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Wisconsin Contracts Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Banking for Wisconsin on
Q: My bank has listed online on my latest statement that they have written my car loan off as bad debt. When writing the

Loan off what now are my legal obligations to the loan and does the bank need to file a lien release on the vehicle?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 20, 2024

When a bank writes off your car loan as bad debt, it means the bank has deemed the debt unlikely to be collected and has removed it from their books. However, this does not absolve you of your responsibility to pay the loan. You are still legally obligated to repay the debt, and the bank or a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Business Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can my first vendor sue me for violating a non-compete in Wisconsin?

I worked for a vendor through another vendor and recently left to work directly for the main vendor. My contract with the first vendor included a non-compete clause with a one-year time restriction. Can the first vendor sue me for violating the non-compete?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

While Wisconsin does recognize non-compete agreements, courts apply rigorous scrutiny under Wisconsin Statute §103.465, which requires such restrictions be reasonably necessary to protect legitimate business interests. Your situation of moving from a staffing vendor to working directly with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Contracts and Civil Litigation for Wisconsin on
Q: Am I allowed to repossess my own vehicle in Wisconsin?

I legally own a vehicle outright, with my name on the title. Someone else has possession of it, but they are not co-signers, co-owners, or in any agreement regarding the use of the vehicle. They have had it for a few months and have been ignoring my attempts to communicate about getting it back. Am... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Yes, you can legally reclaim your vehicle in Wisconsin, but there are important legal boundaries to keep in mind. Even though you’re the titled owner, the law doesn’t allow you to simply take the vehicle back without following proper procedures. If you attempt to retrieve it without consent or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Choosing between employment letter and contract for job security as NP/PA in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, as an advanced practice provider (NP/PA), I am considering whether to choose an employment letter of understanding or an employment contract. I am particularly concerned about job security in an at-will state and have past experience with both types of documents. Additionally, a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

Given your concerns about job security and your past experience with non-compete clauses, an employment *contract* is usually the better option over a letter of understanding. In Wisconsin—an at-will employment state—a letter of understanding often doesn’t provide strong legal protections and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for Wisconsin on
Q: Can they sue me for a refund after contract work dissatisfaction?

I built a kitchen for a client with whom I have a written contract. The client paid $6,000 in cash upfront. After she viewed the kitchen in person, she was dissatisfied with the doors. I offered to replace the doors, which she initially accepted. However, her husband later demanded a refund, and in... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

That’s a frustrating and stressful situation, especially when you tried to resolve the issue by offering to replace the doors. Since you have a written contract and completed the work, the client’s dissatisfaction doesn’t automatically entitle them to a full refund—especially when the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Contracts, Landlord - Tenant, Family Law and Real Estate Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can my girlfriend take our child without telling me where they are and my car registered in my name?

I have no formal custody agreements with my girlfriend, and she has taken our child without informing me of their whereabouts. She also took my car, which is registered in my name, despite our verbal agreement that it should only be used for work purposes. This is the second time she has done this,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

That situation sounds incredibly stressful, and your concern for your child’s safety is completely valid. In Wisconsin, if there’s no formal custody order in place, both parents typically have equal rights to the child. That said, taking the child without telling you where they are—especially... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Wisconsin on
Q: How to resolve a survey discrepancy for building compliance?

I hired a surveyor to determine the 25 ft line for building compliance on my property, but the crew conducted only a corner-to-corner survey, which wasn't my request. Their boss assured me they'd address any issues. I'm withholding payment until the specific survey I requested is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

This situation is understandably frustrating, especially when you made a specific request and didn’t receive the service you expected. If the surveyor’s team performed a general corner-to-corner survey instead of marking the 25-foot building line you needed for compliance, then they didn’t... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I sue ADT for deceptive practices by their representative?

I am considering taking legal action against ADT due to deceptive practices by their sales representative. The representative attempted to bind me into another three-year contract without proper disclosure, demanding additional money before sending documents via email for me to sign. It was never... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

What you’re describing sounds deceptive and manipulative, especially since the representative tried to pressure you into signing a new contract without clearly explaining it. If you were misled about the nature of the documents and are still under an active contract, you may have grounds to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Construction Law and Real Estate Law for Wisconsin on
Q: How to cancel window installation if roof is leaking under contract?

I have a contract with a company for a new roof and windows, both of which are already paid for. The roof was installed late last summer, but it is leaking. I have contacted the company, and they are working on resolving the roof issue. However, they say I cannot cancel the windows, which have not... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

That sounds like a frustrating situation, especially after already paying in full. In Wisconsin, canceling a contract like this can be tricky if the windows were part of the same agreement as the roof, unless the contract includes specific cancellation terms. Since the roof is leaking and they’re... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Contracts for Wisconsin on
Q: What can I do if my co-owners want to occupy our jointly-owned cabin all summer?

