(1) An order is rendered when it is signed by the judge.
807.11.Orders: rendition and entry.
Ch. 807: Miscellaneous Provisions · Last amended 1975 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceSection 807.11 distinguishes between an order being rendered, which happens when the judge signs it, and an order being entered, which happens when it is filed with the clerk of court.
Full Text of Section 807.11
(2) An order is entered when it is filed in the office of the clerk of court.
Plain-English Summary
Section 807.11 fixes two distinct moments in the life of a court order. Subsection (1) provides that an order is rendered when it is signed by the judge. Subsection (2) provides that an order is entered when it is filed in the office of the clerk of court.
Keeping these two moments separate matters elsewhere in Wisconsin procedure. Section 808.03 (1)(a), for example, treats an order entered in accordance with subsection (2) of this section as one of the ways a final judgment or order can qualify for an appeal as of right, so the precise timing of entry under this section can determine when the clock for that kind of appeal starts running.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is an order considered rendered?
When it is signed by the judge, under subsection (1).
When is an order considered entered?
When it is filed in the office of the clerk of court, under subsection (2).
Are rendition and entry of an order the same event?
No. Section 807.11 treats them separately: signing by the judge renders the order, while filing with the clerk of court enters it.
Why does the distinction between rendition and entry matter?
Section 808.03 (1)(a) refers back to an order entered under Section 807.11 (2) as one basis for a final judgment or order appealable as of right, so the moment of entry under this section can affect appeal timing.
Does an order need to be filed with the clerk to be entered, even after the judge has signed it?
Yes. Subsection (2) requires filing in the office of the clerk of court for entry, separate from the signature that renders the order under subsection (1).
Amendment History
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 747 (1975).
Source & verification. Section text and official notes are
reproduced verbatim from the Wisconsin Statutes, published by the
Wisconsin Legislature (Legislative Reference Bureau). Last verified July 15, 2026.
· Official source
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