This dated narrative contains pending corrections. Read the notes, then expand the original text.
SettleADebt S_WI PASS-16
Wisconsin ordinary consumer money-debt small-claims commencement, service, appearance/answer, default, and necessary merits-proof gateway
Actual fresh source-access date: October 26, 2026, America/Los_Angeles; October 27, 2026 UTC.
Historical baseline: October 22, 2026 Pacific.
Mode: Regular Chat with public primary-source browsing. No independently exposed model-power tier, quota state, reset state, or measured capability ranking is claimed.
Component boundary: Wisconsin small-claims procedure for an ordinary consumer money-debt claim before judgment: present dollar scope, commencement, complaint, service, return/appearance/answer, default, and the minimum merits-proof gateway.
This pass does not complete:
- ordinary large-claim civil procedure;
- reopening, vacatur, or relief from a default judgment;
- appeals or trial de novo from a commissioner;
- limitations and revival;
- postjudgment interest, liens, garnishment, execution, or exemptions;
- full Wisconsin Consumer Act classification, licensing, validation, or remedies;
- an actual creditor, account, service event, county rule, docket, or defendant; or
- any individualized conclusion that a debt is collectible or a default judgment may lawfully be entered.
P01-P03, P07, P11, P13, P14, and P15 remain saved but unreviewed and supply no accepted premise. PASS-08/PASS-10 and PASS-09/PASS-12 remain bounded same-coordinator reviews, not statewide or component acceptance.
Throughout this report, C001 means S_WI-P16-C001, and S001 means S_WI-P16-S001.
Current-source and amendment qualification
The Wisconsin Legislature’s chapter 799 search results identify the chapter as in effect and updated through material filed before August 5, 2026, but the full official integrated chapter and several direct section pages repeatedly timed out. I did not loop through unchanged failed endpoints. The different official alternatives used here are:
- current Wisconsin Court System forms, self-help materials, and forms index;
- official Wisconsin Legislature section snippets and amendment records;
- official published Wisconsin appellate opinions;
- current federal SCRA text; and
- 2025 Wisconsin statutory reproductions, expressly identified as nonofficial read-aids, not current official-body reads.
Current official court guidance continues to state a $10,000 ceiling for ordinary money-only small claims. Official Wisconsin Act 105 materials show a change to $15,000 effective January 1, 2027. Consequently, the $15,000 threshold was future-effective—not current—on the October 26, 2026 access date. Wisconsin Court System+2
An unread official body is not treated as absence of law, permission to use a procedure, or proof that no exception or local rule exists.
Executive disposition
For an ordinary Wisconsin consumer money-debt action filed on October 26, 2026:
- The small-claims money-only ceiling is $10,000. A claim demanding more than $10,000 does not fall within the current ordinary-money branch merely because the plaintiff calls it “small claims.” The ceiling is scheduled to become $15,000 on January 1, 2027. Tort, personal-injury, eviction, and replevin categories have different thresholds and are not generalized to ordinary debt collection. C002–C005. Wisconsin Court System+2
- The action begins by filing a written summons and complaint and timely serving authenticated copies. The general Wisconsin commencement statute supplies a 90-day service period, while chapter 799 supplies the return-date and small-claims service structure. C006–C010.
- For a Wisconsin resident in a non-eviction action, the return date is at least 8 days and no more than 30 days after issue, and service must be completed at least 8 days before the return date. A nonresident’s return date is at least 20 days after issue. C011–C013. Justia Law
- Service by ordinary mail is not a universal statewide option. A circuit-court rule must authorize it; the clerk performs the mailing; personal-judgment mail service is limited to the county where the action was commenced; and a returned unopened envelope before the return date defeats completion under that branch. C018–C020. Justia Law
- A written answer is not uniformly required statewide. Chapter 799 permits oral pleadings after the complaint, while county rules, the summons, or the judicial officer can require a written answer or permit mail/telephone appearance. C023–C028. Justia Law+2
- Failure to appear or answer does not automatically prove the debt. The court “may” enter default only upon due proof of facts showing entitlement. In a contract money action, proof can be supplied by a verified complaint, factual affidavit, sworn testimony, or other evidence. C030–C034. Wisconsin Legislative Documents+1
- Where current Wis. Stat. §425.109 applies to a merchant enforcing a consumer-credit transaction, the complaint has materially more specific identification, balance-breakdown, writing, cure, and collateral requirements, and a noncompliant complaint cannot support default. The statute was changed from “creditor” to “merchant” by 2015 Wisconsin Act 155, so the older Rsidue decision’s construction of the former “creditor” language cannot be treated as a current categorical debt-buyer exemption without analyzing the amendment and current merchant definition. C037–C043. Justia Law+1
- An assignee or debt buyer still must establish that it owns the specific debt, not merely that portfolios moved between entities. Conclusory affidavits or generic bills of sale can be insufficient. C044–C046. Wisconsin Court System+1
G1. Chapter 799 scope, amount, commencement, and complaint
1. Ordinary money-claim scope
As of the actual access date, Wisconsin small-claims procedure is the exclusive chapter 799 route for “other civil actions” where:
- the plaintiff seeks a money judgment only; and
- the amount claimed is $10,000 or less.
Current Wisconsin Court System materials use that same $10,000 threshold. C002. Wisconsin Court System+1
Categories that must remain separate
| Claim category |
Current small-claims threshold or special treatment |
Why it cannot be imported into ordinary debt |
| Ordinary money-only civil claim |
$10,000 or less |
Principal PASS-16 scope |
| Tort / personal injury |
$5,000 or less |
Different statutory category |
| Eviction |
No ordinary rent-amount ceiling for the eviction category |
Possession procedure differs |
| Non-consumer replevin |
Property value up to $10,000 |
Seeks return of property |
| Consumer-credit replevin |
Amount financed up to $25,000 under the current court description |
Special WCA/replevin route |
| Wage garnishment |
Included in small claims by separate branch |
Postjudgment process, not prejudgment debt suit |
C003. Wisconsin Court System+1
2. Future threshold
Official 2025 Wisconsin Act 105 materials show that the ordinary chapter 799 amount is scheduled to increase to $15,000 effective January 1, 2027. The current official section index displays the $15,000 text with the January 1, 2027 future-effective notation. C004. Wisconsin Legislative Documents+1
Therefore:
- $10,000 governs this pass’s October 26, 2026 current-law analysis.
- A form revised before January 1, 2027 cannot override the statute after the amendment becomes effective.
- This pass does not certify later phased increases beyond the January 1, 2027 change because the complete enacted schedule was not successfully read.
3. Amount claimed versus interest and costs
The statute uses “amount claimed” for the $10,000 ordinary-money branch. The current SC-500I form classifies the case as a claim for $10,000 or less and separately allows a demand for interest, costs, and attorney fees if legally available. C005. Wisconsin Court System+1
The safe bounded conclusion is:
- statutory filing costs and any legally awardable postfiling amounts are not necessarily the same thing as the principal amount claimed;
- a contractual charge, accrued interest, or fee already incorporated into the alleged account balance may be part of the amount claimed;
- the tort annotation excluding costs and fees from that category’s “pecuniary loss” ceiling is not automatically a complete rule for every contract debt; and
- no controlling current authority was read that permits every debt plaintiff to omit accrued contractual amounts from the ceiling calculation merely by labeling them “interest” or “fees.”
A real filing therefore requires classification of every demanded component, not just subtraction of “principal.”
4. Commencement
Section 799.12 incorporates Wisconsin’s general civil-commencement and service provisions unless chapter 799 provides otherwise. Under §801.02, an action seeking a personal judgment is commenced by:
- filing a summons and complaint naming the defendant; and
- serving authenticated copies within 90 days after filing.
The 90-day period cannot be enlarged merely as a matter of convenience. C006–C007.
Chapter 799 also permits a county rule authorizing service before filing and authentication, but only under the conditions in §799.12(7), including fee payment and no reuse of the summons for a different defendant. That is a local-rule branch, not the statewide default. C008. Justia Law
5. Written complaint and summons content
The initial complaint must be written. It should state:
- the approximate date of the loss or transaction;
- a brief factual statement;
- the money demanded; and
- the requested lawful additional relief.
The court cannot require notarization of the summons or complaint under §799.06(3)(b). C009. Justia Law
The summons must identify:
- the nature of the demand;
- the dollar damages demanded;
- party addresses;
- counsel’s identifying information where applicable;
- the case classification;
- the return date, time, and place; and
- the consequence of failure to respond.
C010–C011. Justia Law
6. Ordinary civil rules apply only where chapter 799 does not displace them
Chapter 799 is simplified, but not law-free. General civil rules govern commencement, personal jurisdiction, and service unless chapter 799 supplies a different rule. Chapter 799 separately governs:
- return dates;
- oral pleading;
- default;
- informal evidence;
- commissioner handling; and
- mail/telephone answer alternatives.
