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Wisconsin Court Records

Search Wisconsin court records online. Access criminal cases, civil suits, small claims, family law, probate, and appellate decisions through official Wisconsin court portals.

Wisconsin Supreme CourtHighest Court
WCCA / WSCCA (free)Online Access
Free SearchPublic Portal
About This Directory

Access Wisconsin Courts online directly. Search court records; from Wisconsin county courts to Supreme courts. Find criminal filings, Wisconsin dissolution of marriage or divorce records from official state websites. File small claims lawsuits. Link to Wisconsin probate sources with helpful information. Bankruptcy courts by jurisdiction or by districts. Wisconsin state courts contact information such as telephone numbers and more.

Highest Court
Wisconsin Supreme Court
Online Access
WCCA / WSCCA (free)
Record Types
Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate, Appellate
How-To Guide
How to Search Wisconsin Court Records

Access court case information through official Wisconsin portals and county clerk offices.

1
Use the Official Wisconsin Court Portal

Access WCCA / WSCCA (free) to search statewide case records. You can typically search by party name, attorney, case number, or filing date. Criminal and civil cases are usually searchable without charge.

2
Search by Court Level

Wisconsin courts include: Trial Courts (circuit, district, superior), Appellate Courts (Court of Appeals), and the Wisconsin Supreme Court. For local matters — misdemeanors, traffic, small claims — search at the county or municipal court level.

3
Contact the County Court Clerk

For older records or certified copies, contact the county court clerk in the county where the case was filed. Fees for certified copies vary by county (~$1–$5 per page). Clerks can also confirm whether a case is sealed or restricted.

4
Search Federal Court Records via PACER

Federal cases (bankruptcy, federal criminal, civil rights) are available through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records). PACER charges $0.10/page but the first $30/quarter is free for casual users.

Additional Information

As there may be more one source to obtaining Wisconsin criminal, civil and divorce records, it is important to search multiple state courts to find the correct records.

Wisconsin State Court Structure:

The Wisconsin municipal courts have exclusive jurisdiction to hear cases that involve ordinance violations. If a municipality does not have a municipal court, ordinance violations are heard in circuit court. Wisconsin's circuit courts have jurisdiction to hear all civil and criminal matters written within the state, including probate, juvenile, and traffic matters, as well as civil and criminal jury trials. Wisconsin's court of appeals for the most part deal with cases of mandatory jurisdiction, meaning appeals from circuit courts and that they are required to hear by law. Wisconsin's highest court is the supreme court. The supreme court has jurisdiction over all Wisconsin courts and has discretion to determine which appeals it will hear. The supreme court may also hear original actions, cases that have not been heard in a lower court. The court selects the cases it will review based on criteria described in the Wisconsin Statutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
Wisconsin Court Records FAQ
Are Wisconsin court records free to access?

Most Wisconsin court case information is free to view online through the official court portal: WCCA / WSCCA (free). Certified copies of court documents typically cost $1–$5 per page when requested from the county clerk. Federal court records through PACER cost $0.10/page after the $30/quarter free threshold.

What types of cases can I find in Wisconsin court records?

Public Wisconsin court records include: criminal cases (felonies, misdemeanors), civil lawsuits, small claims, family court (divorce, custody, support), probate (wills, estates), traffic cases, and appellate decisions. Juvenile records, sealed cases, and domestic violence protective orders may be restricted.

How do I get certified copies of Wisconsin court records?

Request certified copies in person, by mail, or through the court's online portal from the county court clerk where the case was filed. Provide the case number, parties' names, and the type of document needed. Fees typically range from $1–$10 per page plus certification fees. Processing time is usually 1–5 business days.

Court Resources
Record Types
  • Criminal — Felonies & Misdemeanors
  • Civil — Lawsuits & Judgments
  • Family — Divorce & Custody
  • Probate — Wills & Estates
  • Small Claims & Traffic
NoteCourt records for employment, housing, or credit decisions may be regulated by the FCRA. Use official court portals for the most accurate, up-to-date case information.
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