Wisconsin § 809.18 - Rule (Voluntary dismissal).

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 809.18 — Rule (Voluntary dismissal)., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 809.18. Rule (Voluntary dismissal).

809.18(1) (1) An appellant may dismiss a filed appeal by filing a notice of dismissal in the court or, if the appeal is not yet filed, in the circuit court. The dismissal of an appeal by the appellant or by agreement of the parties or their counsel does not affect the status of a lower court decision, the status of a cross-appeal, or the right of a respondent to file a cross-appeal. 809.18(2) (2) If the parties compromise or otherwise settle the entire matter in litigation prior to the issuance of the decision of the court of appeals, the appellant shall immediately inform the court in writing, signed by all parties, that the matter has been compromised or settled. Upon receipt of such information, the court shall dismiss the appeal in accordance with sub. (1) . 809.18 History History: Sup. Ct. Order, 83 Wis. 2d xiii (1978); 1995 a. 224 ; Sup. Ct. Order No. 01-15 , 2003 WI 94, 261 Wis. 2d xxxvii; Sup. Ct. Order No. 07-15 , 2008 WI 27, filed 4-2-08, eff. 7-1-08. 809.18 Note Judicial Council Committee’s Note, 1978: An appeal may be dismissed by the appellant at any time prior to a court decision on the appeal without approval of the court or the respondent. This changes the former procedure and modifies Rule 42, FRAP. The Rule specifically protects a respondent who has or intends to file a cross-appeal, and for this reason the appellant is authorized to dismiss the appeal at will. The filing of a notice of dismissal does not affect the liability of the appellant for costs or fees, or the power of the court to impose penalties under Rule 809.83 (1). [Re Order effective July 1, 1978] 809.18 Annotation This section does not require the dismissal of a petition for a supervisory writ upon the filing of a notice of voluntary dismissal. A petition for a supervisory writ is not an “appeal.” Peter B. v. State, 184 Wis. 2d 57 , 516 N.W.2d 746 (Ct. App. 1994). 809.18 Annotation The court of appeals must dismiss an appeal when an appellant files a notice of voluntary dismissal before the court issues its decision on the appeal. State v. Lee, 197 Wis. 2d 959 , 542 N.W.2d 143 (1996). 809.18 Annotation The date stamped on a court of appeals decision or order is the date it is issued and filed. That the clerk’s office mails appellate decisions to the parties the day before they are dated and filed does not mean that decisions are to be deemed to have been issued on the mailing date. A notice of voluntary dismissal filed on the day prior to an opinion being issued operates to automatically dismiss the appeal. State v. Jones, 2002 WI 53 , 252 Wis. 2d 592 , 645 N.W.2d 610 , 01-1155 .

Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 809.18

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 809.18 cover?

Section 809.18 ("Rule (Voluntary dismissal).") 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 § 809.18?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 809.18" (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 § 809.18 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.