Split Rock Hardwoods, Inc. v. Lumber Liquidators, Inc.

¶ 1. DAVID T. PROSSER, J.

In Wisconsin, a civil action seeking a personal judgment is commenced when a summons and complaint naming a defendant are filed with the court, provided that service of an authenticated copy of the summons and of the complaint is made upon the defendant within 90 days after filing. Wis. Stat. § 801.02(1) (1999-2000).1

¶ 2. After these papers have been served upon the defendant, the defendant has 45 days to serve a written answer upon the plaintiff. Wis. Stat. §§ 801.09(2)(a); 802.06(1). The defendant must also file the answer with the court "within a reasonable time…