Order to Appear Guide

The Order to Appear (F-4142V) is the form that is generally used by the Petitioner to inform the Respondent that he/she is ordered by the court to appear for the final divorce/legal separation hearing on a specific date, time, and place.  This form is not required if the parties filed as joint petitioners or the respondent resides outside o the State of Wisconsin.

The information you will need to completed this form will be provided by the court on the Notice of Pre-Trial Conference.  Although your spouse will also receive this information and know the date of the hearing, you must use this form to officially order him/her to appear.

NOTE:  If your spouse does not appear for court and you cannot prove that he/she was ordered to appear, the court may not proceed with the final hearing and may rescheduled it, but if you can provide proof, the judge may go ahead with the final hearing without the respondent.

Procedural Checklist

1. Complete the Order to Appear.
2. Come to the Family Division Office between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, to have the form reviewed for completeness and obtain a Court Official's signature.
3. Make three (3) additional copies.
4. You must now have the other party(s) served.  For more information see the Service Packet.
5. Take the original proof that you served the other party [Admission of Service (FA-4119V) or Affidavit of Service (FA-4120V)] and the original Order to Appear to the final hearing.  Remember:  If you do not have these forms and the other party does not come to court, the court may not proceed with the final hearing and may reschedule it. 

Court Related Offices

Clerk of Circuit Court, Family Division Office
Waukesha County Courthouse, Rm C-153 
515 W. Moreland Blvd. 
Waukesha, WI 53188 
262-548-7544
http://courtselfhelp.waukeshacounty.gov

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Available Services:

Family Legal Clinic (By Appointment ONLY): Wednesdays with appointments starting at 3:00 p.m.

• 20 minutes of free legal advice with a volunteer attorney.
• Eligibility requirements: Individuals with a Waukesha County Case, do not have an attorney, have never utilized the Family Legal Clinic before, have family court related legal questions, and are in need of assistance. ​

Family Court Services
Waukesha County Courthouse, Rm C-345 
515 W Moreland Boulevard 
Waukesha, WI 53188 
262-548-7900

Office Hours: Monday -Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Available Services: Child physical placement related mediation and studies/evaluations

Waukesha County Child Support Enforcement Agency
Administration Building, Room 348 
515 W. Moreland Blvd. 
Waukesha WI 53188 
414-615-2586

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.