If the defendant does not appear, a default judgment will be granted. A defendant who is a resident of Milwaukee must appear in person on the court date to answer the complaint. Non-county residents may submit a written answer before the court date instead of appearing. Any defendant may file a counterclaim against the plaintiff or a cross complaint against a co-defendant. The parties should consider a settlement.
Mediators are available to help with settlement discussions.
If no settlement occurs, a hearing will be held immediately or scheduled for another date. A commissioner or judge will weigh the evidence and render a decision. Once the judgment is granted, it will be entered on the court record by the clerk of circuit court staff and a Notice of Entry of Judgment will be mailed to each party at their last known address. This notice will state the amount of judgment, including statutory costs. State law provides that if a person obtains a judgment for money, he or she is entitled to receive information regarding the financial status of the unsuccessful party within 15 days after entry of judgment.