Rule (Form of papers)

Wis. Stat. § 809.81

in effect

The format of a document filed in the court must conform to the following requirements unless expressly provided otherwise in these rules: (1) Size. Formatted to fit 8.5 by 11 inch paper. (3) Style. Produced using either a monospaced or a proportional serif font. If handwriting is used, the text must be legibly printed and not include cursive writing, except the person’s signature. (4) Spacing and margins. Double-spaced with a minimum of a 1.25-inch margin on the right and left sides, and a minimum of a 1-inch margin on the top and bottom. (5) Pagination. Paginated at the center of the bottom margin using Arabic numerals with sequential numbering starting at “1” on the first page. (6) Appearance. Any process that produces a clear, black image on a white background. Carbon copies may not be filed. Imaged documents should be scanned at a resolution sufficient to ensure legibility. (7) Binding. Pages must be secured together at the top left corner. (8) Confidentiality. Every notice of appeal or other document that is filed in the court and that is required by law to be confidential shall refer to individuals only by one or more initials or other appropriate pseudonym or designation. (9) Captions. Except as provided in s. 809.81 (8) or when “petitioner” has been substituted for an individual’s name in the caption in an appeal from a domestic abuse protective order or harassment injunction, or when the clerk has given notice of a different caption, the caption of any document shall include the full name of each party in the circuit court and shall designate each party so as to identify each party’s status in the circuit court and in the appellate court, if any. In the supreme court, “petitioner” shall be added to the designation of a party filing a petition for review. The designation of a party responding to a petition for review shall remain the same as in the court of appeals.

Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/809.81Fetched: 10/7/2026