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FA-4122V

Publication Summons

Wisconsin · Wisconsin Court System · Effective November 21, 2019

This form is a notice that tells a person, who cannot be served in person, that a divorce or legal separation case has been started against them. It informs the person that they must respond by asking the court for a copy of the original paperwork within 40 days.

The court describes it as: To provide notice by publication in a newspaper to a respondent who cannot otherwise be served personally of the existence of an action for divorce or legal separation. Voluntary form.

Open the official PDFfrom Wisconsin Court System

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when a person needs to notify someone about a divorce or legal separation case through a newspaper publication because they cannot be served the papers in person.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

What is this form for?
This form is a Publication Summons used to notify someone about a divorce or legal separation case when they cannot be served the papers in person.
What must the person named as the respondent do?
The person named as the respondent must respond by asking the court for a copy of the Petition within 40 days from the day after the first date of publication.
Does the petitioner need an attorney?
The form suggests that it is recommended, but not required, that the person have an attorney help or represent them.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect November 21, 2019.

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