802.04(2)
(2) Paragraphs; separate statements. All averments of claim or defense shall be made in numbered paragraphs, the contents of each of which shall be limited as far as practicable to a statement of a single set of circumstances; and a paragraph may be referred to by number in all succeeding pleadings. Each claim founded upon a separate transaction or occurrence and each defense other than denials shall be stated in a separate claim or defense whenever a separation facilitates the clear presentation of the matters set forth. A counterclaim must be pleaded as such and the answer must demand the judgment to which the defendant supposes to be entitled upon the counterclaim.
802.04(3)
(3) Adoption by reference; exhibits. Statements in a pleading may be adopted by reference in a different part of the same pleading or in another pleading or in any motion. A copy of any written instrument which is an exhibit to a pleading is a part thereof for all purposes.
802.04 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order,
67 Wis. 2d 585, 621 (1975);
1975 c. 218; Sup. Ct. Order, 171 Wis. 2d xix (1992);
1995 a. 27.
802.05
802.05
Signing of pleadings, motions and other papers; sanctions. 802.05(1)(a)(a) Every pleading, motion or other paper of a party represented by an attorney shall contain the name, state bar number, if any, telephone number, and address of the attorney and the name of the attorney's law firm, if any, and shall be subscribed with the handwritten signature of at least one attorney of record in the individual's name. A party who is not represented by an attorney shall subscribe the pleading, motion or other paper with the party's handwritten signature and state his or her address. Except when otherwise specifically provided by rule or statute, pleadings need not be verified or accompanied by affidavit. The signature of an attorney or party constitutes a certificate that the attorney or party has read the pleading, motion or other paper; that to the best of the attorney's or party's knowledge, information and belief, formed after reasonable inquiry, the pleading, motion or other paper is well-grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification or reversal of existing law; and that the pleading, motion or other paper is not used for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation. If a pleading, motion or other paper is not signed, it shall be stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader or movant. If the court determines that an attorney or party failed to read or make the determinations required under this subsection before signing any petition, motion or other paper, the court may, upon motion or upon its own initiative, impose an appropriate sanction on the person who signed the pleading, motion or other paper, or on a represented party, or on both. The sanction may include an order to pay to the other party the amount of reasonable expenses incurred by that party because of the filing of the pleading, motion or other paper, including reasonable attorney fees.
802.05(1)(b)
(b) If the attorney who signed a pleading, motion or other paper without reading the paper or making the determinations required by this subsection is representing a party under a contract made between a 3rd person and the party that requires that representation, and the 3rd person has actual knowledge that the pleading, motion or other paper is not well-grounded in fact or warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification or reversal of existing law or is used to harass, delay or increase the cost of litigation, the court may impose a similar appropriate sanction on the 3rd person.
802.05(1)(c)
(c) The requirement of a handwritten signature subscribing pleadings, motions or other papers filed in court may be satisfied by a duplicate, as defined in
s. 910.01 (4), if a handwritten signature appears on the original document and the signing party or his or her attorney retains the original document.
802.05(2)
(2) It is not a violation of
sub. (1) if a pleading includes as a party a person who is later dismissed from that action, and the party responsible for including that person acted reasonably in doing so and moves for or agrees to a dismissal of that person within a reasonable time after the party knew or should have known that the person was not a proper party to the action.
802.05(3)(a)(a) A court shall review the initial pleading as soon as practicable after the action or special proceeding is filed with the court if the action or special proceeding is commenced by a prisoner, as defined in
s. 801.02 (7) (a) 2.
802.05(3)(b)
(b) The court may dismiss the action or special proceeding under
par. (a) without requiring the defendant to answer the pleading if the court determines that the action or special proceeding meets any of the following conditions:
802.05(3)(b)2.
2. Is used for any improper purpose, such as to harass, to cause unnecessary delay or to needlessly increase the cost of litigation.
802.05(3)(b)3.
3. Seeks monetary damages from a defendant who is immune from such relief.
802.05(3)(b)4.
4. Fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.
802.05(3)(c)
(c) If a court dismisses an action or special proceeding under
par. (b), the court shall notify the department of justice or the attorney representing the political subdivision, as appropriate, of the dismissal by a procedure developed by the director of state courts in cooperation with the department of justice.
802.05(3)(d)
(d) The dismissal of an action or special proceeding under
par. (b) does not relieve the prisoner from paying the full filing fee related to that action or special proceeding.
802.05 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order,
67 Wis. 2d 585, 622 (1975);
1975 c. 218;
1987 a. 256; Sup. Ct. Order, 161 Wis. 2d xvii (1991); Sup. Ct. Order, 171 Wis. 2d xix (1992);
1997 a. 133.
Effective date note
Judicial Council Note, 1991: Pleadings, papers and other documents filed in court are required to be subscribed with the handwritten signatures of parties or counsel. Sub. (1) (c) is created to clarify that copies of the original papers may be filed in court with the same effect as originals. [Re Order eff. 7-1-91]
802.05 Annotation
This section does not allow a "good faith" defense, but imposes an affirmative duty of reasonable inquiry before filing. A party prevailing on appeal in defense of an award under this section is entitled to a further award without showing that the appeal itself is frivolous under s. 809.25(3). Riley v. Isaacson,
156 Wis. 2d 249,
456 Wis. 2d 619 (Ct. App. 1990).
802.05 Annotation
An unsigned summons served with a signed complaint is a technical defect, which in the absence of prejudice does not deny the trial court personal jurisdiction. This section places a personal obligation on the attorney to assure that there are grounds for the contents of the pleading, which is satisfied by the signing of the complaint. Gaddis v. LaCrosse Products, Inc.
198 Wis. 2d 396,
542 N.W.2d 454 (1996).
802.05 Annotation
The return of a writ of certiorari is an "other document" under this section. Attorney failure to verify its correctness before signing the return was ground for sanctions. State ex rel. Campbell v. Town of Delevan,
210 Wis. 2d 240,
565 N.W.2d 209 (Ct. App. 1997).
802.05 Annotation
In determining the reasonableness of an attorney's inquiry, a court must consider: 1) the amount of time the attorney had to investigate the claims, 2) the extent to which the attorney had to rely on the client for the underlying facts, 3) whether the case was accepted from another attorney, 4) the complexity of the facts and 5) whether discovery would benefit the factual record. At minimum some affirmative investigation is required. Belich v. Szymaszek,
224 Wis. 2d 419,
592 N.W.2d 254 (Ct. App. 1999).
802.05 Annotation
The incorporation of this section by s. 814.025 allows the the trial court on a motion filed under s. 814.025 to award attorney fees based on both sections. Belich v. Szymaszek,
224 Wis. 2d 419,
592 N.W.2d 254 (Ct. App. 1999).
802.05 Annotation
A plaintiff need not as a matter of course exhaust outside sources of information before embarking on formal discovery. However, a plaintiff may not rely on formal discovery to establish the factual basis of its cause of action, thereby escaping the mandates of ss. 802.05 and 814.025, when the required factual basis could be established without discovery. Jandrt v. Jerome Foods, Inc.
227 Wis. 2d 531,
597 N.W.2d 744 (1999).
802.05 Annotation
The Effect of Jandrt on Satellite Litigation. Geske & Gleisner. Wis. Law. May 2000.
