893.33(1)
(1) In this section "purchaser" means a person to whom an estate, mortgage, lease or other interest in real estate is conveyed, assigned or leased for a valuable consideration.
893.33(2)
(2) Except as provided in
subs. (5) to
(9), no action affecting the possession or title of any real estate may be commenced, and no defense or counterclaim may be asserted, by any person, the state or a political subdivision or municipal corporation of the state after January 1, 1943, which is founded upon any unrecorded instrument executed more than 30 years prior to the date of commencement of the action, or upon any instrument recorded more than 30 years prior to the date of commencement of the action, or upon any transaction or event occurring more than 30 years prior to the date of commencement of the action, unless within 30 years after the execution of the unrecorded instrument or within 30 years after the date of recording of the recorded instrument, or within 30 years after the date of the transaction or event there is recorded in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which the real estate is located, some instrument expressly referring to the existence of the claim or defense, or a notice setting forth the name of the claimant, a description of the real estate affected and of the instrument or transaction or event on which the claim or defense is founded, with its date and the volume and page of its recording, if it is recorded, and a statement of the claims made. This notice may be discharged the same as a notice of pendency of action. Such notice or instrument recorded after the expiration of 30 years shall be likewise effective, except as to the rights of a purchaser of the real estate or any interest in the real estate which may have arisen after the expiration of the 30 years and prior to the recording.
893.33(3)
(3) The recording of a notice under
sub. (2), or of an instrument expressly referring to the existence of the claim, extends for 30 years from the date of recording the time in which any action, defense or counterclaim founded upon the written instrument or transaction or event referred to in the notice or recorded instrument may be commenced or asserted. Like notices or instruments may thereafter be recorded with the same effect before the expiration of each successive 30-year period.
893.33(4)
(4) This section does not extend the right to commence any action or assert any defense or counterclaim beyond the date at which the right would be extinguished by any other statute.
893.33(5)
(5) This section bars all claims to an interest in real property, whether rights based on marriage, remainders, reversions and reverter clauses in covenants restricting the use of real estate, mortgage liens, old tax deeds, death and income or franchise tax liens, rights as heirs or under will, or any claim of any nature, however denominated, and whether such claims are asserted by a person sui juris or under disability, whether such person is within or without the state, and whether such person is natural or corporate, or private or governmental, unless within the 30-year period provided by
sub. (2) there has been recorded in the office of the register of deeds some instrument expressly referring to the existence of the claim, or a notice pursuant to this section. This section does not apply to any action commenced or any defense or counterclaim asserted, by any person who is in possession of the real estate involved as owner at the time the action is commenced. This section does not apply to any real estate or interest in real estate while the record title to the real estate or interest in real estate remains in a railroad corporation, a public service corporation as defined in
s. 200.01, an electric cooperative organized and operating on a nonprofit basis under
ch. 185, or any trustee or receiver of a railroad corporation, a public service corporation or an electric cooperative, or to claims or actions founded upon mortgages or trust deeds executed by that cooperative or corporation, or trustees or receivers of that cooperative or corporation. This section also does not apply to real estate or an interest in real estate while the record title to the real estate or interest in real estate remains in the state or a political subdivision or municipal corporation of this state.
893.33(6)
(6) Actions to enforce easements, or covenants restricting the use of real estate, set forth in any recorded instrument shall not be barred by this section for a period of 40 years after the date of recording such instrument, and the timely recording of an instrument expressly referring to the easements or covenants or of notices pursuant to this section shall extend such time for 40-year periods from the recording.
893.33(6m)
(6m) This section does not apply to any interest in a conservation easement under
s. 700.40.
893.33 Note
NOTE: See note following s. 700.40.
893.33(7)
(7) Only the following may assert this section as a defense or in an action to establish title:
893.33(7)(b)
(b) A successor of a purchaser of real estate, if the time for commencement of an action or assertion of a defense or counterclaim under this section had expired at the time the rights of the purchaser in the real estate arose.
893.33(8)
(8) If a period of limitation prescribed in s.
893.15 (5), 1977 stats., has begun to run prior to July 1, 1980, an action shall be commenced within the period prescribed by s.
893.15, 1977 stats., or 40 years after July 1, 1980, whichever first terminates.
