Brown County Court Records Search

Brown County, located in northeastern Wisconsin with its county seat in Green Bay, operates one of the busier court systems in the state. The Brown County Circuit Court, along with twelve municipal courts spread across local municipalities, generates thousands of case filings each year — from felonies and misdemeanors to small claims, family disputes, and probate matters. Whether someone needs to verify a pending case, retrieve an old judgment, or obtain certified documents for legal proceedings, understanding how the county’s courts and record-keeping offices work is essential.

Locating Court Records in Wisconsin

People looking for court records filed in Brown County have several avenues available. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database, maintained through the state’s Circuit Court Automation Program, allows free online searches of circuit court case information statewide. The Clerk of Circuit Court office at the Brown County Courthouse also provides public access terminals where visitors can look up cases electronically. Additional resources, including appellate and supreme court case information, can be found through the Wisconsin Court System website at WisconsinCourts.us. For records not available digitally — particularly older files — the Brown County Records Department can retrieve paper files from on-site and off-site storage.

How to Look Up a Court Case in Brown County?

There are three primary ways to search for a court case in Brown County: online, in person, or by contacting the Records Department directly.

Online Search Through WCCA

The WCCA case search tool covers civil, criminal, traffic, family, and eviction cases filed in all Wisconsin circuit courts, including Brown County. To search:

Navigate to the WCCA website.
Select “Brown” from the county drop-down menu.
Enter the full first and last name of the party (or full business name).
If the exact name is unknown, enter at least three consecutive letters followed by an asterisk (e.g., “Joh*”).
Review results, which include case numbers, filing dates, case types, and disposition information.

No account registration is required, and there is no charge to view case information online. Note that sealed, expunged, pre-judgment paternity, and juvenile cases are not displayed on WCCA. Case data is generally available back to 1990.

In-Person Access

The Clerk of Circuit Court office maintains public access computers in its lobby at the Brown County Courthouse. Visitors may search for cases electronically or request to view paper files. When requesting a paper file, have the case number ready and identify the specific documents needed. Older files stored off-site require advance notice — call the Records Department at (920) 448-4521 to arrange retrieval.

Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court
Address: 100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301
Mailing: P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305-3600
Phone: (920) 448-4155
Fax: (920) 448-4156
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)

Requesting Copies by Mail, Phone, Fax, or Email

The Brown County Records Department accepts document requests through multiple channels:

By mail: Send a written request including the case number, specific documents needed, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and contact information. Mail to the Brown County Records Department at the address above.
By phone: Call (920) 448-4521 with the case number or party names and the specific documents needed. Staff will arrange payment and delivery.
By fax: Send to (920) 448-4156 with the case number, requested documents, and a phone number or email for follow-up.
By email: Request court documents by email with the case number and document details. Staff will coordinate payment and delivery.

Copy Fees

Service	Fee
Regular copies	$1.25 per page
Certified copies	$5.00 per document + $1.25 per page
File search (no case number)	$5.00
Transcript copy (from Clerk’s office)	$1.25 per page
Transcript copy (from court reporter)	$0.50 per page

Payment in full is required before requests are processed. Case numbers can be located for free through the WCCA website to avoid the $5.00 search fee.

Are Court Records Public in Brown County?

Wisconsin’s public records framework, governed by Chapter 19 of the Wisconsin Statutes, establishes a strong presumption that government records — including court records — are open to public inspection. Under this law, any person may request access to records created, filed, or maintained by government authorities at any level, including the courts. This applies to written, printed, and electronically generated documents.

However, several categories of records are restricted from public view. Wisconsin law exempts from disclosure any record or portion of a record that would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy, or that carries specific statutory confidentiality protections.

Records typically restricted or redacted in Brown County include:

Juvenile court records
Adoption proceedings
Medical records
Income tax records
Child protection agency records
Trade secrets
Law enforcement records identifying confidential informants
Student (pupil) records from elementary, middle, or high school

Within court documents that are otherwise public, certain personal identifiers must be redacted before release. Social security numbers, financial account numbers, and driver’s license numbers appearing in court filings are protected from disclosure.

Wisconsin law also restricts record access for certain individuals. Persons who are incarcerated or committed to a mental health institution are generally prohibited from viewing, inspecting, or obtaining copies of public records, including court records.

Viewers who access paper court files at the Clerk’s office should be aware that they may not disassemble files, open sealed envelopes, or remove any file from the office.

