Summary of Wisconsin's Foreclosure Laws

If you are facing foreclosure in Wisconsin, it’s important to understand some of the basics, including:

the most common type of foreclosure procedure (judicial v. nonjudicial) used in Wisconsin
how much time you have to respond
your rights and protections in the process, and
what happens afterwards (for example, whether you’ll be liable for a deficiency judgment).

Below we have outlined some of the most important features of Wisconsin foreclosure law. Keep in mind that this is just a summary; we’ve included statute citations so you can get more details from the laws themselves. And be sure to check out Nolo’s extensive Foreclosure section, where you can find information about all aspects of foreclosure, definitions of foreclosure terms (like redemption and reinstatement), and options to avoid foreclosure.

Topic	State Rule
Common type of foreclosure process	Judicial
Time to respond	After foreclosing party files lawsuit, homeowner has 20 to 30 days to respond. If foreclosure is granted, court issues judgment and order of sale. Sale can’t be held until one year after the judgment is entered, or six months after entry of judgment if the foreclosing party waives its right to a deficiency judgment.
Reinstatement of loan before sale	Available any time before judgment; homeowner may ask court’s permission to continue with reinstatement after judgment.
Redemption after sale	No
Special protections for foreclosures involving high-cost mortgages	Wis. Stat §§ 428.202 to 428.211
Special state protections for service members	Wis. Stat. § 321.62
Deficiency judgments	Must be requested in the foreclosure complaint
Cash exempted in bankruptcy	About $11,000 for one person, $22,000 for a married couple under federal bankruptcy exemptions
Notice to leave after house is sold	Homeowner may remain in possession pending sale.
Foreclosure statutes	Wis. Stat. §§ 846.01 to 846.25