Emergency Order #15

On Friday, March 27, 2020, Governor Evers held a press conference introducing Emergency Order #15 which he described as necessary to protect our communities and residents from the effects of COVID-19.  The Order was signed on Friday, March 27, 2020, becoming effective immediately.   It will remain in effect for sixty (60) days – until May 26, 2020.  

The governor cited concerns over Wisconsin residents experiencing substantial loss of income potentially hindering their ability to make mortgage payments, ultimately threatening their housing security.  He described the threat of foreclosure as a significant threat to personal security and public health by denying people the ability to stay in their homes.  Specifically, with respect to foreclosures, Emergency Order #15 – Temporary Ban on Evictions and Foreclosures, mandates the following: 

• Mortgagees cannot:
  • Commence a foreclosure action
  • Request or schedule a Sheriff’s Sale
• Sheriffs cannot:
  • Conduct a Sheriff’s Sale
  • Act on any foreclosure order or Writ of Assistance associated with a foreclosure

The Order does not affect the commencement of a foreclosure under Wis. Stat. section 846.102, relating to abandoned property.  The Order impacts both commercial and residential  foreclosures.   

We will continue to monitor the situation and status of Emergency Order #15, along with monitoring the local courts’ response(s) to the same.