814.035 Costs upon counterclaims and cross complaints.
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, costs shall be allowed on counterclaims and cross complaints as if separate actions had been brought thereon.
(2) When the causes of action stated in the complaint and counterclaim and cross complaint arose out of the same transaction or occurrence, costs in favor of the successful party upon the complaint and counterclaim and cross complaint so arising shall be in the discretion of the court.
(3) Costs recovered by opposing parties shall be offset.
History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 761 (1975); Stats. 1975 s. 814.035.
An award of statutory costs to the lessee and denial of costs to the lessor was, under s. 271.035 [now s. 814.035] (2) and (3), a matter within the trial court's discretion. Costs are purely discretionary when both parties recover on their respective claims in one action. Mid-Continent Refrigerator Co. v. Straka, 47 Wis. 2d 739, 178 N.W.2d 28 (1970).
When judgment was ordered for a defendant in the plaintiff's action and also for the defendant on one of several counterclaims, costs were properly awarded to the defendant as to each. Arrowhead Growers Sales Co. v. Central Sands Produce, Inc. 48 Wis. 2d 383, 180 N.W.2d 567 (1970).