802.06
802.06
Defenses and objection; when and how presented; by pleading or motion; motion for judgment on the pleadings. 802.06(1)(1)
When presented. Except when a court dismisses an action or special proceeding under
s. 802.05 (3), a defendant shall serve an answer within 45 days after the service of the complaint upon the defendant. If a guardian ad litem is appointed for a defendant, the guardian ad litem shall have 45 days after appointment to serve the answer. A party served with a pleading stating a cross-claim against the party shall serve an answer thereto within 45 days after the service upon the party. The plaintiff shall serve a reply to a counterclaim in the answer within 45 days after service of the answer. The state or an agency of the state or an officer, employee or agent of the state shall serve an answer to the complaint or to a cross-claim or a reply to a counterclaim within 45 days after service of the pleading in which the claim is asserted. If any pleading is ordered by the court, it shall be served within 45 days after service of the order, unless the order otherwise directs. The service of a motion permitted under
sub. (2) alters these periods of time as follows, unless a different time is fixed by order of the court: if the court denies the motion or postpones its disposition until the trial on the merits, the responsive pleading shall be served within 10 days after notice of the court's action; or if the court grants a motion for a more definite statement, the responsive pleading shall be served within 10 days after the service of the more definite statement.
802.06(2)(a)(a) Every defense, in law or fact, except the defense of improper venue, to a claim for relief in any pleading, whether a claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or 3rd-party claim, shall be asserted in the responsive pleading thereto if one is required, except that the following defenses may at the option of the pleader be made by motion:
802.06(2)(a)5.
5. Untimeliness or insufficiency of service of summons or process.
802.06(2)(a)6.
6. Failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
802.06(2)(a)10.
10. Another action pending between the same parties for the same cause.
802.06(2)(b)
(b) A motion making any of the defenses in
par. (a) 1. to
10. shall be made before pleading if a further pleading is permitted. Objection to venue shall be made in accordance with
s. 801.51. If a pleading sets forth a claim for relief to which the adverse party is not required to serve a responsive pleading, the adverse party may assert at the trial any defense in law or fact to that claim for relief. If on a motion asserting the defense described in
par. (a) 6. to dismiss for failure of the pleading to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, or on a motion asserting the defenses described in
par. (a) 8. or
9., matters outside of the pleadings are presented to and not excluded by the court, the motion shall be treated as one for summary judgment and disposed of as provided in
s. 802.08, and all parties shall be given reasonable opportunity to present all material made pertinent to such a motion by
s. 802.08.
802.06(3)
(3) Judgment on the pleadings. After issue is joined between all parties but within time so as not to delay the trial, any party may move for judgment on the pleadings. Prior to a hearing on the motion, any party who was prohibited under
s. 802.02 (1m) from specifying the amount of money sought in the demand for judgment shall specify that amount to the court and to the other parties. If, on a motion for judgment on the pleadings, matters outside the pleadings are presented to and not excluded by the court, the motion shall be treated as one for summary judgment and disposed of as provided in
s. 802.08, and all parties shall be given reasonable opportunity to present all material made pertinent to the motion by
s. 802.08.
802.06(4)
(4) Preliminary hearings. The defenses specifically listed in
sub. (2), whether made in a pleading or by motion, the motion for judgment under
sub. (3) and the motion to strike under
sub. (6) shall be heard and determined before trial on motion of any party, unless the judge to whom the case has been assigned orders that the hearing and determination thereof be deferred until the trial. The hearing on the defense of lack of jurisdiction over the person or property shall be conducted in accordance with
s. 801.08.
802.06(5)
(5) Motion for more definite statement. If a pleading to which a responsive pleading is permitted is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably be required to frame a responsive pleading, the party may move for a more definite statement before interposing a responsive pleading. The motion shall point out the defects complained of and the details desired. If the motion is granted and the order of the court is not obeyed within 10 days after notice of the order or within such other time as the court may fix, the court may strike the pleading to which the motion was directed or make such order as it deems just.
802.06(6)
(6) Motion to strike. Upon motion made by a party before responding to a pleading or, if no responsive pleading is permitted upon motion made by a party within 45 days after the service of the pleading upon the party or upon the court's own initiative at any time, the court may order stricken from any pleading any insufficient defense or any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, scandalous or indecent matter.
802.06(7)
(7) Consolidation of defenses in motions. A party who makes a motion under this section may join with it any other motions herein provided for and then available to the party. If a party makes a motion under this section but omits therefrom any defense or objection then available to the party which this section permits to be raised by motion, the party shall not thereafter make a motion based on the defense or objection so omitted, except a motion as provided in
sub. (8) (b) to
(d) on any of the grounds there stated.
