(1)
(a) Except as provided in sub. (1m), any person may commence, prosecute or defend any action or special proceeding in any court, or any writ of error or appeal therein, without being required to give security for costs or to pay any service or fee, upon order of the court based on a finding that because of poverty the person is unable to pay the costs of the action or special proceeding, or any writ of error or appeal therein, or to give security for those costs. Each clerk of court shall post a notice that an application for waiver of any requirement to give security for costs or for payment for any service or fee as provided under this paragraph is available for indigent parties at the clerk of court’s office.