Wisconsin § 799.20 - Answer; counterclaim and cross complaint.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 799.20 — Answer; counterclaim and cross complaint., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 799.20. Answer; counterclaim and cross complaint.
799.20(1) (1) Pleading on return date or adjourned date. On the return date of the summons or any adjourned date thereof the defendant may answer, move to dismiss under s. 802.06 (2) or otherwise respond to the complaint. 799.20(2) (2) Cross complaint. In the case of more than one defendant, any cross complaint by one defendant against another who has appeared shall be made or filed on the return date or any adjourned date. 799.20(4) (4) Inquiry of defendant who appears on return date. If the defendant appears on the return date of the summons or any adjourned date thereof, the court or circuit court commissioner shall make sufficient inquiry of the defendant to determine whether the defendant claims a defense to the action. If it appears to the court or circuit court commissioner that the defendant claims a defense to the action, the court or circuit court commissioner shall schedule a trial of all the issues involved in the action, unless the parties stipulate otherwise or the action is subject to immediate dismissal. In a residential eviction action, the court or circuit court commissioner shall hold and complete a court or jury trial of the issue of possession of the premises involved in the action within 30 days of the return date of the summons or any adjourned date thereof, unless the parties stipulate otherwise or the action is subject to immediate dismissal. 799.20 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 765 (1975); 1977 c. 449 ; 1979 c. 32 s. 66 ; Stats. 1979 s. 799.20; 1987 a. 208 ; 2001 a. 61 ; 2013 a. 76 .
Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 799.20
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 799.20 cover?
Section 799.20 ("Answer; counterclaim and cross complaint.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 799.20?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 799.20" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 799.20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.