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Wisconsin · What this letter means

Wisconsin foreclosure letters and notices

The papers Wisconsin homeowners receive, in the order they usually arrive. Each page uses the name on the Wisconsin document, explains the deadline it starts under Wisconsin law, and lists what to do this week.

  1. Step 1

    Summons and Complaint (foreclosure)

    In Wisconsin, every home foreclosure is a lawsuit in circuit court, and the summons and complaint are how it starts. You usually have 20 days after you are personally served to file a written answer. The complaint also tells you whether the lender is waiving a deficiency, which sets how long you can stay before a sale.

    What it means
  2. Step 2

    Judgment of Foreclosure

    A Wisconsin judgment of foreclosure means the court has ruled for the lender and ordered a sale. For an owner-occupied home, it also starts a redemption period of 3, 5, 6, 8 or 12 months, and no sale can be held until that period runs. You still own the home and can pay off the judgment or sell during this time.

    What it means
  3. Step 3

    Notice of Sheriff's Sale (Notice of Foreclosure Sale)

    In Wisconsin, the sheriff or a court-appointed referee must advertise the sale of your home for at least 3 weeks before the auction. The notice is published and posted, not always mailed to you. The sale is not the end: the court still has to confirm it, and you may be able to redeem until then.

    What it means
  4. Step 4

    Notice of Motion to Confirm Sheriff's Sale (Notice of Confirmation Hearing)

    After a Wisconsin sheriff's sale, the lender asks the court to confirm it. If you appeared in the case, you must get at least 5 days' notice of that hearing, with the sale price and any personal judgment the lender wants. This hearing is your last chance to redeem or to object.

    What it means
  5. Step 5

    Writ of Assistance

    A writ of assistance is the Wisconsin court order that works like an eviction order after a foreclosure. The court can issue it once the sale is confirmed and you have not moved. You may be able to ask the court for more time or agree on a move-out date with the buyer.

    What it means

Got a letter not listed here? See every foreclosure letter explained, or how foreclosure works in Wisconsin.