802.06(8)
(8) Waiver or preservation of certain defenses. 802.06(8)(a)(a) A defense of lack of jurisdiction over the person or the property, insufficiency of process, untimeliness or insufficiency of service of process or another action pending between the same parties for the same cause is waived only if any of the following conditions is met:
802.06(8)(a)1.
1. The defense is omitted from a motion in the circumstances described in
sub. (7).
802.06(8)(a)2.
2. The defense is neither made by motion under this section nor included in a responsive pleading.
802.06(8)(b)
(b) A defense of failure to join a party indispensable under
s. 803.03 or of res judicata may be made in any pleading permitted or ordered under
s. 802.01 (1), or by motion before entry of the final pretrial conference order. A defense of statute of limitations, failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, and an objection of failure to state a legal defense to a claim may be made in any pleading permitted or ordered under
s. 802.01 (1), or by a motion for judgment on the pleadings, or otherwise by motion within the time limits established in the scheduling order under
s. 802.10 (3).
802.06(8)(c)
(c) If it appears by motion of the parties or otherwise that the court lacks jurisdiction of the subject matter, the court shall dismiss the action.
802.06(8)(d)
(d) A defense of lack of capacity may be raised within the time permitted under
s. 803.01.
802.06(9)
(9) Telephone hearings. Oral argument permitted on motions under this section may be heard as prescribed in
s. 807.13 (1).
802.06 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order,
67 Wis. 2d 585, 623 (1975);
1975 c. 218; Sup. Ct. Order, 73 Wis. 2d xxxi; Sup. Ct. Order, 82 Wis. 2d ix;
1977 c. 260;
1977 c. 447 ss.
196,
210;
1979 c. 110 ss.
51,
60 (7);
1979 c. 323 s.
33;
1981 c. 390 s.
252; Sup. Ct. Order, 112 Wis. 2d xi (1983);
1983 a. 228 s.
16; Sup. Ct. Order, 141 Wis. 2d xiii (1987);
1987 a. 256;
1993 a. 213; Sup. Ct. Order No.
95-04, 191 Wis. 2d xxi (1995);
1995 a. 225,
411;
1997 a. 133,
187;
1999 a. 32.
802.06 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1976: Subs. (2) (e) and (8) make clear that, unless waived, a motion can be made to claim as a defense lack of timely service within the 60 day period that is required by s. 801.02 to properly commence an action. See also s. 893.39. Defenses under sub. (8) cannot be raised by an amendment to a responsive pleading permitted by s. 802.09 (1). [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1977]
802.06 Note
Judicial Council Committee's Note, 1977: Sub. (1) which governs when defenses and objections are presented, has been amended to delete references to the use of the scheduling conference under s. 802.10 (1) as the use of such a scheduling procedure is now discretionary rather than mandatory. The time periods under s. 802.06 are still subject to modification through the use of amended and supplemental pleadings under s. 802.09, the new calendaring practice under s. 802.10, and the pretrial conference under s. 802.11. [Re Order effective July 1, 1978]
802.06 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1983: Sub. (1) is amended by applying the extended response time for state agencies, officers and employees to state agents. The extended time is intended to allow investigation of the claim by the department of justice to determine whether representation of the defendant by the department is warranted under s. 893.82 or 895.46, Stats. [Re Order effective July 1, 1983]
802.06 Note
Judicial Council Note, 1988: Sub. (9) [created] allows oral arguments permitted on motions under this section to be heard by telephone conference. [Re Order effective Jan. 1, 1988]
802.06 Annotation
A motion under sub. (2) (f) usually will be granted only when it is quite clear that under no conditions can the plaintiff recover. Wilson v. Continental Insurance Cos.
87 Wis. 2d 310,
274 N.W.2d 679 (1979).
802.06 Annotation
Under sub. (2) (f), a claim should only be dismissed if it is clear from the complaint that under no conditions can the plaintiff recover. Morgan v. Pennsylvania General Ins. Co.
