Civil Process
Serving Legal Documents
The Office of the Sheriff, by state statute, is responsible for the service of legal process in Milwaukee County. Deputy sheriffs are assigned to the Process Division and are responsible for the timely service of subpoenas, restraining orders, injunctions, summons and complaints and other legal documents. Papers and other process service including evictions can be processed in person or by mail.
For questions specific to your case, call the Process Division desk at (414) 278-5030.
Effective immediately, all writs or evictions will be processed in the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office Safety Building, 821 W State St, Room 102, Milwaukee.
If you have legal paperwork that you would like the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office to serve, you can either process in the office or by email [email protected].
We only accept online payments.
FAQ
How do I get a restraining order?
The process begins by getting the order from the courts. That process begins in the Courthouse room G-1. They will direct you through the court process. If you require additional assistance or need to talk to someone about your situation, contact the Sojourner Family Peace Center. You can also call or text the 24-hour Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline. Call: 414-933-2722 Text: 414-877-8100
How do I get court paperwork served on somebody?
Once you have all the correct documents from the court, and you want the Sheriff's Office to serve the papers, come to the Safety Building room 102, windows 3-5.
Does it cost to serve papers?
Yes. View the Serving Fees.
How do I get a tenant evicted?
The process begins with the court system. Once you have received the proper court paperwork, come to the Safety Building Room 102 window 6.
How To Start The Serving Process
By Mail
To begin process service, send the original and one copy of all legal documents along with the required fee (check or money order) and a self-addressed, stamped return envelope to:
Office of the Sheriff - Civil Process Cashiers
821 W. State Street Safety Building Rm 102
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Telephone: (414) 278-5030
Fax: (414) 223-1870
In-person
Eviction Papers
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Evictions are handled at window 6, Safety Building Room 102.
Non-Eviction Papers
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Papers are handled at windows 3 through 5, Safety Building Room 102.
A status of indigent report is required to waive the service fee.
For more information call (414) 278-4443.
Fees
- All legal papers (Summons, Notices, Subpoenas, Orders) $100
- Temporary Restraining Order-Harassment & Injunction $95.00
- Evictions/Foreclosures: $225 (includes a $105 process fee)
- Eviction hourly rate: $60 (per deputy sheriff, maximum 2)
- Evictions/Foreclosures: Return without Service: $135
- Writ of Replevin: $325
- Execution of Property: $85
The service fee for most general civil process papers will cover up to the first three attempts.