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FA-5001V

Service by Publication Instructions

Wisconsin · Wisconsin Court System · Effective September 12, 2024

This form provides instructions for using 'Service by Publication,' which is a last resort method for officially notifying someone in a family law case. It outlines the steps needed to prove that the other person could not be found through normal means.

The court describes it as: Instructions for service by publication for family matters.

Open the official PDFfrom Wisconsin Court System

Where this fits in a case

General & info

Information / general use — not tied to one step of a case

This packet is only for people filing for divorce or legal separation. It is used when the person filing has already tried to serve the other party using the Sheriff's Department or a Private Process Server, and those attempts were unsuccessful.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

What is Service by Publication for?
It is a method used to officially notify someone in a family law case when other ways of serving them have failed.
Can I use this form if I just don't know where the person is?
No, you must first try personal service through the Sheriff's Department or a Private Process Server, and they must confirm they could not find the person.
What documents do I need to take to the Court?
You must bring the Declaration of Efforts to Serve Respondent form, your cover letter, the Publication Declaration of Mailing, and proof of the publication from the newspaper.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 10, 2026. The current version took effect September 12, 2024.

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