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Standard Document Format
If you wish to
record legal documents affecting real estate such as deeds, land contracts,
mortgages, satisfactions and assignments, you will need to use a form which
conforms to the Wisconsin standard document format. Most office supply firms
offer forms which do meet the requirements of Wisconsin Statute 59.43(2m)
Use of the
standard document format helps to assure that important pieces of
information are not inadvertently omitted, that the document is legible, and
that it is properly indexed. Use of the standard document format also makes
processing and retrieval more efficient.
Most states in
the Midwest require some type of standard document format. If you are from a
state outside of Wisconsin, you may add a cover-sheet to your document to
make it conform to the Wisconsin standard document format. You can print or
type the document title, return address, and parcel identification number in
the proper locations and attach the cover-sheet to the front of your
document so that it becomes the first page. This would add one page to your
document and the cost to record would increase by $2.
Requirements of
the standard document format are as follows:
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The upper right hand corner of
the document must be completely blank (at least 3” by 3”) for our official
recording stamp.
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The name and return address
must be either (1) directly under the recording area, or (2) on the left
side of the page and within the top 3 inches.
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The parcel identifier number
must be placed directly under the return address.
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The title of the document must
be within the top 3 inches of the page but not in the 3 by 3 inch corner
left blank for our recording stamp.
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Title, parties, return address
and legal description must be legible & reproducible.
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The paper is white, standard
weight, and letter or legal-sized.
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The ink is black so that the
document will scan properly.
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The top margin is a minimum of
1/2 inch for every page. Other margins are minimum of 1/4 inch.
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The pages are not hinged.
Remember, you
still need:
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Complete legal descriptions if the
document refers to specific parcels of land.
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Original signatures notarized
or authenticated.
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Proper fees accompanying the
document.
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Name of the document drafter.
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Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer
Return (completed and with proper fee or exemption #) for deeds and land
contracts.
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