Brown County Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases in Brown County — including felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic matters — are filed and adjudicated in the Brown County Circuit Court. The Clerk of Circuit Court serves as custodian of all criminal case records, which include complaints, charging documents, motions, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and judgments of conviction.

Searching Criminal Court Records

Criminal case information can be searched for free through the WCCA case search. Enter the defendant’s full name and, if known, date of birth or case number to pull up case details. In-person searches are also available using public terminals at the Clerk of Circuit Court office, where there is no charge to view records.

Criminal Background Checks

A broader criminal history report — covering arrests, detentions, fingerprints, charges, convictions, and correctional admissions across multiple jurisdictions — can be obtained through the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) allows individuals and organizations to submit background check requests and receive results electronically. Users must create an account and pay the required fee.

Brown County Sheriff’s Office Records

Arrest records maintained by local law enforcement, including the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, are generally accessible as public records under Wisconsin law. The Sheriff’s Office accepts records requests through its public portal. Requests can also be submitted through the county’s Records Requests page, where requesters may enter an incident number or driver information.

Note that certain law enforcement records — including those identifying confidential informants, ongoing investigation details, and records of juveniles — remain restricted regardless of the requesting party.

Brown County Civil Court Records

Civil matters in Brown County encompass a wide range of disputes between private parties, businesses, or government entities. These include breach of contract claims, personal injury lawsuits, property disputes, foreclosures, evictions, restraining orders, and small claims cases. All civil proceedings are handled by the Brown County Circuit Court, and the resulting records are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court.

Accessing Civil Court Records

Civil case records are available through the same channels as other court records:

Online: Search the WCCA database at no charge. Results include case summaries, party names, filing dates, and disposition information.
In person: Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court office during business hours to use public terminals or request paper files.
By mail or phone: Contact the Records Department at (920) 448-4521 with the case number and specific documents needed.

Small Claims

Small claims cases in Brown County cover disputes valued at $10,000 or less. Filing fees for small claims are set by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 814, with the base filing fee at $94.50 (which includes a $22 filing fee, $51 court support services surcharge, and $21.50 justice information surcharge). Jury demands in small claims carry an additional $89 fee plus a per-juror charge.

Standard civil case filing fees include:

Case Type	Total Filing Fee
Civil claim over $10,000	$265.50
Civil claim $5,001–$10,000 (personal injury/tort)	$147.50
Small claims ($10,000 or less)	$94.50
Garnishment (over $10,000)	$210.50
Garnishment ($10,000 or less)	$92.50

Standard circuit court forms required for civil filings in Wisconsin are available through the Wisconsin Court System website. The Brown County Clerk’s office also provides blank mandatory forms at no charge.

Brown County Family Court Records

Brown County’s Circuit Court includes a Family Court Division responsible for cases involving domestic relationships. This division handles divorce and annulment petitions, legal separation, child custody and placement disputes, child support modifications, paternity actions, juvenile matters, adoption, emancipation, and domestic violence restraining orders.

Record Access

Family court records are public records, though certain filings within family cases — particularly those involving juveniles, adoption, or domestic violence victims — may be sealed or restricted. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all family court files, and records can be accessed:

At the public access terminals in the Clerk’s office (free of charge)
Through the WCCA online search tool (free)
By requesting certified or regular copies through the Records Department

Requesters seeking certified copies must provide case details and valid government-issued identification. Copy fees follow the standard schedule: $1.25 per page for regular copies, plus $5.00 per document for certification.

Divorce and Marriage Dissolution Records

The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains court files for all divorce and legal separation proceedings. For formal divorce certificates, the issuing authority depends on the date of the decree:

Divorces on or after January 1, 2016: The Brown County Register of Deeds issues divorce certificates.
Divorces before January 1, 2016: Contact the Clerk of Circuit Court.

To obtain a divorce certificate, applicants complete the Wisconsin Divorce Certificate Application Form and submit it with a photocopy of valid identification. The fee is $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. In-person applicants may pay with cash, credit/debit card, or cashier’s check. Mail applicants must include a cashier’s check or money order. Under Wisconsin law, certified divorce certificates are available only to the divorcing parties, their immediate family, legal representatives, or legal guardians.

Marriage Records

Marriage certificates are issued by the Brown County Register of Deeds. Applicants must complete the Wisconsin Marriage Certificate Application Form and present valid identification. The fee is $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy.

The Register of Deeds office processes in-person requests during regular hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Fridays. Personal checks are not accepted.

Birth and Death Records

While not strictly court records, birth and death certificates are frequently needed alongside family court proceedings. The Brown County Register of Deeds issues these vital records. Applications are available online: birth certificate application and death certificate application. Fees are $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy. Expedited online ordering is available through the county’s VitalChek partnership (additional processing fees apply).

