Answering a Small Claims Complaint

An Answer is the formal document that tells the other party and the court the Defendant's response to a lawsuit. It allows the Defendant to indicate whether or not they object to the Plaintiff's claims and whether or not they have a counterclaim. In Waukesha County, Answers are required to be filed in every type of small claims case except Eviction. A written Answer must be filed with the court on or before the return date, with a copy provided to the Plaintiff. Once your Answer is filed and the matter is contested, all parties must attend mediation in an attempt to resolve the matter.

Answers are filed in the Civil Division of the Waukesha County Courthouse. Additional information about this subject can be found in the Basic Guide to Wisconsin Small Claims Actions.