A Q&A guide to responding to a complaint in a trial court of general jurisdiction in Wisconsin. This Q&A addresses the time to respond, extending the time to respond, pre-answer motions, answers, replies to the answer, counterclaims, crossclaims, third-party claims (also known as impleader), and defensive interpleader. Answers to questions can be compared across several jurisdictions (see Responding to a Complaint: State Q&A Tool).

Following the suspension or modification of nonessential judicial functions in 2020 due to COVID-19, Wisconsin courts have resumed most operations, but local courts may impose special rules impacting some litigation (such as remote proceedings). Check the Wisconsin Court System: COVID-19 Orders and Information website for the latest developments in the jurisdiction.