The court or judge may allow to the judgment creditor or to any party so examined, whether a party to the action or not, witness’ fees and disbursements and a fixed sum, in addition, not exceeding $25, as costs, and require their payment by order.
816.11.Costs, fees.
Ch. 816: Remedies Supplementary to Execution · Last amended 1975 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceSection 816.11 lets the court award the judgment creditor, or any party examined in supplementary proceedings, witness fees, disbursements, and up to twenty-five dollars in additional costs, and order that payment made.
Full Text of Section 816.11
Plain-English Summary
Supplementary proceedings can involve real expense for the people who take part in them. Section 816.11 lets the court or judge allow costs to two groups: the judgment creditor pursuing the proceeding, and any party who was examined, whether or not that party is a party to the underlying action.
The costs the court may allow cover witness fees and disbursements, plus a fixed additional sum capped at twenty-five dollars. Once the court sets that amount, it may require payment by order, giving the award real teeth rather than leaving it as an unenforceable recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can recover costs in a Wisconsin supplementary proceeding?
Section 816.11 allows the court to allow costs to the judgment creditor, or to any party examined, whether or not that party is a party to the underlying action.
What kinds of costs can the court award?
Section 816.11 covers witness fees and disbursements, plus a fixed additional sum as costs.
Is there a cap on the additional sum the court can award as costs?
Yes. Section 816.11 caps that fixed additional sum at twenty-five dollars.
Can someone who was examined but is not a party to the original lawsuit still get costs?
Yes. Section 816.11 extends the cost award to any party so examined, whether a party to the action or not.
How does the court enforce a costs award under this section?
Section 816.11 lets the court require payment of the allowed fees, disbursements, and additional sum by order.
Amendment History
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 761 (1975); Stats. 1975 s. 816.11.
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
Also known as: wisconsin supplementary proceedings costs awardwitness fees debtor examination wisconsintwenty five dollar costs cap wisconsin statutecosts for party examined judgment debtor case