR, the defendant shall file a written answer with the clerk and mail a copy to the plaintiff within 10 days of the return date. Failure to comply will result in a default judgment on motion by the plaintiff.
Page 3 | LCR/SC-If the case is not resolved by ADR
Service and Proof of Service Rules
At the final hearing, both parties must appear in person; alternatively, the petitioner must appear and file proof that the respondent was timely served with an Order for Appearance.
At the final hearing both parties must appear in person, or the petitioner must appear and file proof that the respondent was timely served with an Order for Appearance.
Page 2 | Pro Se Stipulated Divorces
If ADR does not resolve the case, the defendant must mail a copy of the written answer to the plaintiff within 10 days of the return date.
If the case is not resolved by ADR, the defendant shall file a written answer with the clerk and mail a copy to the plaintiff within 10 days of the return date. Failure to comply will result in a default judgment on motion by the plaintiff.
Page 3 | LCR/SC-If the case is not resolved by ADR
The clerk must provide written notice of the rules and all court appearances to every party and counsel of record.
The clerk shall provide written notice of these rules and all court appearances to all parties and counsel of record.
Page 3 | LCR/SC-Notices
A post-judgment contempt action alleging failure to complete a financial disclosure statement must be personally served.
Post-judgment contempt actions alleging failure to complete a financial disclosure statement must be supported by affidavit and must be personally served.
Page 4 | LCR/SC-Contempt
Small claims pleadings may be served by mail instead of personal or substituted service, except in eviction and replevin actions.
Mail service of small claims pleadings, except eviction and replevin actions, has long been an accepted and approved procedure in Vernon County, in lieu of personal or substituted service. This will affirm the procedures as provided by small claims statutory authority and specifically allow service by mail, except for eviction and replevin actions, pursuant to Section 799.12 (2) and (3) of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Page 4 | Small Claims Service
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Pretrial motions may be made orally on the return date; all other motions must be submitted in writing and are reviewed before a hearing is scheduled.
A motion is a request for a court order. Pretrial motions may be made orally on the return date. All other motions must be submitted in writing and will be reviewed by the court prior to scheduling any hearing on the motion.
Page 3 | LCR/SC-Motions
The court may decide a motion without requiring a written response or scheduling a hearing.
The court may in its discretion decide a motion without requiring a written response or scheduling a hearing.
Page 3 | LCR/SC-Motions