Family Case Filing Fees

Family action filing fees are governed by Wisconsin Statutes Section 814.61:

Action	Filing Fee
Divorce/annulment/legal separation (no support request)	$184.50
Divorce/annulment/legal separation (with support request)	$194.50
Post-judgment motion	$30.00
Revision of custody/placement	$50.00
Paternity (private party, with support request)	$194.50
Mediation fee (first session)	Free; $200 thereafter

Brown County Probate Court Records

Probate matters in Brown County are handled by the Circuit Court, with administrative support provided by the Register in Probate. Probate case types include the administration of decedents’ estates, trust proceedings, guardianships, conservatorships, protective placements, and civil commitments for mental health, alcohol, and drug-related issues.

Register in Probate Office

The Office of the Register in Probate manages all probate files, wills filed for safekeeping, guardianship and conservatorship records, and commitment records. Staff can assist the public and attorneys with court practices and procedures but cannot provide legal advice.

Brown County Register in Probate
Address: 100 South Jefferson Street, Room 160, Green Bay, WI 54301
Mailing: P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305-3600
Phone: (920) 448-4275
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays)

Probate Records Available

Probate court records typically include wills, petitions, domiciliary letters, bonds, inventories, accounts, orders, decrees, and distribution records. These documents can be valuable for establishing family lineage, confirming guardianship arrangements, or verifying estate distributions. Records often contain the names of spouses, children, and beneficiaries, along with dates of death and asset information.

How to Access Probate Records

Probate records designated as open are available for public inspection during office hours at the Register in Probate. The Probate Registrar handles all informal probate proceedings and can advise on the informal probate process and document preparation.

Probate case information may also appear on the WCCA database, though the level of detail available online may be more limited than what is contained in the physical file. For certified copies, contact the Register in Probate directly.

Probate Fees

Probate filing and inventory fees are set by Wisconsin Statutes Section 814.66:

Inventory fee: Minimum $20.00, or 0.2% of estate value exceeding $10,000
Minor/adult guardianship of the estate inventory fee: Minimum $20.00, or 0.2% of value exceeding $50,000
Trust proceedings: $250.00 filing fee
Receiving and disbursing funds: $10.00 or 0.5% of amount deposited (whichever is greater)

Guardianship and protective placement cases are reviewed annually by the Register in Probate office. The Register also has authority to appoint temporary guardians and conduct pretrial conferences in probate matters.

Municipal Courts in Brown County

In addition to the Circuit Court, Brown County is served by twelve municipal courts that handle ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses. Records from these courts are maintained by the respective municipal court clerks. The following is a directory of municipal courts in the county:

Court	Address	Phone
Brown County Joint Municipal Court	5718 Dickinson Road, De Pere, WI 54115	(920) 660-2331
City of De Pere Municipal Court	335 South Broadway Street, De Pere, WI 54115	(920) 339-2463
City of Green Bay Municipal Court	330 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301	(920) 448-3131
Hobart-Lawrence Municipal Court	2990 South Pine Tree Road, Hobart, WI 54155	(920) 869-3801
Pulaski Municipal Court	585 East Glenbrook Drive, Pulaski, WI 54162	(920) 822-5182
Village of Allouez Municipal Court	1900 Libal Street, Green Bay, WI 54301	(920) 448-2800 ext. 105
Village of Ashwaubenon Municipal Court	2155 Holmgren Way, Ashwaubenon, WI 54304	(920) 492-2307
Village of Bellevue Municipal Court	3100 Eaton Road, Bellevue, WI 54311	(920) 844-1077 ext. 4
Village of Denmark Municipal Court	118 East Main Street, Denmark, WI 54208	(920) 863-6440
Village of Howard Municipal Court	2456 Glendale Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54313	(920) 434-4669
Village of Suamico Municipal Court	12781 Velp Avenue, Suamico, WI 54313	(920) 544-8711
Village of Wrightstown Municipal Court	352 High Street, Wrightstown, WI 54180	(920) 532-5547 ext. 30

The Brown County Joint Municipal Court maintains its own public records access policy. Municipal court judgments may be appealed to the Circuit Court, where standard filing fees apply. Property records in Brown County, while separate from court records, can be searched through the county’s free land records portal or at the Brown County Register of Deeds office at 305 East Walnut Street, Northern Building Room 260, Green Bay, WI 54301 — Phone: (920) 448-4471