Estoppel is a legal principle that prevents a person or entity from asserting a legal right or taking a legal position that contradicts or is inconsistent with its earlier position, behavior, or agreement. The person or entity is said to be “estopped” from changing its position, behavior, or agreement because another person or entity has relied on its earlier position, behavior, or agreement (detrimental reliance).
In Wisconsin, estoppel is a legal doctrine that can prevent an individual or entity from asserting a claim or a defense that is contrary to what they have previously stated or agreed to, especially when another party has relied on that previous conduct to their detriment. This principle is designed to promote fairness and honesty in dealings. Estoppel can arise in various contexts, such as contract disputes, property issues, and employment matters. The specific application of estoppel can depend on the circumstances of each case, and Wisconsin courts will consider factors such as the representations made by the party being estopped, the reliance by the other party, and whether that reliance was reasonable and led to a detriment. Estoppel can be categorized into different types, including promissory estoppel, equitable estoppel, and estoppel by deed, each with its own set of requirements and implications.