Wisconsin rules of civil procedure lays down the rules that should be followed by Wisconsin state courts. The rules govern civil actions. In Wisconsin a civil action commences by filing of a complaint. Party who commences the action is called the plaintiff, and the opposite party is called the defendant. A civil action can be classified into various stages that include: pleading stage, discovery stage, trial stage, and judgment stage.
Pleadings acceptable in Wisconsin courts are: complaint, answer to complaint, counter claim, reply to counter claim, cross claim, answer to cross claim, third party complaint and answer to third party complaint. A complaint should be filed by the real party in interest. If the real party in interest is a minor or individuals alleged or adjudicated incompetent, the person’s representative should file the complaint. The courts if found necessary will appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the minor or individuals alleged or adjudicated incompetent.
Parties may obtain discovery by depositions upon oral examination or written questions; written interrogatories; production of documents or things or permission to enter upon land or other property, for inspection and other purposes; physical and mental examinations; and requests for admission.
At the trial stage, a party may demand for trial by jury. A judgment is passed after trial.