Title: Understanding the Wisconsin Subpoena for Documents to a Nonparty: Types and Guidelines Introduction: The Wisconsin subpoena for documents to a nonparty is a legal tool used in civil litigation to compel the production of specific documents by individuals or entities that are not parties to the case. This comprehensive guide aims to explain the process, requirements, and different types of Wisconsin subpoenas for documents to nonparties. Types of Wisconsin Subpoena for Documents to a Nonparty: 1. Trial Subpoena for Documents: This type of subpoena is typically issued during the discovery phase of a civil lawsuit. It aims to obtain critical documents from a nonparty that could be used as evidence or to assist with the case. 2. Deposition Subpoena for Documents: Sometimes, a party may wish to depose a nonparty witness and simultaneously request relevant documents from them. In such cases, a deposition subpoena for documents is issued to obligate the nonparty to produce the requested documents at the time of their deposition. 3. Records Subpoena for Documents: This type of subpoena is commonly used by attorneys to obtain records or documents from nonparties, such as financial records, medical records, employment records, or any other relevant documents that are essential to the case. 4. Business Subpoena for Documents: In cases involving businesses, this subpoena is employed to request records, contracts, correspondence, financial statements, or any other documents necessary to clarify the facts surrounding the case. Requirements for Serving a Wisconsin Subpoena for Documents to a Nonparty: 1. Requesting Party: The party requesting the subpoena must be involved in a pending litigation in a Wisconsin state or federal court. 2. Court Approval: In Wisconsin, subpoenas for documents to nonparties must be approved by the court before they can be served. The requesting party must submit a motion to compel production of documents and receive approval from the court before the subpoena can be issued. 3. Proper Format and Service: The subpoena must be properly formatted, identifying the parties, the documents sought, and the date and time for the production. It must be served in accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, either by personal service, certified mail, or any other approved method. 4. Reasonable Notice: The subpoena must provide the nonparty with reasonable notice to allow them to gather and produce the requested documents. The time frame for compliance is typically specified in the subpoena. 5. Reimbursement: The requesting party is responsible for reimbursing the nonparty for reasonable expenses incurred in complying with the subpoena, which may include copying, retrieval, and delivery costs. Conclusion: The Wisconsin subpoena for documents to a nonparty is an essential tool in civil litigation, allowing parties to obtain crucial evidence from individuals or entities not directly involved in the case. Understanding the different types of subpoenas available, their requirements, and guidelines for serving them ensures a smooth and lawful process while gathering vital information for a successful legal proceeding.