Wisconsin

Wisconsin Legal Resources

Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of Wisconsin. Know your rights and find help.

Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Action of Wisconsin

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in southern Wisconsin covering housing, family, public benefits, consumer, and immigration matters.

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Wisconsin Judicare

Offers free legal assistance to low-income individuals in 33 counties of northern Wisconsin through a network of private attorneys.

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Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee

Provides free legal services to low-income Milwaukee County residents in family, housing, consumer, and public benefits matters.

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Legal Action of Wisconsin

Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents across Wisconsin in housing, family, and benefits.

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Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee

Serves low-income Milwaukee residents with free legal help in housing, family, and consumer matters.

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Court System Overview

The Supreme Court of Wisconsin is the court of last resort with seven justices. The Court of Appeals handles intermediate appeals across four districts with 16 judges. Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in all 72 counties. Municipal Courts handle local ordinance violations. Wisconsin also has specialized courts including drug courts, veterans treatment courts, and mental health courts.

Key State Laws & Protections

Wisconsin Residential Landlord-Tenant Law

Governs rental relationships under ATCP 134 and Wis. Stat. Chapter 704, covering security deposits, habitability, return deadlines (21 days), and eviction procedures.

Wisconsin Fair Employment Act

Prohibits discrimination in employment based on age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record, military service, and use of lawful products under Wis. Stat. 111.31.

Wisconsin Deceptive Trade Practices Act

Consumer protection law under Wis. Stat. 100.18 prohibiting deceptive representations in business with enforcement by DATCP and private right of action for pecuniary loss.

Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act

State FMLA providing up to six weeks of family leave and two weeks of medical leave per year for eligible employees, broader than federal FMLA in some respects.

Wisconsin Residential Landlord-Tenant Law

Governs rental relationships under Wis. Stat. Chapter 704, with protections for security deposits and habitability.

Wisconsin Fair Employment Act

Comprehensive anti-discrimination law covering employment with protections based on numerous categories including arrest and conviction record.

Bar Association

State Bar of Wisconsin
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Legal Aid Hotline

Need Immediate Legal Help?Call Legal Action of Wisconsin at 1-855-947-2529 for free legal assistance.

Emergency Legal Resources

National Domestic Violence Hotline

24/7 confidential support

1-800-799-7233

Wisconsin DV Hotline

Connects to local Wisconsin DV services

1-800-799-7233

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support

988

Recent Legal Updates (2025–2026)

Wisconsin Redistricting Reform (2025)

Implementation of new legislative maps following court-ordered redistricting, affecting representation and legal challenges.

Wisconsin Child Care Access (2025)

New programs and funding to expand access to affordable child care with associated worker protections.

Related Guides

Know Your RightsFind a LawyerLegal Aid ResourcesCourt Preparation

Filing Deadlines (Statute of Limitations)

Personal Injury

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Contract Disputes

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Property Damage

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Medical Malpractice

Statute of Limitations: 3 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Fraud

Statute of Limitations: 6 years

This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.

Court Filing Fees

Small Claims Court

Typical filing fee: $94.50 (claims up to $10,000)

Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.

Civil Court

Typical filing fee: $265-$350

Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.

Family Court

Typical filing fee: $184-$250

Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.

Free Legal Aid Organizations

Legal Action of Wisconsin

Free civil legal services for low-income residents in southeastern Wisconsin.

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Wisconsin Judicare

Free legal services for low-income residents in 33 northern Wisconsin counties.

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Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee

Free legal services for low-income Milwaukee area residents in housing, family, and consumer matters.

Visit Website →

State Bar Resources

State Bar of Wisconsin

Referral: Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 362-9082

Pro Bono: Wisconsin Pro Bono Programs and Access to Justice Commission.

Visit State Bar Website →
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Frequently Asked Legal Questions in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has multiple legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost legal help to income-eligible residents. You can also contact your local bar association for pro bono referrals, or visit our Legal Aid Finder to search by zip code.
In Wisconsin, tenants generally have the right to a habitable dwelling, proper notice before eviction, the return of security deposits within a specified timeframe, and protection from housing discrimination. Specific rules vary — visit our Tenant Rights Checker for Wisconsin-specific details.
Wisconsin allows expungement or record sealing for many misdemeanor and some felony convictions, typically after a waiting period and no subsequent offenses. Eligibility depends on the charge type, sentence served, and time elapsed. Use our Expungement Eligibility Checker to see if you qualify.
Wisconsin sets its own minimum wage, which may be higher than the federal minimum of $7.25/hr. Many cities within the state may have even higher local minimums. Use our Wage & Overtime Calculator to check the current Wisconsin minimum wage and calculate your pay.
The statute of limitations in Wisconsin sets the deadline to file a lawsuit after an injury or dispute. It varies by case type — personal injury, contracts, and criminal charges all have different limits. Use our Legal Deadline Calculator to find your specific deadline in Wisconsin.