If a judgment is for the immediate possession of real property or for possession on a specified date, the person in whose favor the judgment runs may have a writ of assistance upon application to the clerk of court.
843.17.Writ of assistance.
Ch. 843: Actions for Possession of Real Property; Damages for Withholding · Last amended 1975 · Last verified July 15, 2026
In one sentenceSection 843.17 lets a party awarded immediate possession, or possession on a specified date, obtain a writ of assistance by applying to the clerk of court.
Full Text of Section 843.17
Plain-English Summary
Section 843.17 supplies the enforcement tool for a possession judgment that calls for immediate possession, or possession beginning on a specified date. The person in whose favor that judgment runs may obtain a writ of assistance, and the section makes getting one easy: an application to the clerk of court is enough.
A writ of assistance is the mechanism that turns a judgment on paper into physical possession, typically by directing a law enforcement officer to place the prevailing party in possession. By making it available on application to the clerk, Section 843.17 avoids requiring a separate motion or hearing before that enforcement tool becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get physical possession enforced after I win a Wisconsin possession judgment for immediate possession?
Section 843.17 lets you obtain a writ of assistance upon application to the clerk of court.
Does this apply only to judgments for immediate possession, or also to a judgment for possession starting on a future date?
Both. Section 843.17 covers a judgment for the immediate possession of real property or for possession on a specified date.
Do I need a separate motion or hearing to get a writ of assistance?
Section 843.17’s text requires only an application to the clerk of court, without describing an additional motion or hearing requirement.
Who can apply for a writ of assistance under this section?
Section 843.17 allows the person in whose favor the judgment runs to apply.
What does a writ of assistance accomplish?
The statute does not spell out the writ’s mechanics beyond making it available; its function is to help enforce a judgment awarding immediate possession or possession on a specified date.
Amendment History
History: 1973 c. 189; Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 767 (1975); Stats. 1975 s. 843.17.
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 writ of assistance possession judgmenthow to enforce a possession judgment wisconsinclerk of court writ of assistance843.17 writ of assistance