C012.
G2. Service, return date, appearance, and answer
7. Return-date windows
Wisconsin resident, non-eviction
The return date must be:
- no fewer than 8 days after issue;
- no more than 30 days after issue; and
- preceded by at least 8 days’ service.
C011. Justia Law
Nonresident
The return date must be at least 20 days after issue. C013. Justia Law
These are return-date rules, not the ordinary large-civil 20- or 45-day answer periods.
8. Natural-person service
Because §799.12 incorporates §801.11, the ordinary hierarchy for an individual is:
- personal delivery;
- after reasonable diligence, substitute service at the usual abode on a qualifying family member at least 14 years old or a competent adult currently residing there;
- other state-law methods where an out-of-state service statute applies; or
- after reasonable diligence, publication and mailing where the statutory conditions are met.
C014–C016.
The plaintiff must preserve competent proof of service. The statewide SC-6050V guide identifies sheriffs, private process servers, and certain nonparty adults as possible servers, but local and statutory qualifications still control. C017. Wisconsin Court System+2
9. Corporation and LLC service
A corporation or LLC is ordinarily served through an officer, director, managing agent, or qualifying person apparently in charge of an office, or through an authorized registered agent. Publication becomes relevant only after the required diligence and statutory predicates. C016.
SC-5110V is a statewide voluntary declaration form for service on corporations and LLCs; it is not a substitute for §801.11. C017. Wisconsin Court System
10. Mail service
Mail service under chapter 799 requires a circuit-court rule authorizing it. When authorized:
- the summons is filed with a mail-service request and applicable fee;
- the clerk—not the plaintiff—mails the summons to the last-known address;
- certified mail can be required;
- service is treated as complete on mailing unless the envelope is returned unopened before the return date; and
- mail service to obtain a personal judgment is limited to the county where the action was commenced.
C018–C020. Justia Law
A plaintiff’s own ordinary letter or unapproved mailing is not statutory service merely because tracking shows delivery.
11. Publication and mailing
If personal or substitute service cannot be accomplished with reasonable diligence—or an authorized mailed summons is returned unopened—the clerk issues a new return date allowing a class 1 publication.
Where the defendant’s mailing address is reasonably ascertainable, a summons copy must also be mailed at or immediately before publication. Mailing may be omitted only where the address cannot be found with reasonable diligence. C021. Justia Law
Publication is not a shortcut for skipping diligence, and this pass does not decide whether an actual publication established personal jurisdiction.
12. Proof of service
Statewide voluntary forms include:
- SC-5100V for eviction service;
- SC-5110V for corporation/LLC non-eviction service;
- SC-5120V for individual, sole-proprietor, or partnership non-eviction service;
- SC-5130V for mailing; and
- SC-5160V for publication summons and notice.
C017, C022. Wisconsin Court System
The forms document the asserted act. They do not cure legally insufficient service.
13. Appearance and answer on the return date
On the return date—or an adjourned date—the defendant can:
- answer;
- move to dismiss; or
- otherwise respond.
If the defendant appears, the judge or commissioner must inquire sufficiently to determine whether a defense is claimed. If so, the matter is scheduled for trial unless dismissed or resolved by agreement. C023–C024. Justia Law
14. Oral versus written answer
After the written complaint, pleadings may be oral. But:
- a circuit-court rule can require written pleadings;
- the judge or commissioner can require writing in a particular case;
- the summons must explain the county’s permitted answer method where a local rule replaces personal appearance;
- some counties require a written answer; others use an in-person, telephone, or local remote process.
C025–C027. Justia Law+1
SC-5200V is a voluntary statewide answer-and-counterclaim form, not a universal statewide mandate. C028. Wisconsin Court System+1
15. Mail or telephone answer under local rule
A circuit court may permit mail or telephone answers in lieu of return-date appearance. A proper answer under that local rule counts as an appearance for default purposes.
For a defendant who is a nonresident of Wisconsin, the court must permit mail answering, and if its rule permits telephone answers generally, the nonresident must receive that option too. C026–C027. Justia Law
The statute does not itself establish one statewide receipt, mailbox, email, or remote-appearance rule. The actual summons and county rule control.
16. Representation
A natural person may appear personally or through a Wisconsin-authorized attorney.
An organization can appear through a qualifying member, agent, authorized employee, agent of a member, or authorized employee of an agent under §799.06(2). But an assignee of a cause of action may not appear through a full-time authorized employee unless that employee is a Wisconsin-authorized lawyer. C029. Justia Law
This representation rule does not prove that the assignee owns the debt.
17. Venue boundary
A consumer transaction or consumer-credit transaction uses the special venue rules in §421.401, including counties connected to the customer’s residence or personal service, collateral, acquisition, or execution of the obligation. Improper venue in a consumer-credit action carries a particularly strict dismissal provision unless properly waived. C030. Justia Law+1
This pass does not determine venue for any actual transaction.
G3. Default and necessary merits proof
18. Plaintiff nonappearance
If the plaintiff fails to appear on the return or trial date, the court may dismiss the action for the defendant, on motion or on the court’s own initiative. C031. Justia Law
19. Defendant nonappearance
If the defendant fails to appear on the return date or trial date, the court may enter judgment only upon:
due proof of facts showing that the plaintiff is entitled to judgment.
Default is therefore discretionary and evidence-dependent—not automatic admission of every pleaded number or assignment. C032–C033. Wisconsin Legislative Documents+1
20. Contract money claim: permitted default-proof methods
For a contract action seeking money only, §799.22(3) permits:
- a verified complaint;
- an affidavit of facts;
- sworn testimony; or
- other evidence submitted to the judge or clerk.
C034. Justia Law
A document titled “affidavit” does not become sufficient merely from its title. Its factual basis, personal knowledge, attached records, calculation, and connection to the specific debt remain material.
21. Minimum proof architecture
The exact required documents depend on the claim, but the due-proof standard ordinarily requires support for the following propositions:
| Merits element |
Typical proof question |
What default does not itself prove |
| Correct defendant |
Does the agreement/account identify this person or entity? |
Similar name or address is not enough |
| Transaction or agreement |
What obligation was created and on what terms? |
A balance spreadsheet alone does not prove a contract |
| Plaintiff’s standing/ownership |
Does the original creditor own it, or was this specific debt assigned through the chain? |
Generic portfolio bills of sale |
| Default or breach |
What payment or contractual duty was missed, and when? |
Merely labeling account “defaulted” |
| Amount due |
Starting balance, charges, interest, payments, credits, collateral proceeds |
Unexplained final total |
| Contractual/statutory charges |
What term or law authorizes each interest or fee component? |
Collection custom |
| Conditions precedent |
Cure notice, acceleration, collateral sale, licensing, or other prerequisite if applicable |
Defendant’s silence |
| Limitations and payment status |
Is the claim timely, unpaid, and not released? |
Default does not extend a limitations period |
| Military-status protection |
Has the federal nonappearance declaration requirement been met? |
No appearance does not prove nonmilitary status |
C035–C041.
22. Small-claims evidentiary standard
Small-claims proceedings are informal. Most ordinary evidence rules do not govern, except privilege and the statutory HIV rule. The court can receive evidence with reasonable probative value and question witnesses.
But an essential finding cannot rest solely on an oral hearsay statement unless that statement would be admissible under the normal evidence rules. C036. Justia Law
The relaxed small-claims rule therefore does not eliminate the requirement to prove ownership, balance, or the underlying transaction.
23. Current Wis. Stat. §425.109 merchant pleading requirements
The current 2025 text applies to a complaint by a merchant enforcing a cause of action arising from a consumer-credit transaction. The complaint must include, as applicable:
- identification of the consumer-credit transaction;
- collateral or leased-goods description;
- facts constituting default;
- an actual or estimated amount due on a stated date;
- separate totals or figures permitting computation of later charges, interest, payments, and collateral proceeds;
- redemption and potential deficiency information where applicable;
- cure information if a cure right remains; and
- writings evidencing the obligation, or the prescribed open-end procedure for producing them.
A default judgment may not be entered on a complaint that fails to comply. C037–C040. Justia Law+1
Open-end claims
The merchant must provide:
- the balance reflected on a billing statement addressed to the customer;
- the amount due on a certain date;
- post-date total charges;
- post-date total interest; and
- post-date total payments, including collateral-sale proceeds where applicable.
A bare balance plus a daily-interest number is not necessarily enough. C038. Justia Law
Non-open-end claims
The complaint must state the amount due on a certain date and separately break down later charges, interest, payments, and collateral proceeds. C039.