893.33(9)
(9) Section
893.15, 1977 stats., does not apply to extend the time for commencement of an action or assertion of a defense or counterclaim with respect to an instrument or notice recorded on or after July 1, 1980. If a cause of action is subject to
sub. (8) the recording of an instrument or notice as provided by this section after July 1, 1980 extends the time for commencement of an action or assertion of a defense or counterclaim as provided in this section, except that the time within which the notice or instrument must be recorded if the time is to be extended as to purchasers is the time limited by
sub. (8).
893.33 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979 [deleted in part]: This section is based primarily on previous 893.15. That section, an interesting combination of limitations statute and marketable title statute, was of significant help to real estate titles since enactment in 1941. The beneficial effects were strengthened and expanded by enactment of s. 706.09 in 1967. This draft preserves the useful essence of previous s. 893.15, while updating some language. Changes which affect substance are:
893.33 Annotation
(1) The 60-year provision relating to easements and covenants is reduced to 40 years.
893.33 Annotation
(2) New subs. (8) and (9) are transitional provisions applying to limitation periods already running the period specified in previous s. 893.15, or the period in this statute, whichever is shorter.
893.33 Annotation
(5) This draft makes explicit that only those who purchase for valuable consideration after the period of limitation has run or their successors may avail themselves of the benefits of this statute. There is no requirement that the purchaser be without notice, which is to be contrasted with s. 706.09 of the statutes where periods far shorter than 30 years are specified in many subsections. [Bill 326-A]
893.33 Annotation
"Transaction or event" under s. 893.15 (1), 1975 stats. as applied to adverse possession means adverse possession for time period necessary to obtain title. Upon expiration of this period, the limitation under s. 893.15 (1), 1975 stats. commences to run. Leimert v. McCann, 79 W (2d) 289, 255 NW (2d) 526.
893.33 Annotation
This section protects purchasers only. State v. Barkdoll, 99 W (2d) 163, 298 NW (2d) 539 (1980).
893.33 Annotation
Public entity land owner was not protected from claim which was older than 30 years. State Historical Society v. Maple Bluff, 112 W (2d) 246, 332 NW (2d) 792 (1983).
893.33 Annotation
Hunting and fishing rights are an easement under sub. (6). There is no distinction between a profit and an easement. Figliuzzi v. Carcajou Shooting Club, 184 W (2d) 572, 516 NW (2d) 410 (1994).
893.34
893.34
Immunity for property owners. No suit may be brought against any property owner who, in good faith, terminates a tenancy as the result of receiving a notice from a law enforcement agency under
s. 704.17 (1) (c),
(2) (c) or
(3) (b).
893.34 History
History: 1993 a. 139.
893.35
893.35
Action to recover personal property. An action to recover personal property shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues or be barred. The cause of action accrues at the time the wrongful taking or conversion occurs, or the wrongful detention begins. An action for damage for wrongful taking, conversion or detention of personal property shall be commenced within the time limited by
s. 893.51.
893.35 History
History: 1979 c. 323.
893.35 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is based on previous s. 893.19 (6), without change in substance, but with some expansion of language to make clear that accrual of the cause of action is not delayed until the person bringing the action learns of the wrongful taking or detention. The limitation with respect to an action for damages is contained in s. 893.51. [Bill 326-A]
893.36
893.36
Secured livestock. 893.36(1)(1) An action by a secured party to recover damages or property, based upon the sale of livestock which when sold is the secured party's collateral, against the market agency which in the ordinary course of business conducts the auction of the livestock, or against a buyer in ordinary course of business shall be commenced within 2 years after the date of sale of the livestock, or be barred, if:
893.36(1)(a)
(a) The debtor signs or endorses any writing arising from the transaction, including a check or draft, which states that the sale of the livestock is permitted by the secured party; and
893.36(1)(b)
(b) The secured party does not commence an action, within 2 years after the date of sale of the livestock against the debtor for purposes of enforcing rights under the security agreement or an obligation secured by the security agreement.
893.36(2)
(2) This section does not apply to actions based upon a sale of livestock occurring prior to April 3, 1980, nor to an action by a secured party against its debtor.
Section 893.35 or
893.51 applies to any action described in
sub. (1) if the limitation described in
sub. (1) is not applicable.
893.36(3)(d)
(d) "Market agency" means a person regularly engaged in the business of receiving, buying or selling livestock whether on a commission basis or otherwise.
893.37
893.37
Survey. No action may be brought against an engineer or any land surveyor to recover damages for negligence, errors or omission in the making of any survey nor for contribution or indemnity related to such negligence, errors or omissions more than 6 years after the completion of a survey.