My brother, his wife, and I jointly own a cabin that is not winterized, so it's closed from October until May. They plan to live in the cabin throughout the summer without discussing the matter with me, which is upsetting as we have always divided everything equally. My sister was once an... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 11, 2025

All tenants in common have the same rights of title and possession. Outside of filing suit for a Partition Sale, no other legal actions are available outside of criminal complaints for assault, etc. (which you do not want).

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Business Law and Real Estate Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I charge my sibling rent for using our co-owned cabin in Wisconsin?

I co-own a cabin with my sibling, and we currently share expenses evenly. My sibling, who lives in Arizona, wants to buy me out but has stated he can't afford to do so right now. He intends to spend the summer living at the cabin. Am I within my rights to charge him rent for his use of the... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Mar 6, 2025

No, both of you are tenants in common. If a partition suit occurs, then you might ask for reimbursement of your expenses.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Contracts and Intellectual Property for Wisconsin on
Q: What paperwork do I need for starting a YouTube channel with an LLC?

I'm starting a YouTube channel and currently in the process of registering an LLC to protect myself, particularly against copyright strikes. The service I'm using is recommending additional items like obtaining an EIN and accounting software, but I'm unsure if I need these yet. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 1, 2025

Starting a YouTube channel through an LLC is a smart move for liability protection. For the initial setup, you'll need your Articles of Organization (filed with your state), an Operating Agreement outlining ownership and operations, and a separate business bank account to maintain the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights and Entertainment / Sports for Wisconsin on
Q: Freedom of intimate association to personally interact between 2 consenting adults.

Is it unlawful to prevent 2 consenting adults from personal contact in the form of writing, phone calls/video chats, or in person meetings??

Example: Australian Hollywood TV celebrity-woman falls in love with American man . They each would like to have personal contact with each other by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 9, 2025

This situation touches on fundamental rights to freedom of association and personal autonomy, which are protected under various international human rights frameworks and many national constitutions, including those of Australia and the United States.

Contract terms that excessively restrict...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for Wisconsin on
Q: Hello, the apartment building was sold last year and I'm up for a new lease. There were a nuber of issues cracks in wal

ls and ceilings But one main issue is under old ownership the tenant above my apartment installed a bidet incorrectly and overflowed and water came through my bathroom ceiling. I mentioned my concern about mold and the maintenance man stated the building material were mold resistant. I advised the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 1, 2024

A Wisconsin attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. While some questions here go unanswered, you could try reposting under Landlord/Tenant for better chances of a response. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Contracts and Communications Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Did my employer breach my employee agreement by failing to give 30-day prior notice?

I'm a salaried, contract employee. My agreement was for four years, with an optional fifth year. That fifth year was at the sole discretion of the company and they would provide "30 days' prior written notice (e-mail sufficing)".

I received notice they would pick up that... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Oct 5, 2023

Under the facts you described, you are free to reject their untimely notice and end the contract, or you can waive the timing issue and continue working at the end of the four years in twelve days.

If you want to negotiate a new contract, be sure to carefully and clearly document that your...
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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Civil Rights for Wisconsin on
Q: How can I find out if someone has power of attorney over me
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Sep 12, 2023

Since you would be the person to have signed the power of attorney, you can review the documents you have signed to determine if any of them give your agent power of attorney over you (ie a durable medical power of attorney).

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Wisconsin on
Q: Is it illegal to offer a land contract at zero % interest in Wisconsin?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 31, 2023

In Wisconsin, it is not inherently illegal to offer a land contract at zero percent interest. A land contract is a legitimate arrangement where the seller finances the sale of a property to the buyer. The interest rate and terms of a land contract are typically negotiable between the parties... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Wisconsin on
Q: Do all parties who signed the original contract have to sign a replacement contract in Wisconsin to be valid
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jul 10, 2023

It Depends. (typical lawyer answer) It depends on what the contract says about modifications, does it require all parties to sign in order to modify? You have to read the contract because the terms will control modifications or extensions. If people don't sign, you cannot bind them to it.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Contracts for Wisconsin on
Q: I signed a contract that states if I quit I can't work for another company similar to there's with so many miles.

Will this hold up in court?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 19, 2023

It depends on information which is not contained in your question. You can take the contract with the non-compete to an employment lawyer in or near the county where you want to work.

The FTC has proposed a rule that will make non-competes invalid across the United States when it goes into...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Wisconsin on
Q: I have a contract to provide a solar system and supply maintenance for 20 years. They have closed doors.

They have closed their doors and are under "restructuring. " They are working to finish install and start taking draws on account. What should I be doing to make sure they don't change their name, take the money and leave without providing service for 20 years?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 5, 2023

Don't pay them anything until they finish the install, you verify that the system is working as represented, and they give reasonable assurances of performance by posting a performance bond ensuring that they will provide all necessary maintenance services for 20 years as agreement.

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