Writings request
For an open-end plan, if the customer timely submits the written request contemplated by §425.109, the merchant must provide qualifying writings or the specified billing statement, and default may not be entered without compliance. C040.
24. Right-to-cure gateway
Where a customer retains a right to cure, §425.105 generally prohibits commencement until:
- the merchant believes the customer is in default;
- a compliant §425.104 notice is given; and
- the statutory 15-day cure period expires.
The section contains exceptions for repeated cured defaults and specified other defaults. Failure to satisfy a required cure-notice prerequisite can warrant dismissal, but it does not automatically extinguish the underlying payment obligation. C041. Justia Law+1
This pass does not determine whether any hypothetical debt has a cure right.
25. “Creditor” changed to “merchant”
Older Wisconsin cases, especially Rsidue, construed a version of §425.109 that applied to a complaint “by a creditor.” In 2015 Wisconsin Act 155, the Legislature changed that word to “merchant.”
The current scope must therefore be analyzed from:
- the amended “merchant” text;
- current statutory definitions;
- the actual plaintiff’s activities; and
- later authority.
The older Rsidue holding that the debt purchaser before it was not a “creditor” cannot be promoted into a present universal exemption for every debt buyer under the amended statute. C042–C043. Wisconsin Legislative Documents+1
26. Assignment and ownership proof
Gemini Capital Group v. Jones
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals held that a debt buyer seeking a deficiency judgment had to produce evidence connecting the defendant’s specific debt through the claimed assignments. Proof that unspecified account portfolios changed hands was not enough. The court also rejected conclusory custodian statements unsupported by documents establishing the specific transfer. C044–C045. Wisconsin Court System+1
Palisades Collection v. Kalal
In a contested summary-judgment setting, an employee affidavit did not establish an adequate business-record foundation for account statements created by another entity. Possessing and reviewing records did not by itself make the witness qualified to establish how the original records were made and kept. C046. Wisconsin Court System+2
Scope limit
Gemini and Palisades were not small-claims default judgments. They do not convert chapter 799 into formal summary-judgment procedure. They are used here only for the narrower propositions that:
- ownership of the specific debt matters;
- generic assignment language may be insufficient;
- conclusory affidavits are not self-proving; and
- account records need a reliable connection to the alleged debt.
27. Deficiency claims
Where the plaintiff seeks a consumer deficiency after disposition of collateral, commercially reasonable disposition can be part of the plaintiff’s prima facie case rather than an affirmative defense the absent defendant must raise. C047. Wisconsin Court System
This is not relevant to every unsecured debt.
28. Military-status declaration
When a defendant has not appeared, 50 U.S.C. §3931 requires the court, before entering default, to require a written affidavit or equivalent declaration:
- stating whether the defendant is in military service and supporting the statement with necessary facts; or
- stating that the plaintiff cannot determine military status.
If military service appears, an attorney must be appointed before judgment, and a minimum 90-day stay can be required under the statutory conditions. C048–C050. U.S. Code
GF-175 is Wisconsin’s official declaration form for this purpose. It is evidence of the declarant’s stated investigation, not a judicial determination of military status. Wisconsin Court System
29. No automatic writ or collection
Even after a valid default judgment, postjudgment collection requires its own legal gateway. This pass does not authorize:
- immediate garnishment;
- account freezing;
- seizure;
- wage withholding;
- lien attachment;
- credit reporting;
- settlement fees; or
- collection of an unsupported interest or attorney-fee amount.
C051.
30. Contested route
If the defendant appears and claims a defense, the matter must be scheduled for trial unless resolved or immediately dismissed. At trial, both sides can present proofs and examine witnesses, and the court decides under substantive law. C024, C036, C052. Justia Law+1
G4. Statewide forms and bounded published precedent
31. Form and guidance matrix
| Form / guide |
Revision and pages actually read |
Purpose |
Authority and limits |
| SC-500I Summons and Complaint |
Rev. 03/05/2026; corrected 07/06/2026; printed pp.1–2 / zero 0–1 |
Current statewide filing form; identifies money claim of $10,000 or less and local appearance/answer instructions |
Statute controls; form will need reconciliation with January 1, 2027 threshold |
| SC-6020V Recovery of Money Guide |
Rev. 11/19; pp.1–2 / zero 0–1 |
Filing, service, military declaration, local first-event practice, evidence |
General guidance; county procedure differs |
| SC-6050V Service Guide |
Rev. 09/24; six pages; relevant pp.1–5 / zero 0–4 |
Personal, substitute, mail, publication, service declarations |
Does not replace §§799.12, 801.02, 801.11 |
| SC-6000V Basic Guide |
Rev. 09/24; 18 pages; relevant printed 1, 7–8 / zero 0, 6–7 |
Categories, local-answer rules, counterclaims, default warning |
General guidance; local rules expressly control |
| SC-6040V Answer Guide |
Rev. 09/24; pp.1–2 / zero 0–1 |
Written-answer process where required |
Written answer is not statewide in every county |
| SC-5200V Answer and Counterclaim |
Rev. 11/19; pp.1–2 / zero 0–1 |
Voluntary written answer/counterclaim |
Does not create a filing deadline |
| GF-175 Declaration of Nonmilitary Service |
Rev. 11/19; p.1 / zero 0 |
Default military-status declaration |
Federal §3931 controls |
| SC-5110V / SC-5120V / SC-5130V / SC-5160V |
Forms index versions stated below |
Service proof and publication |
Voluntary forms; legal sufficiency depends on facts and law |
C053–C055. Wisconsin Court System+6
32. Published precedents used
| Decision |
Holding used |
Procedural posture and limit |
| Gemini Capital Group, LLC v. Jones, 2017 WI App 77 |
Specific-debt assignment chain and competent proof of ownership required; generic portfolio documents insufficient |
Contested summary judgment and consumer deficiency, not default |
| Palisades Collection LLC v. Kalal, 2010 WI App 38 |
Affidavit by later collector employee did not lay adequate foundation for original creditor’s account statements |
Contested summary judgment; evidence rules more formal than §799.209 |
| Rsidue, LLC v. Michaud, 2006 WI App 164 |
Plaintiff there was not a “creditor” under former §425.109 text |
Predates 2015 amendment changing “creditor” to “merchant”; current categorical reach unresolved |
| Clearpointe Capital, Inc. v. Townsend, 2004 WI App 80 |
Complaint satisfying then-applicable WCA pleading content stated a claim; assignment/standing still separately analyzed |
Consumer replevin, not ordinary unsecured default |
| Rumage, P08, and postjudgment cases |
Not used as prejudgment authority |
Preserved in their own passes |
C042–C047.
No complete citator or all-published-case survey was performed.
G5. Fictional workflows and conditional calculations
All facts are invented. No actual filing, service, debt, assignment, or deadline is decided.
Example 1 — Ordinary money claim below the ceiling
Facts
- Complaint date: October 20, 2026.
- Money-only contract demand: $8,750.
- Wisconsin resident defendant.
- No tort, eviction, or replevin claim.
Classification
$8,750 ≤ $10,000
The demand fits the current ordinary-money amount branch, subject to venue, service, proof, and substantive-law predicates. C002–C003.
Adverse branch: If an additional $2,000 contractual fee is actually part of the debt demanded, relabeling it “costs” does not necessarily preserve small-claims eligibility.
Missing evidence: Contract, amount components, venue, plaintiff status, limitations, cure rights, and payment history.
Example 2 — Exactly the current ceiling
Facts
- Ordinary money-only demand: exactly $10,000.
- Filing occurs December 15, 2026.
Calculation
$10,000 ≤ $10,000
The amount is within the present ceiling. C002.
Adverse branch: A separately demanded contractual balance component could push the amount claimed above $10,000.
Example 3 — One cent above the current ceiling
Facts
- Ordinary money-only amount claimed: $10,000.01.
- Filing date: October 26, 2026.
Calculation
$10,000.01 − $10,000.00 = $0.01 over the ceiling
The demand as stated does not fit the current ordinary-money branch. C002, C045.
Adverse branch: Whether a plaintiff may lawfully waive or abandon the excess requires a deliberate pleading and substantive-right analysis; it is not accomplished by hiding part of the balance.
Example 4 — Interest and costs classification
Facts
- Principal alleged: $9,700.
- Accrued contractual interest demanded through filing: $400.
- Filing costs sought separately.
- Total contractual debt alleged: $10,100.
Possible classifications
- If the $400 is part of the accrued debt demanded, modeled amount claimed is:
$9,700 + $400 = $10,100, above the current ceiling.
- If a particular interest component is legally treated as ancillary statutory interest rather than the amount claimed, a different result could follow.