87 Wis. 2d 723,
275 N.W.2d 660 (1979).
802.06 Annotation
A plaintiff need not prima facie prove jurisdiction prior to evidentiary hearing under (4). Bielefeldt v. St. Louis Fire Door Co.
90 Wis. 2d 245,
279 N.W.2d 464 (1979).
802.06 Annotation
Since facts alleged in the complaint stated a claim for abuse of process, the complaint was improperly dismissed under sub. (2) (f) even though an abuse of process claim was not pleaded or argued in the trial court. Strid v. Converse,
111 Wis. 2d 418,
331 N.W.2d 350 (1983).
802.06 Annotation
Counsel's appearance and objection, affidavit and trial brief were adequate to raise issue of defective service of process; if not in form, in substance they were the equivalent of a motion under sub. (2). Honeycrest Farms, Inc. v. A. O. Smith Corp.
169 Wis. 2d 596,
486 N.W.2d 539 (Ct. App. 1992).
802.06 Annotation
Pleading failure to secure proper jurisdiction or alternatively failure to obtain proper service was sufficient to challenge sufficiency of summons and complaint served without proper authentication. Studelska v. Avercamp,
178 Wis. 2d 457,
504 N.W.2d 125 (Ct. App. 1993).
802.06 Annotation
Motions for sanctions under this section must be filed prior to the entry of judgment. Northwest Wholesale Lumber v. Anderson,
191 Wis. 2d 278,
528 N.W.2d 502 (Ct. App. 1995).
802.06 Annotation
A party does not waive the defense of lack of jurisdiction when 2 answers are filed on its behalf by 2 different insurers and only one raises the defense. Honeycrest Farms v. Brave Harvestore Systems,
200 Wis. 2d 256,
546 N.W.2d 192 (Ct. App. 1996).
802.06 Annotation
Trial courts have the authority to convert a motion to dismiss to a motion for summary judgment when matters outside the pleadings are considered. Schopper v. Gehring,
210 Wis. 2d 209,
565 N.W.2d 187 (Ct. App. 1997).
802.06 Annotation
A defendant may file a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim after filing an answer. A defendant who raises the defenses of failure to state a claim or the statute of limitations in an answer does not forfeit the right to bring those defenses on for disposition by subsequent motion. Eternalist Foundation, Inc. v. City of Platteville,
225 Wis. 2d 759,
593 N.W.2d 84 (Ct. App. 1999).
802.07
802.07
Counterclaim and cross-claim. 802.07(1)
(1)
Counterclaim. A defendant may counterclaim any claim which the defendant has against a plaintiff, upon which a judgment may be had in the action. A counterclaim may or may not diminish or defeat the recovery sought by the opposing party. Except as prohibited by
s. 802.02 (1m), the counterclaim may claim relief exceeding in amount or different in kind from that sought in the pleading of the opposing party.
802.07(2)
(2) Counterclaim maturing or acquired after pleading. A claim which either matured or was acquired by the pleader after serving the pleading may, with the permission of the court, be presented as a counterclaim by supplemental pleading.
802.07(3)
(3) Cross claim. A pleading may state as a cross claim any claim by one party against a coparty if the cross claim is based on the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences as is the claim in the original action or as is a counterclaim therein, or if the cross claim relates to any property that is involved in the original action. Except as prohibited by
s. 802.02 (1m), the cross claim may include a claim that the party against whom it is asserted is or may be liable to the cross claimant for all or part of a claim asserted in the action against the cross claimant.
802.07(4)
(4) Joinder of additional parties. Persons other than those made parties to the original action may be made parties to a counterclaim or cross-claim in accordance with
ss. 803.03 to
803.05.
802.07(5)
(5) Separate trials; separate judgments. If the court orders separate trials as provided in
s. 805.05 (2), judgment on a counterclaim or cross-claim may be rendered in accordance with
s. 806.01 (2) when the court has jurisdiction so to do, even if the claims of the opposing party have been dismissed or otherwise disposed of.