893.37 History
History: 1979 c. 323 s.
3; Stats. 1979 s. 893.36;
1979 c. 355 s.
228; Stats. 1979 s. 893.37.
893.37 Annotation
The discovery rule applies to statutes of limitations which limit the time to sue from the time when the action "accrues", setting the time that the action accrues as being the time of discovery. The discovery rule does not apply to this section because it is a statute of repose, a statute which specifies the time of accrual (in this statute the time when the injury occurred) and limits the time suit can be brought from that specified date. Castellani v. Bailey, 218 W (2d) 245, 578 NW (2d) 166 (1998).
ACTIONS RELATING TO CONTRACTS AND COURT JUDGMENTS
893.40
893.40
Action on judgment or decree; court of record. Except as provided in
s. 846.04 (2) and
(3), action upon a judgment or decree of a court of record of any state or of the United States shall be commenced within 20 years after the judgment or decree is entered or be barred.
893.40 History
History: 1979 c. 323;
1997 a. 27.
893.40 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section has been created to combine the provisions of repealed ss. 893.16 (1) and 893.18 (1). A substantive change from prior law results as the time period for an action upon a judgment of a court of record sitting without this state is increased from 10 years to 20 years and runs from the time of entry of a judgment. The separate statute of limitations for an action upon a sealed instrument is repealed as unnecessary. [Bill 326-A]
893.40 Annotation
Defendant was prejudiced by unreasonable 16 year delay in bringing suit; thus, laches barred suit even though s. 893.16 (1), 1973 stats. limitation did not. Schafer v. Wegner, 78 W (2d) 127, 254 NW (2d) 193.
893.41
893.41
Breach of contract to marry; action to recover property. An action to recover property procured by fraud by a party in representing that he or she intended to marry the party providing the property and not breach the contract to marry, to which
s. 768.06 applies, shall be commenced within one year after the breach of the contract to marry.
893.41 History
History: 1979 c. 323;
1981 c. 314 s.
146.
893.41 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section has been created to place into ch. 893 the statute of limitations for an action to recover property for an alleged breach of a contract to marry. See also note following s. 768.06. [Bill 326-A]
893.42
893.42
Action on a judgment of court not of record. An action upon a judgment of a court not of record shall be commenced within 6 years of entry of judgment or be barred.
893.42 History
History: 1979 c. 323.
893.42 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is previous s. 893.19 (1) renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. [Bill 326-A]
893.425
893.425
Fraudulent transfers. An action with respect to a fraudulent transfer or obligation under
ch. 242 shall be barred unless the action is commenced:
893.425(1)
(1) Under
s. 242.04 (1) (a), within 4 years after the transfer is made or the obligation is incurred or, if later, within one year after the transfer or obligation is or could reasonably have been discovered by the claimant.
893.425(3)
(3) Under
s. 242.05 (2), within one year after the transfer is made or the obligation is incurred.
893.425 History
History: 1987 a. 192.
893.43
893.43
Action on contract. An action upon any contract, obligation or liability, express or implied, including an action to recover fees for professional services, except those mentioned in
s. 893.40, shall be commenced within 6 years after the cause of action accrues or be barred.
893.43 History
History: 1979 c. 323.
893.43 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is previous s. 893.19 (3) renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. [Bill 326-A]
893.43 Annotation
A bonus plan to compensate for increased profits is a contract under s. 893.19 (3), 1969 stats. Younger v. Rosenow Paper & Supply Co. 51 W (2d) 619, 188 NW (2d) 507.
893.43 Annotation
An action to recover benefits under a pension plan is an action to enforce a contract, not an action for wages. Estate of Schroeder, 53 W (2d) 59, 191 NW (2d) 860.
893.43 Annotation
Section 893.19 (3), 1967 stats. applies to an action to recover contribution arising out of settlement of a tort claim. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v. Schara, 56 W (2d) 262, 201 NW (2d) 758.
893.43 Annotation
An action based on contract for personal injuries resulting from malpractice is subject to the 3-year limitation under s. 893.205, 1969 stats. Estate of Kohls, 57 W (2d) 141, 203 NW (2d) 666.
893.43 Annotation
An action by an insured against an insurance agent in failing to procure requested coverage is not an action against the insurer on the policy but is an action resting upon the agent's contract with the insured to procure the insurance coverage agreed upon, and is subject to the statute of limitations for contract. Estate of Ensz, 66 W (2d) 193, 223 NW (2d) 903.