Conditional result: The form’s separate “interest and costs” line is not enough to decide the classification. C005.
Missing authority: Contract, accrual clause, date, nature of interest, and controlling ceiling precedent.
Example 5 — Return-date calculation
Facts
- Resident defendant.
- Non-eviction ordinary money case.
- Summons issued Monday, March 2, 2026.
- No intervening legal holiday.
- §801.15’s under-11-day rule is used for the 8-day minimum.
Earliest modeled return date
- March 3: day 1
- March 4: day 2
- March 5: day 3
- March 6: day 4
- March 9: day 5
- March 10: day 6
- March 11: day 7
- March 12: day 8
Earliest modeled date: Thursday, March 12, 2026.
Latest modeled return date
Thirty calendar days after March 2, excluding issue day, is Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
C011, C056.
Adverse branch: Court closure, a statutory holiday, nonresident status, eviction classification, or a newly issued publication return date changes the calculation.
Example 6 — Ninety-day service period
Facts
- Summons and complaint filed Friday, January 2, 2026.
- No early-service local rule.
- Personal judgment sought.
Model
Excluding January 2 and counting 90 calendar days produces Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Authenticated service after that modeled date would not satisfy the ordinary §801.02 commencement condition unless a separate applicable rule changed the analysis. C006–C007, C056.
Adverse branch: Pre-filing service under an authorized county rule is a distinct statutory route.
Example 7 — Eight-day pre-return service
Facts
- Return date: Friday, May 15, 2026.
- No intervening holiday.
- Service-period count uses business days because the period is under 11 days.
Counting backward, service on Tuesday, May 5 produces:
- May 6: day 1
- May 7: day 2
- May 8: day 3
- May 11: day 4
- May 12: day 5
- May 13: day 6
- May 14: day 7
- May 15: day 8
Latest modeled service date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026. C011, C056.
Adverse branch: Publication service receives a newly set return date; nonresident and local service facts can differ.
Example 8 — Unqualified attempted mail service
Facts
- Plaintiff personally mails the summons by regular mail.
- No county rule authorizes chapter 799 mail service.
- Clerk did not mail it.
- Personal judgment is requested.
Result
The mailing does not satisfy the §799.12 mail-service branch. C018–C020.
Alternative branch: If the county rule authorizes mail, the clerk performs it, the defendant is within the permitted county branch, and the envelope is not returned unopened before the return date, service can be treated as complete on mailing.
Example 9 — Missed return date, service disputed
Facts
- Defendant does not appear.
- Plaintiff requests default.
- File contains conflicting evidence about substitute service.
Result
The court cannot treat nonappearance as proof of personal jurisdiction. It must address service and then require due proof of entitlement. C014–C17, C032–C034.
Urgent boundary: If default has already been entered, the separate §799.29 reopening/vacatur route is time-sensitive and outside this pass. No D2 deadline is supplied here.
Example 10 — Defendant appears and disputes the debt
Facts
- Defendant appears on return date.
- States that the account was paid and the balance belongs to someone else.
Required act
The court or commissioner must make sufficient inquiry. Because a defense is claimed, the matter proceeds toward trial unless dismissed or settled. C023–C024, C052.
Adverse branch: A bare statement can still fail at trial if the evidence supports the plaintiff, but appearance prevents default under the ordinary branch.
Example 11 — Merchant complaint lacks balance breakdown
Facts
- Current merchant sues on an open-end consumer-credit account.
- Complaint states “$6,800 plus 18% interest.”
- It does not state the date-certain balance or separate later charges, interest, and payments.
Result
If §425.109 applies, the complaint does not satisfy the current statutory breakdown described in subsection (1)(d), and default may not be entered on the noncompliant complaint. C037–C040.
Adverse branch: Amendment can cure a pleading defect; the defect does not automatically extinguish the debt or make a resulting judgment void for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction.
Example 12 — Debt buyer assignment gap
Facts
- Plaintiff attaches three generic portfolio bills of sale.
- None identifies the defendant, account number, or account-specific transfer file.
- Employee affidavit says only that plaintiff “owns the account.”
Result
The proof does not necessarily establish transfer of this specific debt. Gemini requires a real evidentiary connection through the chain. C044–C046.
Adverse branch: Account-level electronic schedules, authenticated transfer records, and a competent witness can establish ownership even where the original consumer agreement does not list the later buyer.
Example 13 — Organization represented by nonlawyer employee
Facts
- Original corporate claimant appears through an authorized employee.
- Alternative facts: claimant is an assignee that purchased the cause of action, and the employee is not a lawyer.
Result
The first arrangement can fall within §799.06(2)’s organizational appearance rule. The assignee branch prohibits appearance through a full-time authorized employee unless the employee is a Wisconsin-authorized lawyer. C029.
Missing facts: Entity form, employee authority, assignment status, and whether counsel is involved.
Example 14 — Defendant is not the actual debtor
Facts
- Complaint and records show a similar name but a different address and account identifier.
- Defendant does not appear.
Result
Default does not cure the identity mismatch. Due proof must connect the named defendant to the transaction. C032–C035, C041.
Adverse branch: Reliable identifiers and transaction records may establish that the apparent discrepancy is clerical.
Example 15 — Form predates the future amendment
Facts
- SC-500I revised in March 2026 states a $10,000 ceiling.
- Hypothetical filing occurs January 4, 2027.
- Act 105’s $15,000 provision has become effective.
Result
The statute controls. The older dollar field or instruction does not hold the ceiling at $10,000 after the effective date. C004, C053.
Missing current fact: Whether the Court System issued an updated form before that future filing date.
G6. P08 D1 crosswalk and retained boundaries
33. Old-to-new disposition
| Prior reviewed row |
PASS-16 disposition |
Status |
| P08 D1: “Prejudgment service, answer, default, and merits proof — Outside postjudgment scope.” |
Ordinary consumer money-debt small-claims commencement, service, return/answer, default, and proof gateway is now researched |
Separately reviewable; not retroactively accepted in P08 |
| Ordinary large civil claim |
Remains deferred |
Chapter 802 answer, discovery, dispositive motion, and trial rules not completed |
| Default reopening/vacatur |
Remains P08 D2 |
No deadline or merits test supplied here |
| Postjudgment enforcement |
Remains in separate reports |
No interest, lien, garnishment, execution, or exemption adoption |
| Consumer-provider, licensing, validation, and full contract law |
Remains in unreviewed P01-P03 |
Only narrow §§425.105/.109 gateway freshly read |
| Local county rules |
Unresolved |
Statewide forms do not certify all 72 counties |
34. Evidence-backed article and tool opportunities
A. Wisconsin small-claims debt gateway
A safe article could classify:
- current filing date;
- money-only amount claimed;
- future Act 105 threshold;
- ordinary, tort, eviction, or replevin category;
- merchant versus assignee;
- consumer-credit transaction status;
- venue;
- service route;
- local answer method;
- return date; and
- default-proof documents.
B. Conditional service-and-return calculator
Inputs should include:
- issue date;
- filing date;
- resident/nonresident;
- claim category;
- service method;
- county mail-service authorization;
- service date;
- holidays and clerk closures;
- publication route; and
- whether the envelope was returned unopened.
The output must show assumptions and cannot certify personal jurisdiction.
C. Debt-proof checklist
A checklist can separate:
- agreement or transaction record;
- customer/defendant identity;
- default event;
- starting balance;
- charges, interest, payments, and credits;
- cure notice where required;
- account-level assignment chain;
- business-record witness foundation;
- collateral disposition where relevant;
- military-status declaration; and
- limitations/payment/release issues.
No article, form packet, tool, calculator, site, or publication was built or approved.
