Wisconsin Laws

This page summarizes ten Wisconsin laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Wisconsin Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Wisconsin, you generally have 3 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Wis. Stat. § 893.54). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Wisconsin Comparative Negligence Laws

Wisconsin follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). You can recover if your share of fault is 50% or less, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more you recover nothing.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Wisconsin Minimum Wage in 2026

The minimum wage in Wisconsin is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. It applies to most employees, with exemptions for some types of jobs. Overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Wisconsin Final Paycheck Laws

In Wisconsin, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday or within one month, whichever is earlier (within 24 hours for mergers, relocations or liquidations). If you quit, final pay is due: next regular payday. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Wisconsin Small Claims Court Limits

In Wisconsin, you can sue for up to $10,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the circuit court (small claims). Personal injury and other tort claims are limited to $5,000; the general limit is scheduled to rise to $15,000 on January 1, 2027.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Wisconsin Security Deposit Laws

Wisconsin security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 21 days. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Wisconsin Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Wisconsin, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 5 days to pay or move (14-day notice for month-to-month tenants in some cases; 30 days for leases over a year). Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Wisconsin Small Estate Affidavit

Wisconsin small estate limit: $50,000. Waiting period after death: none in general. Real estate: yes, recorded after notice to heirs. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case. The heir signs a sworn affidavit and presents it, with a death certificate, to whoever holds the property.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Wisconsin Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Wisconsin abolished common law marriage in 1917. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Wisconsin Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Wisconsin: 6 months in Wisconsin and 30 days in the filing county. Waiting period: 120 days after service or a joint filing. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

Find help near you in Wisconsin

Popular cities: Brookfield

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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