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SC-517

Demand for Trial and Instructions (Small Claims)

Wisconsin · Wisconsin Court System · Effective September 12, 2024

This form is used in small claims court to ask for a trial before a judge. It requires the person filing to state when the case was decided—either by an oral decision or a written decision—and to confirm they will give copies of the form to everyone else involved.

The court describes it as: In counties where court commissioners conduct hearings, a decision becomes judgment unless one or both parties demand a trial before a judge within 10 calendar days of the oral decision or within 15 days of the mailing of written decision.

Open the official PDFfrom Wisconsin Court System

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Stage: Motions

This form is used in small claims cases in counties where court commissioners hold hearings. It must be filed if a party wants a trial before a judge within a certain time after the court commissioner makes a decision.

Either party may file.

Official instructions

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

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
The form is filled out by a party who is either the plaintiff or the defendant in the small claims case.
What must I do after filing this form?
If you file this form, you must mail or deliver copies to all other parties and any attorney involved, and you must keep proof that you did this.
What happens if I do not file this form on time?
The form notes that if you do not file a timely demand for trial, you lose the right to a trial and the right to an appeal.

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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