Source register — S_WI-P16-S001 onward
All fresh accesses occurred October 26, 2026 Pacific / October 27, 2026 UTC. Exact per-source opening times are unknown.
| Source ID |
Issuer / title / complete literal URL |
Exact location, edition, status |
Material read and limitation |
| S_WI-P16-S001 |
Wisconsin Legislature, chapter 799 current index/TOC. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/799/_28?up=1 |
Current chapter search/index; result reports changes in effect through Aug. 5, 2026 |
Fresh official index/snippet read; direct integrated body failed. Wisconsin Legislative Documents+1 |
| S002 |
Wisconsin Court System, Small Claims Self-Help Law Center. https://www.wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/smallclaims.htm |
Current public page; ordinary $10,000, tort $5,000, eviction and replevin categories |
Fresh official page body read. Wisconsin Court System |
| S003 |
Wisconsin Legislature, 2025 Wisconsin Act 105, §1 and effective-date material. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/acts/2025/105%2C1 and https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/acts/2025/105%2C5 |
Official search text: $15,000 threshold effective Jan. 1, 2027 |
Fresh official search/index result read; direct bodies timed out. Wisconsin Legislative Documents+1 |
| S004 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, Wis. Stat. §799.01 — Applicability of chapter. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-01/ |
§799.01(1)(a)–(d), (2) |
Fresh contiguous read; expressly nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S005 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.05 — Summons. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-05/ |
§799.05(1)–(7); return dates and forms |
Fresh body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S006 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.06 — Pleadings and appearances. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-06/ |
§799.06(1)–(3) |
Fresh body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S007 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.11 — Venue. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-11/ |
Consumer-claim cross-reference and other venue branches |
Fresh relevant body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S008 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.12 — Service of summons. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-12/ |
§799.12(1)–(7) |
Fresh full body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S009 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.20 — Answer and response. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-20/ |
§799.20(1), (2), (4) |
Fresh body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S010 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.22 — Failure to appear or answer. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-22/ |
§799.22(1)–(4) |
Fresh body read; official snippets separately located but full official page failed. Justia Law+1 |
| S011 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.206 — Commissioner on return date. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-206/ |
Default/contested-case commissioner gateway |
Fresh relevant body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S012 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.207 — Commissioner conference and hearing. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-207/ |
Conference, issues, default, hearing branches |
Fresh relevant body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S013 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.209 — Informal evidence and procedure. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-209/ |
§799.209(1)–(3) |
Fresh full body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S014 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §799.215 — Decision after court trial. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-799/section-799-215/ |
Findings/conclusions and decision timing |
Fresh narrow body read; appeal issues deferred. Justia Law |
| S015 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §801.02 — Commencement. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-801/section-801-02/ |
Filing and 90-day authenticated-service requirement |
Fresh relevant body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S016 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §801.11 — Personal jurisdiction and service. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-801/section-801-11/ |
Individual and entity service hierarchy |
Fresh relevant body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S017 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §801.15 — Time computation. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-801/section-801-15/ |
Exclusion of act day, short-period weekend/holiday rule, closure extension, mail addition |
Fresh relevant body read; nonofficial. Justia Law |
| S018 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid plus official snippet, §421.401 — Consumer venue. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-421/section-421-401/ and https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/421.401%282%29%28b%29 |
§421.401(1)–(3) |
Read-aid body and official snippet read; current full official body not rendered. Justia Law+1 |
| S019 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §425.109 — Merchant pleading requirements. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-425/section-425-109/ |
§425.109(1)–(4) |
Fresh full body read; official subsection snippets corroborate merchant text. Justia Law+1 |
| S020 |
Nonofficial 2025 read-aid, §425.105 — Cure of default. https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-425/section-425-105/ |
§425.105(1)–(4) |
Fresh full body read; official snippet corroborates mandatory prerequisite description. Justia Law+1 |
| S021 |
Wisconsin Legislature, 2015 Wisconsin Act 155, §11. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/acts/2015/155%2C11 |
Change from “creditor” to “merchant” in §425.109 |
Fresh official act snippet read. Wisconsin Legislative Documents |
| S022 |
Wisconsin Court System, SC-500I Summons and Complaint with Instructions. https://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/sc-500i.pdf?formNumber=SC-500I&formType=Form&formatId=2&language=en |
Rev. 03/05/2026; corrected 07/06/2026; printed pp.1–2 / zero 0–1 |
Both pages read and visually inspected. |
| S023 |
Wisconsin Court System, SC-6020V Recovery of Money Guide. https://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/SC-6020V_instructions.pdf?formNumber=SC-6020V&formType=Instructions&formatId=2&language=en |
Rev. 11/19; printed pp.1–2 / zero 0–1 |
Both pages read and inspected; county-rule limits explicit. Wisconsin Court System |
| S024 |
Wisconsin Court System, SC-6050V Small Claims Service Guide. https://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/SC-6050V_instructions.pdf?formNumber=SC-6050V&formType=Instructions&formatId=2&language=en |
Rev. 09/24; six pages; relevant printed pp.1–5 / zero 0–4 |
Relevant pages read and visually inspected. |
| S025 |
Wisconsin Court System, SC-6000V Basic Guide to Wisconsin Small Claims Actions. https://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/SC-6000V_instructions.pdf?formNumber=SC-6000V&formType=Instructions&formatId=2&language=en |
Rev. 09/24; printed pp.1, 7–8 / zero 0, 6–7 |
Relevant pages read and visually inspected. Wisconsin Court System+2 |
| S026 |
Wisconsin Court System, SC-6040V Filing an Answer Guide. https://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/SC-6040V_instructions.pdf?formNumber=SC-6040V&formType=Instructions&formatId=2&language=en |
Rev. 09/24; printed pp.1–2 / zero 0–1 |
Both pages read and visually inspected. Wisconsin Court System |
| S027 |
Wisconsin Court System, SC-5200V Answer and Counterclaim. https://www.wicourts.gov/formdisplay/SC-5200V.pdf?formNumber=SC-5200V&formType=Form&formatId=2&language=en |
Rev. 11/19; printed pp.1–2 / zero 0–1 |
Full form read; page 1 inspected. Wisconsin Court System |
| S028 |
Wisconsin Court System, GF-175 Declaration of Nonmilitary Service. https://www.wicourts.gov/forms/GF-175.PDF |
Rev. 11/19; printed p.1 / zero 0 |
Full form read and inspected. Wisconsin Court System |
| S029 |
Wisconsin Court System, Small Claims Forms Index. https://www.wicourts.gov/forms1/circuit/ccform.jsp?Category=38 |
Current public revisions for service, answer, publication, and related forms |
Fresh official index read. Wisconsin Court System |
| S030 |
U.S. House OLRC, 50 U.S.C. §3931 — Default judgments involving servicemembers. https://uscode.house.gov/us/usc/119-121/t50/s3931/ |
Current through Pub. L. 119-121, Oct. 9, 2026 |
Fresh current official body read. U.S. Code |
| S031 |
Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Palisades Collection LLC v. Kalal, 2010 WI App 38, official PDF. https://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinions/09/pdf/09-0482.pdf |
¶¶7–19; printed/zero pp.4–9 |
Relevant pages read and visually inspected. Wisconsin Court System+2 |
| S032 |
Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Gemini Capital Group, LLC v. Jones, 2017 WI App 77, official PDF. https://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=198022 |
¶¶19, 22–25, 28–29; printed/zero pp.9, 11–14 |
Relevant pages read and visually inspected. Wisconsin Court System+2 |
| S033 |
Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Rsidue, LLC v. Michaud, 2006 WI App 164. https://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=25885 |
¶¶14–21, former “creditor” scope |
Fresh official opinion read; amendment limitation expressly preserved. Wisconsin Court System |
| S034 |
Wisconsin Court of Appeals, Clearpointe Capital, Inc. v. Townsend, 2004 WI App 80. https://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.html?content=html&seqNo=6552 |
¶¶6–8; consumer replevin pleading and standing |
Fresh official opinion read; replevin posture limits use. Wisconsin Court System |
Source-register count: 34.
