Fees & filing
The Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Office accepts documents for filing with the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals pursuant to the Wisconsin Rules of Appellate Procedure. For further information about the appellate process, please see the following publications. For more information about appellate eFiling visit the eCourts section.
- Appellate court fees
- Guide to Appellate Procedure for the Self-Represented
- eFiling guidelines
- User guides and training materials
- ePayment for Court of Appeals fees
Expedited appeals procedures
Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.17 provides the authority for the Court of Appeals to develop an expedited appeals program. The Docketing Statement is the tool by which the Court and the parties determine if the resolution of an appeal can be shortened.
All appeals in the Court of Appeals shall be eligible for the expedited appeals program except for the following: (1) appeals brought under s. 809.105; (2) appeals brought under s. 809.107; (3) no merit appeals brought under s. 809.32; (4) appeals brought under s. 974.06(7); (5) appeals in which a party represents himself or herself; and (6) appeals brought under s. 809.30 or 809.40(1) except for cases arising under chs. 48, 51, 55, or 938. A Docketing Statement must be filed in all eligible cases.
- Procedures for expedited appeals
- Rules for expedited briefing
- Docketing statement: Word or PDF
Note: Word version can be completed online and then saved/printed. PDF version cannot be completed online.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I file an appeal?
- How many copies of a brief do I have to file with the Court of Appeals?
- When will the court issue a decision in my case?
- How do I look up case information on cases pending in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals?
- Can I file papers via facsimile (fax)?
- What are the office hours for the Clerk's Office?
How do I file an appeal?
An appeal of a final circuit court judgment or order can be initiated with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals by filing a notice of appeal with the clerk of the circuit court for the county in which the judgment or order being appealed was entered.
Please refer to the Rules of Appellate Procedure, Chapter 809 of the Wisconsin Statutes, for specific information on initiating the appeal process. A handbook entitled The Guide to Appellate Procedure for the Self-Represented that provides simplified information on initiating an appeal is also available. A copy of the Rules of Appellate Procedure and the guide can be obtained from the Clerk's Office.
How many copies of a brief do I have to file with the Court of Appeals?
The Court of Appeals requires attorneys to file using the court’s appellate electronic filing system. Self-represented parties may sign up to use the eFiling system if they choose. Electronic filing parties electronically file one copy of each brief and appendix with the Court of Appeals.
Self-represented parties who do not eFile must file one paper copy of each brief and appendix with the Court of Appeals and serve one paper copy on any other party who is not signed up to use eFiling.
When will the court issue a decision in my case?
It is not possible to know exactly how long the appeal process will take in a particular case. The most recent statistics, however, indicate that the average appeal time, from the filing of the notice of appeal to the court's decision, is slightly less than 10 months. To obtain more specific statistical information regarding appeal times, you can download the Court of Appeals' Annual Report.
How do I look up case information on cases pending in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals?
Case information is available online. You may also telephone the Clerk's Office at (608) 266-1880 for the status of a case. It is helpful if you have the appellate court case number available.
Can I file papers via facsimile (fax)?
Yes, the Clerk's Office accepts some filings by fax. You cannot, however, file by fax any paper that requires a filing fee. Briefs, petitions, and indigency applications cannot be filed by fax. Please refer to the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Facsimile (Fax) Rule for specific requirements. The Clerk's Office fax number is (608) 267-0640.
What are the office hours for the Clerk's Office?
The Clerk's Office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for state holidays. Papers filed with the Clerk's Office must be delivered during the open hours of the office, as there is no drop-off receptacle. The office also serves as the Clerk's Office for the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Please telephone the Clerk's Office at (608) 266-1880 to obtain information on holiday closings. The Clerk's Office is located at 110 East Main Street, Suite 215, P.O. Box 1688, Madison, WI 53701-1688.