Statute of Limitations
Wisconsin: Civil SOL extends to age 35 (17 years after majority). Archdiocese of Milwaukee completed $21M bankruptcy settlement (2015). No active lookback window as of 2026.
Age 35 (17 years after majority at age 18)
Where to File in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse extends 17 years after the survivor turns 18, capped at age 35. Wisconsin does not have an active lookback window as of February 2026. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2011 and reached a $21 million settlement in 2015 covering approximately 330 claims — widely considered inadequate given the documented scope of abuse, which included evidence that Cardinal Timothy Dolan transferred funds to protect them from abuse claimants before his departure for New York. The Diocese of Green Bay and Diocese of LaCrosse have published credibly accused clergy lists. Survivors under age 35 who did not participate in the Milwaukee bankruptcy may still have viable claims against other defendants.
Exposure in Wisconsin
Source: U.S. Bankruptcy Court, E.D. Wisconsin
Source: Wisconsin Statutes § 893.587