Atomic claim register — S_WI-P16-C001 onward
| Claim ID |
Registry status |
Actor / predicate |
Required act, clock, or legal effect |
Source pinpoint |
Exception / remaining hold |
| C001 |
A066/A097/A098 open |
Current Wisconsin source |
Full official chapter 799 body did not render |
S001 |
Official snippets/forms plus read-aids used |
| C002 |
Open |
Ordinary money plaintiff |
Current money-only small-claims ceiling is $10,000 |
S002; S004 §799.01(1)(d) |
Current through Dec. 31, 2026 |
| C003 |
Open |
Claim classification |
Tort, eviction, replevin, and garnishment branches differ |
S002; S004 |
Do not generalize thresholds |
| C004 |
Open |
Future filer |
Ordinary ceiling becomes $15,000 Jan. 1, 2027 |
S003 |
Later phased increases not certified |
| C005 |
Open |
Plaintiff |
Ceiling uses amount claimed; ancillary/contract amounts require classification |
S004; S022 |
No universal exclusion of all interest/fees |
| C006 |
Open |
Plaintiff |
Personal-judgment action begins with filing summons/complaint |
S015 §801.02 |
Chapter 799 prefiling-service rule possible |
| C007 |
Open |
Plaintiff/server |
Authenticated service generally within 90 days after filing |
S015 |
Period not enlarged by convenience |
| C008 |
Open |
Court under local rule |
Service before filing can be authorized under §799.12(7) |
S008 |
Fee and no-reuse predicates |
| C009 |
Open |
Plaintiff |
Initial complaint is written, brief, factual, and not subject to notarization requirement |
S006 §799.06(3) |
Substantive attachments can still be required |
| C010 |
Open |
Clerk/attorney |
Summons identifies demand, amount, parties, classification, and response information |
S005 |
Local answer method included where applicable |
| C011 |
Open |
Resident defendant |
Return 8–30 days from issue; service at least 8 days before return |
S005 §799.05(3)(b) |
Eviction differs |
| C012 |
Open |
Court/parties |
Short-period time computation excludes weekends/holidays under §801.15 |
S017 |
Procedure-specific rule can supersede |
| C013 |
Open |
Nonresident defendant |
Return at least 20 days after issue |
S005 §799.05(3)(c) |
Local answer by mail required |
| C014 |
Open |
Individual defendant |
Personal service is first ordinary route |
S008; S016 §801.11 |
Actual delivery proof required |
| C015 |
Open |
Individual defendant |
Substitute service requires diligence and qualifying abode recipient |
S016 |
Actual abode/recipient facts |
| C016 |
Open |
Entity defendant |
Officer/agent/office or registered-agent service predicates apply |
S016 |
Actual authority/office role |
| C017 |
Open |
Server/plaintiff |
Proof-of-service form documents but does not cure invalid service |
S024; S029 |
Local requirements |
| C018 |
Open |
Court/clerk |
Small-claims mail service requires court rule and clerk mailing |
S008 §799.12(2)–(3) |
Not plaintiff’s private mailing |
| C019 |
Open |
Defendant within mail branch |
Personal-judgment mail service limited to county of commencement |
S008 §799.12(3) |
Exact residence/jurisdiction facts |
| C020 |
Open |
Clerk/defendant |
Mail complete on mailing unless returned unopened before return |
S008 |
Certified-mail rule can apply |
| C021 |
Open |
Plaintiff/clerk |
Publication follows diligence failure or returned authorized mail, with new return date |
S008 §799.12(4),(6) |
Address mailing required if ascertainable |
| C022 |
Open |
Service declarant |
Statewide service forms are voluntary evidence forms |
S029 |
Statute and facts control |
| C023 |
Open |
Defendant |
On return/adjourned date may answer, move to dismiss, or respond |
S009 §799.20(1) |
Local procedure |
| C024 |
Open |
Court/commissioner |
Appearance plus claimed defense requires inquiry and trial scheduling |
S009 §799.20(4) |
Settlement/dismissal exceptions |
| C025 |
Open |
Parties |
Post-complaint pleadings may be oral |
S006 §799.06(1) |
Court/local rule can require writing |
| C026 |
Open |
Circuit court |
Local rule may permit mail/telephone answer in lieu of appearance |
S010 §799.22(4) |
Summons must disclose method |
| C027 |
Open |
Nonresident defendant |
Must be permitted to answer by mail; telephone if generally authorized |
S010 |
Local manner controls |
| C028 |
Open |
Defendant |
SC-5200V is voluntary, not universal statewide requirement |
S027; S029 |
Summons/local rule controls deadline |
| C029 |
Open |
Organization/assignee |
Authorized organization representative may appear; assignee employee restriction applies |
S006 §799.06(2) |
Ownership/authority still unproved |
| C030 |
Open |
Consumer-credit plaintiff |
§421.401 special venue governs qualifying consumer claims |
S018 |
Actual transaction/waiver facts |
| C031 |
Open |
Plaintiff absent |
Court may dismiss on return or trial date |
S010 §799.22(1) |
Discretionary |
| C032 |
Open |
Defendant absent |
Court may enter default only on due proof |
S010 §799.22(2) |
Nonappearance not automatic merits admission |
| C033 |
Open |
Court |
“May” enter default; jurisdiction, service, and proof remain prerequisites |
S010 |
Local processing cannot remove predicates |
| C034 |
Open |
Contract-money plaintiff |
Verified complaint, factual affidavit, sworn testimony, or other evidence can support default |
S010 §799.22(3) |
Sufficiency remains judicial question |
| C035 |
Open |
Plaintiff |
Must establish defendant, transaction, default, amount, ownership, and prerequisites |
S010, S013, S019–S020 |
Claim-specific |
| C036 |
Open |
Court/commissioner |
Informal evidence allowed, but essential fact not solely oral hearsay unless admissible |
S013 §799.209 |
Documents can still need reliable connection |
| C037 |
Open |
Merchant |
Current §425.109 applies to merchant enforcing consumer-credit transaction |
S019; S021 |
Merchant/transaction classification required |
| C038 |
Open |
Open-end merchant |
Complaint needs date-certain balance and later charge/interest/payment totals |
S019 §425.109(1)(d)1 |
Actual records required |
| C039 |
Open |
Closed-end merchant |
Complaint needs date-certain amount and later breakdown |
S019 §425.109(1)(d)2 |
Actual records required |
| C040 |
Open |
Merchant/customer |
Required writings/request procedure must be followed before default |
S019 §425.109(1)(h),(2),(3) |
Request timing/content factual |
| C041 |
Open |
Merchant with cure-required default |
Compliant notice and 15-day period precede suit |
S020 §425.105 |
Statutory exceptions exist |
| C042 |
Open |
Statutory currentness |
Act 155 replaced “creditor” with “merchant” |
S021 |
Old cases need amendment analysis |
| C043 |
Open |
Debt buyer |
Rsidue former-creditor holding is not current categorical exemption |
S021; S033 |
Current merchant definition unresolved here |
| C044 |
Open |
Assignee/debt buyer |
Must connect specific debt through assignment chain |
S032 ¶19 |
Actual transfer documents |
| C045 |
Open |
Affiant |
Conclusory ownership assertion does not replace account-specific evidence |
S032 ¶¶22–25 |
Competent records can prove chain |
| C046 |
Open |
Record proponent |
Later collector employee may lack foundation for originator records |
S031 ¶¶10–19 |
Small-claims evidence is relaxed, not proof-free |
| C047 |
Open |
Deficiency claimant |
Commercially reasonable collateral disposition can be prima facie element |
S032 ¶¶28–29 |
Only relevant to deficiency claims |
| C048 |
Open |
Plaintiff seeking nonappearance default |
Must file military-status affidavit or inability declaration |
S030 §3931(b) |
Defendant must not have appeared |
| C049 |
Open |
Court / servicemember |
If military service appears, counsel appointment precedes default |
S030 §3931(b)(2) |
SCRA details apply |
| C050 |
Open |
Court / servicemember |
Minimum 90-day stay under specified defense/contact conditions |
S030 §3931(d) |
Not automatic in every case |
| C051 |
Open |
Judgment creditor |
Default does not itself authorize postjudgment collection acts |
Scope boundary |
Separate modules |
| C052 |
Open |
Contested parties |
Defense route proceeds to trial and substantive-law adjudication |
S009, S013 |
Trial evidence/facts |
| C053 |
Open |
Form user |
Statute supersedes outdated form |
S003, S022–S029 |
Future updates unknown |
| C054 |
Open |
County user |
Statewide forms do not certify all county answer/service/remote rules |
S023–S029 |
72 counties unexamined |
| C055 |
Open |
Registry |
PASS-16 appends only small-claims D1 gateway |
Reviewed row |
No parent/A066/A097/A098 acceptance |
| C056 |
Open |
Calendar model |
First day excluded; sub-11-day periods exclude weekends/holidays |
S017 §801.15 |
Clerk closure and category can alter |
| C057 |
Open |
Default claimant |
GF-175 records declaration facts but is not military-status adjudication |
S028, S030 |
Actual verification excluded |
| C058 |
Open |
Content designer |
Safe tool must expose amount, category, service, local answer, proof, and current date |
Claims above |
No build/publication |
Atomic-claim count: 58.