802.07 History
History: Sup. Ct. Order,
67 Wis. 2d 585, 628 (1975);
1975 c. 218; Sup. Ct. Order, 104 Wis. 2d xi;
1987 a. 256.
802.07 Annotation
A counterclaim based on contract must aver either satisfaction of any contractual condition precedent or an excuse, such as waiver, for not satisfying it. S & M Rotogravure Service, Inc. v. Baer,
77 Wis. 2d 454,
252 N.W.2d 913.
802.07 Annotation
A defendant may not join opposing counsel in counterclaims, but claims may be asserted against counsel after the principal action is completed. Badger Cab Co. v. Soule,
171 Wis. 2d 754,
492 N.W.2d 375 (Ct. App. 1992).
802.07 Annotation
This section does not contain mandatory counterclaim language but, res judicata bars claims arising from a single transaction that was the subject of a prior action and could have been raised by a counterclaim in the prior action if the action would nullify the initial judgment or impair rights established in the initial action. ABCG Enterprises v. First Bank Southeast,
184 Wis. 2d 465,
515 N.W.2d 904 (1994).
802.07 Annotation
Where collateral estoppel compels raising a counterclaim in an equitable action, that compulsion does not result in the waiver of the right to a jury trial. Norwest Bank v. Plourde,
185 Wis. 2d 377,
518 N.W.2d 265 (Ct. App. 1994).
802.07 Annotation
When a defendant obtains judgment on a counterclaim, the judgment extinguishes the defendant's right to recover on other counterclaims arising from the same transaction. Bankruptcy Estate of Lake Geneva Sugar Shack, Inc. v. General Star Indemnity,
32 F. Supp.2d 1059 (1999).
802.08
802.08
Summary judgment. 802.08(1)(1)
Availability. A party may, within 8 months of the filing of a summons and complaint or within the time set in a scheduling order under
s. 802.10, move for summary judgment on any claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or 3rd party claim which is asserted by or against the party. Amendment of pleadings is allowed as in cases where objection or defense is made by motion to dismiss.
802.08(2)
(2) Motion. Unless earlier times are specified in the scheduling order, the motion shall be served at least 20 days before the time fixed for the hearing and the adverse party shall serve opposing affidavits, if any, at least 5 days before the time fixed for the hearing. Prior to a hearing on the motion, any party who was prohibited under
s. 802.02 (1m) from specifying the amount of money sought in the demand for judgment shall specify that amount to the court and to the other parties. The judgment sought shall be rendered if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may be rendered on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine issue as to the amount of damages.
802.08(3)
(3) Supporting papers. Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal knowledge and shall set forth such evidentiary facts as would be admissible in evidence. Copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in an affidavit shall be attached thereto and served therewith, if not already of record. The court may permit affidavits to be supplemented or opposed by depositions, answers to interrogatories, or further affidavits. When a motion for summary judgment is made and supported as provided in this section, an adverse party may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of the pleadings but the adverse party's response, by affidavits or as otherwise provided in this section, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. If the adverse party does not so respond, summary judgment, if appropriate, shall be entered against such party.
802.08(4)
(4) When affidavits unavailable. Should it appear from the affidavits of a party opposing the motion that the party cannot for reasons stated present by affidavit facts essential to justify the party's opposition, the court may refuse the motion for judgment or may order a continuance to permit affidavits to be obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to be had or may make such other order as is just.
802.08(5)
(5) Affidavits made in bad faith. Should it appear to the satisfaction of the court at any time that any of the affidavits presented pursuant to this section is presented in bad faith or solely for the purpose of delay, the court shall forthwith order the party employing them to pay to the other party the amount of the reasonable expenses which the filing of the affidavits caused the other party to incur, including reasonable attorney fees.
802.08(6)
(6) Judgment for opponent. If it shall appear to the court that the party against whom a motion for summary judgment is asserted is entitled to a summary judgment, the summary judgment may be awarded to such party even though the party has not moved therefor.
