Default judgment in Wisconsin: how to set it aside

What a default judgment means and how to ask the court to set it aside, with a deadline calculator.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026.

Short answer

A default judgment means the court decided against you because you didn't answer. File a Motion to Reopen Small Claims Judgment (SC-515A) within 12 months after the judgment, showing a good reason for missing court.

Shortest time to ask
12 months (Motion to Reopen Small Claims Judgment (SC-515A))
Time to answer
Date on your summons

If you didn't answer in Wisconsin

If you do not appear or answer as the summons requires, the plaintiff will likely get a default judgment for what it asks, plus statutory court costs.

Asking the court to undo a default in Wisconsin

File a Motion to Reopen Small Claims Judgment (SC-515A) within 12 months after the judgment, showing a good reason for missing court. If you were served by mail and never got it, file a Petition to Answer or to Reopen (SC-511A) within 15 days after you learn of the case or judgment, and no later than 1 year after the judgment. If the case was filed in the wrong county, a motion to reopen must be filed within 1 year.

Law: Wis. Stat. §§ 799.29, 799.11(1), 799.14(1) (as cited on forms SC-515A and SC-511A); court guide SC-6000V (09/24)

Count your deadline to set aside a default

The date is counted in your browser.

The court's name is at the top of the judgment.

An estimate from our state data, not legal advice. Court holidays and local rules can change a deadline. File early, and ask the court clerk if you are not sure.

What the judgment means in Wisconsin

Interest after the judgment

1% plus the prime rate in effect on January 1 (for judgments entered January-June) or July 1 (for judgments entered July-December), fixed for the life of the judgment. For 2026 the rate is 7.75%.

How long it lasts

A docketed judgment is a lien on your real estate in that county for 10 years.

Law: Wis. Stat. § 815.05(8) (2011 Act 69); court guides SC-6060V, SC-6090V

After a judgment in Wisconsin

Mediation and settlement in Wisconsin

Some counties offer mediation services in small claims cases (Wisconsin Court System, SC-6000V).

Servicemembers

Before the court gives the plaintiff a default judgment, the plaintiff must file a sworn statement saying whether you are in military service.

Law: 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(1)

Steps after a default in Wisconsin

  1. Get the judgment papers

    Ask the clerk for a copy of the judgment and note the date on it.

  2. Mind the time limit

    Wisconsin's rule: File a Motion to Reopen Small Claims Judgment (SC-515A) within 12 months after the judgment, showing a good reason for missing court.

  3. Give your reason and your defense

    Courts usually ask for a good reason and a real defense.

  4. Watch for garnishment

    Until it is set aside, the judgment can be collected: read After a judgment in Wisconsin.

Free help in Wisconsin

Questions about default judgments in Wisconsin

How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in Wisconsin?

Small claims: the summons gives a return date and time. You must appear at the time and place stated, and/or file a written answer and give a copy to the plaintiff or its lawyer on or before that date and time, as the summons says. Rules differ by county. In a large-claim circuit court case, file a written answer within the time stated in the summons.

What if I miss the deadline in Wisconsin?

If you do not appear or answer as the summons requires, the plaintiff will likely get a default judgment for what it asks, plus statutory court costs.

Can I cancel a default judgment in Wisconsin?

File a Motion to Reopen Small Claims Judgment (SC-515A) within 12 months after the judgment, showing a good reason for missing court. If you were served by mail and never got it, file a Petition to Answer or to Reopen (SC-511A) within 15 days after you learn of the case or judgment, and no later than 1 year after the judgment. If the case was filed in the wrong county, a motion to reopen must be filed within 1 year.

Keep reading about Wisconsin

Sources

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.

Federal sources