Complete granular core coverage
| # |
Requested subissue |
Status |
Claims |
Evidence |
Exact remaining fact or next action |
| 1 |
Current official chapter 799 body |
Unresolved |
C001 |
S001 |
Obtain integrated operative body |
| 2 |
Current ordinary money ceiling |
Answered |
C002 |
S002, S004 |
Filing date controls |
| 3 |
Future $15,000 amendment |
Answered for Jan. 1, 2027 |
C004 |
S003 |
Later phases held |
| 4 |
Exactly $10,000 |
Answered |
C002 |
S002, S004 |
Other demanded components |
| 5 |
Above $10,000 |
Outside current branch as demanded |
C002, C045 |
S002 |
Waiver/reduction facts |
| 6 |
Tort ceiling |
Boundary answered |
C003 |
S002, S004 |
Tort module excluded |
| 7 |
Eviction amount |
Boundary answered |
C003 |
S002, S004 |
Eviction procedure excluded |
| 8 |
Replevin thresholds |
Boundary answered |
C003 |
S002 |
Replevin procedure excluded |
| 9 |
Garnishment branch |
Boundary only |
C003 |
S002 |
Postjudgment modules separate |
| 10 |
Interest within ceiling |
Partial |
C005 |
S004, S022 |
Component characterization |
| 11 |
Costs within ceiling |
Partial |
C005 |
S022 |
Statutory vs contractual |
| 12 |
Attorney fees within ceiling |
Partial |
C005 |
S022 |
Contract/statute/classification |
| 13 |
Filing summons and complaint |
Answered |
C006 |
S015 |
Actual filing excluded |
| 14 |
90-day authenticated service |
Answered |
C007 |
S015 |
Actual date |
| 15 |
Prefiling service local rule |
Answered conditionally |
C008 |
S008 |
County rule |
| 16 |
Written complaint |
Answered |
C009 |
S006 |
Substantive attachment rules |
| 17 |
Complaint notarization |
Not required by court |
C009 |
S006 |
Verification may be used for default |
| 18 |
Complaint facts/dates |
Answered |
C009 |
S006, S022 |
Actual transaction |
| 19 |
Summons demand |
Answered |
C010 |
S005 |
Actual classification |
| 20 |
Summons amount |
Answered |
C010 |
S005 |
Correct balance |
| 21 |
Summons response warning |
Answered |
C010 |
S005 |
Local wording |
| 22 |
Resident return minimum |
Answered |
C011 |
S005 |
Eviction differs |
| 23 |
Resident return maximum |
Answered |
C011 |
S005 |
Closure adjustment |
| 24 |
Eight-day pre-return service |
Answered |
C011–C012 |
S005, S017 |
Actual service |
| 25 |
Nonresident minimum |
Answered |
C013 |
S005 |
Return date |
| 26 |
Natural-person personal service |
Answered |
C014 |
S016 |
Proof |
| 27 |
Substitute service |
Answered conditionally |
C015 |
S016 |
Diligence, abode, recipient |
| 28 |
Entity service |
Answered generally |
C016 |
S016 |
Entity type/agent |
| 29 |
Service proof |
Answered as evidence mechanism |
C017, C022 |
S024, S029 |
Legal sufficiency |
| 30 |
Local-rule mail service |
Answered |
C018 |
S008 |
County rule |
| 31 |
Clerk performs mail service |
Answered |
C018 |
S008 |
Private mail insufficient |
| 32 |
Certified mail |
Conditional |
C018 |
S008 |
Local rule/category |
| 33 |
Mail completion |
Answered |
C020 |
S008 |
Returned envelope |
| 34 |
County limitation on mailed personal judgment |
Answered |
C019 |
S008 |
Residence/jurisdiction |
| 35 |
Publication after diligence |
Answered |
C021 |
S008 |
Actual diligence |
| 36 |
Publication plus mailing |
Answered |
C021 |
S008 |
Address ascertainability |
| 37 |
New publication return date |
Answered |
C021 |
S008 |
Clerk date |
| 38 |
Publication personal jurisdiction |
Unresolved fact/application |
C021 |
S008, S016 |
Diligence and notice facts |
| 39 |
Return-date answer |
Answered |
C023 |
S009 |
Local process |
| 40 |
Motion to dismiss |
Answered |
C023 |
S009 |
Grounds |
| 41 |
Oral answer |
Permitted generally |
C025 |
S006 |
Local/case writing rule |
| 42 |
Written answer statewide |
Not universal |
C025–C028 |
S006, S025–S027 |
Summons/local rule |
| 43 |
Telephone answer |
Local-rule branch |
C026 |
S010 |
County implementation |
| 44 |
Mail answer |
Local-rule branch |
C026 |
S010 |
Receipt/manner |
| 45 |
Nonresident mail answer |
Mandatory local option |
C027 |
S010 |
Manner set by rule |
| 46 |
Proper remote answer equals appearance |
Answered |
C026 |
S010 |
Compliance factual |
| 47 |
Court inquiry after appearance |
Answered |
C024 |
S009 |
Defense content |
| 48 |
Trial scheduling after defense |
Answered |
C024, C052 |
S009 |
Settlement/dismissal |
| 49 |
Individual self-representation |
Answered |
C029 |
S006 |
Capacity |
| 50 |
Entity representative |
Answered generally |
C029 |
S006 |
Authority |
| 51 |
Assignee employee appearance |
Restricted |
C029 |
S006 |
Lawyer status |
| 52 |
Consumer-credit venue |
Answered gateway |
C030 |
S018 |
Transaction/waiver |
| 53 |
Other venue |
Deferred |
— |
S007 |
Full venue module |
| 54 |
Plaintiff nonappearance |
Answered |
C031 |
S010 |
Court discretion |
| 55 |
Defendant nonappearance |
Answered |
C032–C033 |
S010 |
Service/proof |
| 56 |
Automatic default |
Rejected |
C032–C034 |
S010 |
Due proof required |
| 57 |
Verified complaint |
Permitted proof route |
C034 |
S010 |
Sufficiency |
| 58 |
Affidavit |
Permitted proof route |
C034 |
S010 |
Knowledge/foundation |
| 59 |
Sworn testimony |
Permitted proof route |
C034 |
S010 |
Substantive proof |
| 60 |
Other evidence |
Permitted |
C034 |
S010 |
Reliability |
| 61 |
Correct defendant |
Required merits element |
C035 |
S010, S013 |
Identity records |
| 62 |
Agreement/transaction |
Required merits element |
C035 |
S009–S013 |
Actual records |
| 63 |
Default event |
Required merits element |
C035 |
S019–S020 |
Actual breach |
| 64 |
Balance calculation |
Required merits element |
C035, C038–C039 |
S019 |
Ledger |
| 65 |
Payments and credits |
Required |
C035, C038–C039 |
S019 |
Account history |
| 66 |
Interest and fees |
Authorization/proof required |
C035 |
S019, contract law |
Full fee module |
| 67 |
Plaintiff ownership |
Required |
C044–C045 |
S032 |
Chain records |
| 68 |
Limitations |
Deferred but not cured by default |
C035 |
Scope |
Separate module |
| 69 |
Payment/release defense |
Not adjudicated here |
C035 |
Scope |
Actual records |
| 70 |
Informal proof |
Answered |
C036 |
S013 |
Court discretion |
| 71 |
Essential fact solely oral hearsay |
Restricted |
C036 |
S013 |
Admissibility exception |
| 72 |
Merchant transaction identification |
Answered |
C037 |
S019 |
Merchant classification |
| 73 |
Open-end date-certain balance |
Answered |
C038 |
S019 |
Actual statement |
| 74 |
Open-end charges/interest/payments |
Answered |
C038 |
S019 |
Actual ledger |
| 75 |
Closed-end breakdown |
Answered |
C039 |
S019 |
Actual ledger |
| 76 |
Collateral description |
Conditional |
C037 |
S019 |
Secured transaction |
| 77 |
Redemption/deficiency statement |
Conditional |
C037, C047 |
S019, S032 |
Collateral recovery |
| 78 |
Writings attachment/request |
Answered |
C040 |
S019 |
Request facts |
| 79 |
Noncompliant §425.109 complaint/default |
Default prohibited |
C040 |
S019 |
Amendment possible |
| 80 |
Cure notice |
Conditional prerequisite |
C041 |
S020 |
Exceptions/actual history |
| 81 |
Fifteen-day cure period |
Answered conditional |
C041 |
S020 |
Notice date |
| 82 |
Debt extinguishment from cure defect |
Rejected |
C041 |
S020 |
Dismissal may be remedy |
| 83 |
Act 155 merchant amendment |
Answered |
C042 |
S021 |
Current definition analysis |
| 84 |
Rsidue current categorical use |
Rejected |
C043 |
S021, S033 |
Later law |
| 85 |
Specific debt assignment |
Required |
C044 |
S032 |
Account-level evidence |
| 86 |
Generic portfolio documents |
Potentially insufficient |
C044–C045 |
S032 |
Attachments/context |
| 87 |
Conclusory affidavit |
Potentially insufficient |
C045–C046 |
S031–S032 |
Competent foundation |
| 88 |
Original-creditor records |
Foundation required as applicable |
C046 |
S031 |
§799.209 qualification |
| 89 |
Deficiency commercial reasonableness |
Conditional prima facie issue |
C047 |
S032 |
Deficiency only |
| 90 |
Nonmilitary declaration |
Required before nonappearance default |
C048 |
S030, S028 |
Actual military status |
| 91 |
Unable-to-determine declaration |
Permitted |
C048 |
S030 |
Court may require bond |
| 92 |
Counsel for servicemember |
Conditional requirement |
C049 |
S030 |
Service status |
| 93 |
Ninety-day SCRA stay |
Conditional |
C050 |
S030 |
Defense/contact finding |
| 94 |
Default equals postjudgment collection authority |
Rejected |
C051 |
Scope |
Separate procedures |
| 95 |
SC-500I current use |
Answered |
C053 |
S022 |
Future amendment |
| 96 |
SC-5200V mandatory |
No |
C028 |
S027–S029 |
Local rule |
| 97 |
Service guide authority |
Guidance only |
C017, C053 |
S024 |
Statute controls |
| 98 |
County answer practice |
Uncertified |
C054 |
S023–S029 |
72-county review |
| 99 |
Remote appearance |
Local/current order dependent |
C026, C054 |
S025 |
County rule |
| 100 |
Current form after Jan. 1, 2027 |
Unknown |
C004, C053 |
S003, S022 |
Future form update |
| 101 |
D2 vacatur/reopening |
Explicitly deferred |
C055 |
Reviewed row |
Future module |
| 102 |
Tool/article design |
Answered as boundary |
C058 |
Claims above |
No build/publication |
| 103 |
P08 D1 old-to-new |
Answered |
C055 |
Reviewed row |
No retroactive acceptance |
Core coverage rows: 103.