893.43 Annotation
The cause of action for contribution is based upon a contract implied by law and must be brought within 6 years after the one joint tort-feasor has paid more than his share. Hartford Fire Ins. Co. v. Osborn Plumbing, 66 W (2d) 454, 225 NW (2d) 628.
893.43 Annotation
See note to 893.44, citing Sussmann v. Gleisner, 80 W (2d) 435, 259 NW (2d) 114.
893.43 Annotation
If object of disputed contract is the fruit of human labor rather than the labor per se, s. 893.19 (3), 1973 stats., applies rather than s. 893.21 (5), 1973 stats. Rupp v. O'Connor, 81 W (2d) 436, 261 NW (2d) 815.
893.43 Annotation
Limitation for action based on contract applies to claim for sales commission. Saunders v. DEC International, Inc. 85 W (2d) 70, 270 NW (2d) 176 (1978).
893.43 Annotation
Partial payment of obligation made prior to running of statute of limitations tolls statute and sets it running from date of payment. St. Mary's Hospital Medical Ctr. v. Tarkenton, 103 W (2d) 422, 309 NW (2d) 14 (Ct. App. 1981).
893.43 Annotation
Breach of roofing contract occurred when faulty roof was completed, not when building was completed. Limitations discussed. State v. Holland Plastics Co. 111 W (2d) 497, 331 NW (2d) 320 (1983).
893.43 Annotation
Unjust enrichment claim accrues when cohabitational relationship terminates; court does not determine which statute of limitations, if any, applies. Watts (Bischoff) v. Watts, 152 W (2d) 370, 448 NW (2d) 292 (Ct. App. 1989).
893.43 Annotation
A contract cause of action accrues at the time of the breach; the discovery rule is inapplicable. CLL Associates v. Arrowhead Pacific, 174 W (2d) 604, 497 NW (2d) 115 (1993).
893.43 Annotation
Unconscionability of contract claim is governed by this section rather than 893.18 (4). Dairyland Power Coop. v. Amax Inc. 700 F Supp. 979 (W.D. Wis. 1986).
893.44
893.44
Compensation for personal service. 893.44(1)
(1) Any action to recover unpaid salary, wages or other compensation for personal services, except actions to recover fees for professional services and except as provided in
sub. (2), shall be commenced within 2 years after the cause of action accrues or be barred.
893.44(2)
(2) An action to recover wages under
s. 109.09 shall be commenced within 2 years after the claim is filed with the department of workforce development or be barred.
893.44 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1979: This section is previous s. 893.21 (5) renumbered for more logical placement in restructured ch. 893. Actions to collect fees for professional services are brought under s. 893.43. [Bill 326-A]
893.44 Annotation
A stock-purchase plan as a reward for increased profits is not subject to s. 893.21 (5), 1969 stats. Younger v. Rosenow Paper & Supply Co. 51 W (2d) 619, 188 NW (2d) 507.
893.44 Annotation
Professional services by a physician or attorney may be nonetheless so categorized, although not customarily performed in his specialized field of activity, if requested by reason of his expertise and professional training, and when he then utilizes such knowledge and training, but whether they are to be so classified depends upon the entire factual context of the particular employment. Lorenz v. Dreske, 62 W (2d) 273, 214 NW (2d) 753.
893.44 Annotation
Section 893.21 (5), 1969 stats. does not apply unless services are actually rendered. Yanta v. Montgomery Ward & Co., Inc. 66 W (2d) 53, 224 NW (2d) 389.
893.44 Annotation
Where employer deducted "hypothetical tax factor" from salaries of its overseas employes so as to equalize compensation of its employes worldwide, action to recover amounts so deducted had to be brought within 2 year limitation period on wage claims, and not 6 year period on other contract claims. Sussmann v. Gleisner, 80 W (2d) 435, 259 NW (2d) 114.
893.44 Annotation
See note to 893.43, citing Rupp v. O'Connor, 81 W (2d) 436, 261 NW (2d) 815.
893.44 Annotation
See note to 859.02, citing In Matter of Estate of Steffes, 95 W (2d) 490, 290 NW (2d) 697 (1980).
893.44 Annotation
See note to 893.43, citing Watts (Bischoff) v. Watts, 152 W (2d) 370, 448 NW (2d) 292 (Ct. App. 1989).
