State-Specific Legal Forms

Wisconsin quitclaim deeds must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and acknowledged before a notary. The deed is recorded with the Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located. A Real Estate Transfer Return (eRETR) is required.

Wisconsin has adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act. The POA must be signed by the principal and acknowledged before a notary public. It is durable by default unless expressly stated otherwise.

Wisconsin requires a will to be in writing, signed by the testator (or by another in their presence at their direction), and witnessed by two competent witnesses signing within a reasonable time. Holographic wills are not recognized.

Wisconsin's Natural Death Act allows competent adults to execute a Declaration to Physicians (living will) using the statutory form. The declaration must be signed by the declarant in the presence of two qualified witnesses.

The Wisconsin Uniform Limited Liability Company Law permits members to adopt an operating agreement that may be oral, in record form, or implied. Written agreements are strongly recommended and not filed with the Department of Financial Institutions.

Wisconsin's Residential Rental Practices (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134) and Chapter 704 govern leases. There is no cap on security deposits, but they must be returned within 21 days of move-out with an itemized list of deductions.

Wisconsin requires a 5-day notice to pay or quit (or 14-day notice to terminate) for nonpayment, a 5-day notice to cure (14-day for second violation in 12 months) for lease violations, and 28-day notice for month-to-month termination.

Wisconsin Small Claims Court is part of Circuit Court and hears civil claims up to $10,000 (eviction up to any amount; replevin up to $10,000). Attorneys are permitted but not required.

Wisconsin is a no-fault, marital property state. One spouse must have been a state resident for six months and a county resident for 30 days. There is a 120-day waiting period after service before the court may grant the divorce.

Wisconsin adults may petition the Circuit Court of their county of residence for a name change. The petitioner must publish notice in a local newspaper for three consecutive weeks before the hearing.

Wisconsin warranty deeds (Wis. Stat. § 706.10) convey property with full warranties of title. The deed must be signed by the grantor, notarized, and recorded with the Register of Deeds; eRETR transfer return required.

Wisconsin does not require a statutory bill of sale form. For vehicle transfers, the title assignment on the back of the certificate of title (Form MV1) suffices. A separate written bill of sale is recommended for proof of sale.

Wisconsin recognizes premarital agreements under the Marital Property Act. Agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, and entered voluntarily with full financial disclosure. Wisconsin is a community/marital property state.

Wisconsin landlords may charge an application fee not exceeding $20 (excluding actual cost of credit reports). Landlords must provide written denial reasons and comply with FCRA.

Wisconsin does not require demand letters for most lawsuits, but they are required before filing under the Wisconsin Consumer Act and certain insurance bad faith claims. Demand letters help document the dispute.

Wisconsin allows service by sheriff, private process server, or any person 18+ who is not a party. The server completes a notarized affidavit of service detailing manner, date, and place, which is filed with the court.

Wisconsin promissory notes are governed by Article 3 of the UCC. The legal interest rate is 5% absent a written agreement; written contracts may set rates up to 12% per year (higher for commercial loans).

Wisconsin enforces reasonable NDAs supported by consideration. The Wisconsin Uniform Trade Secrets Act provides additional protection for trade secrets, with remedies including injunctive relief and damages.

Wisconsin enforces non-competes that are reasonably necessary to protect the employer, reasonable in time and territory, and not harsh or oppressive. Wisconsin uses a strict 'all or nothing' rule — overbroad clauses are unenforceable in their entirety.

Wisconsin permits modification upon a substantial change in circumstances (rebuttable presumption after 33 months). The Bureau of Child Support uses the percentage-of-income standard; review every three years available.