Category and actor branches
| # |
Branch |
Status |
Claims |
Exact boundary |
| T1 |
Ordinary consumer money debt ≤ current ceiling |
Principal scope |
C002–C058 |
Actual claim excluded |
| T2 |
Ordinary non-consumer contract money claim |
Procedure generally applicable |
C002–C036 |
WCA-specific claims may not apply |
| T3 |
Original merchant |
Current §425.109 gateway addressed |
C037–C041 |
Merchant definition/facts |
| T4 |
Debt buyer / assignee |
Ownership and amended-statute boundary addressed |
C029, C042–C046 |
Full licensing and WCA status deferred |
| T5 |
Natural-person defendant |
Service/appearance addressed |
C014–C15, C23–C28 |
Actual capacity/address |
| T6 |
Corporation / LLC defendant |
Service and appearance addressed |
C016, C029 |
Actual agent/authority |
| T7 |
Wisconsin resident |
8–30-day return branch |
C011 |
Actual residence |
| T8 |
Nonresident |
20-day return and mail-answer branch |
C013, C027 |
Personal jurisdiction |
| T9 |
Tort / personal injury |
Excluded except threshold |
C003 |
Separate merits/procedure |
| T10 |
Eviction |
Excluded |
C003 |
Different clocks and service |
| T11 |
Replevin |
Excluded |
C003 |
Different proof and remedies |
| T12 |
Wage garnishment |
Excluded |
C003 |
P11 unreviewed |
| T13 |
Tribal defendant or tribal claim |
Unexamined |
— |
Tribal jurisdiction/service |
| T14 |
Federal defendant or federal debt |
Unexamined |
— |
Sovereign/federal procedure |
| T15 |
Foreign-country defendant |
Unexamined |
— |
International service/jurisdiction |
| T16 |
All 72 Wisconsin counties |
Not certified |
C054 |
Local answer, mail, remote, fee, holiday rules |
Category/territorial rows: 16.
Deferred families
| # |
Deferred family |
Reason |
| D1 |
Ordinary large-claim civil commencement and answer |
Separate chapter 802 module |
| D2 |
Reopening or vacating small-claims default |
Express future P08 D2 module |
| D3 |
Appeal, trial de novo, or commissioner review |
Outside present gateway |
| D4 |
Limitations and revival |
Separate substantive defense |
| D5 |
Full Wisconsin Consumer Act classification |
Only §§425.105/.109 gateway read |
| D6 |
Creditor, collector, and debt-buyer licensing |
P01/P02 unreviewed |
| D7 |
Validation and account-document rights |
P03 unreviewed |
| D8 |
Complete contract formation, modification, arbitration, and standing |
Actual documents absent |
| D9 |
Interest, attorney fees, costs, and charge authorization |
Only ceiling/proof boundary addressed |
| D10 |
Credit reporting |
Separate P04-P06 |
| D11 |
Identity theft |
Separate P09/P12 |
| D12 |
Medical financial assistance |
P07 unreviewed |
| D13 |
Earnings garnishment |
P11 unreviewed |
| D14 |
Bank garnishment |
P13 unreviewed |
| D15 |
Personal-property execution |
P14 unreviewed |
| D16 |
Exemptions |
P15 unreviewed |
| D17 |
Bankruptcy |
Separate federal module |
| D18 |
Local county rules and remote appearance |
No 72-county certification |
| D19 |
Complete current official chapter 799 body |
Source-access hold |
| D20 |
Complete appellate citator and unpublished decisions |
Not performed |
| D21 |
Actual account, party, service, military status, or docket |
Private records prohibited |
| D22 |
Publication, operations, Wisconsin parent, A066, A097, or A098 acceptance |
Expressly withheld |
Deferred rows: 22.
Workflow inventory
| Workflow |
Subject |
Main claims |
| 1 |
Ordinary claim below ceiling |
C002–C003 |
| 2 |
Claim exactly at ceiling |
C002 |
| 3 |
Claim one cent above ceiling |
C002, C045 |
| 4 |
Interest and cost classification |
C005 |
| 5 |
Return-date window |
C011–C012, C056 |
| 6 |
Ninety-day service period |
C006–C007, C056 |
| 7 |
Eight-day service lead |
C011–C012, C056 |
| 8 |
Unauthorized private mail service |
C018–C020 |
| 9 |
Missed return date with contested service |
C014–C017, C032–C034 |
| 10 |
Defendant appears and disputes |
C023–C024, C052 |
| 11 |
Merchant complaint missing itemization |
C037–C040 |
| 12 |
Debt-buyer assignment gap |
C044–C046 |
| 13 |
Organization nonlawyer appearance |
C029 |
| 14 |
Wrong defendant |
C032–C035 |
| 15 |
Form predating operative amendment |
C004, C053 |
Workflow count: 15.
Final researcher self-check
Fresh materials actually read
Freshly read or inspected:
- official Wisconsin chapter 799 index/search material and Act 105 snippets;
- current Wisconsin Court System small-claims page and forms index;
- 2025 read-aids for §§799.01, 799.05, 799.06, 799.11, 799.12, 799.20, 799.22, 799.206, 799.207, 799.209, 799.215, 801.02, 801.11, 801.15, 421.401, 425.105, and 425.109;
- official 2015 Act 155 amendment snippet;
- SC-500I, SC-6020V, SC-6050V, SC-6000V, SC-6040V, SC-5200V, and GF-175;
- current 50 U.S.C. §3931; and
- official published Palisades, Gemini, Rsidue, and Clearpointe opinions.
PDF page images actually inspected include the relevant statewide forms/guides, GF-175, Palisades printed/zero pages 4–9, and Gemini printed/zero pages 9, 11, and 14.
Currentness limits
- The complete current official chapter 799 body was not rendered.
- Official current snippets and current court forms corroborate the principal current thresholds and procedural branches.
- The Act 105 January 1, 2027 threshold change is supported by official amendment material; later phased increases were not fully read.
- No 72-county local-rule survey was performed.
- No complete citator or unpublished-order search was performed.
- A failed source was not converted into a no-law or permission conclusion.
Calculation check
The modeled calculations are internally correct:
- $10,000.01 − $10,000 = $0.01.
- $9,700 + $400 = $10,100.
- March 2 to March 12, 2026 produces 8 counted business days under the stated convention.
- March 2 plus 30 calendar days produces April 1, 2026.
- January 2 plus 90 calendar days produces April 2, 2026.
- May 5 through May 15 produces the modeled 8-day service lead when weekends are excluded.
They are not individualized deadlines or jurisdictional rulings.
Register reconciliation
| Register |
Visible rows |
| Source register |
34 |
| Atomic claims |
58 |
| Core granular coverage |
103 |
| Category/territorial branches |
16 |
| Deferred families |
22 |
| Fictional workflows |
15 |
| Old-to-new disposition rows |
6 |
| Content/tool opportunities |
3 |
Sources, claims, coverage rows, categories, deferrals, workflows, crosswalks, and opportunities are counted separately.
No actions performed
No named consumer, creditor, debt buyer, collector, merchant, company, attorney, servicemember, court case, docket, account, contract, property, address, license, payment record, service record, or private database was searched.
No summons, complaint, answer, affidavit, military declaration, service, publication, default request, filing, complaint, contact, record request, payment, purchase, account action, API, new chat, subagent, browser-control action, local coordinator file, website change, or publication occurred.
This is the researcher’s self-check, not independent review, complete current-law certification, an individualized service or default opinion, operational approval, publication approval, or acceptance of Wisconsin PASS-16, A066, A097, A098, or the parent dossier.
END S_WI PASS-16.