Chippewa County Court Records Search
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Chippewa County sits in northwestern Wisconsin with its county seat in Chippewa Falls. The county’s court system operates under the Wisconsin Circuit Court framework, with a single circuit court that handles everything from felony prosecutions and civil lawsuits to family disputes and probate matters. Court records generated through these proceedings — complaints, motions, judgments, transcripts, sentencing orders, and other filings — are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court and are available to the public under Wisconsin’s open-records laws, subject to certain statutory exceptions.
For anyone trying to locate court case information in Wisconsin, the state judiciary provides centralized tools alongside local clerk resources. The Wisconsin court system, accessible through WisconsinCourts.us, offers a starting point for understanding how courts are organized and where to direct record inquiries. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, commonly known as WCCA, serves as the primary statewide electronic database for searching case records across all 72 counties. Beyond that online tool, records can be obtained directly from the Chippewa County Clerk of Circuit Court’s office through in-person visits, written requests, or telephone inquiries.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Chippewa County?
There are several practical methods for finding case information in Chippewa County, depending on whether you prefer online research or direct contact with the courthouse.
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA)
The most efficient way to search Chippewa County court records remotely is through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system. WCCA is a free, publicly available database maintained by the Director of State Courts that contains case information from all Wisconsin circuit courts. Users can search by participant name, case number, or date range, and results display basic case details such as the case type, filing date, charges, parties, scheduled hearings, and disposition.
WCCA includes records for criminal, civil, family, small claims, traffic, and other case types. While the database provides robust case-level information, it does not always include downloadable copies of filed documents. For actual copies of pleadings, orders, or other filings, a request to the Clerk of Circuit Court is typically necessary.
In-Person Requests
The Chippewa County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains physical case files at the courthouse. Visitors can inspect most case files during regular business hours and request copies of specific documents.
Chippewa County Courthouse
711 North Bridge Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Phone: (715) 726-7758
Fax: (715) 726-7785
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding county holidays.
Mail and Email Requests
Written record requests can be mailed to the Clerk of Circuit Court at the courthouse address listed above. Include as much identifying information as possible — the full names of the parties, the case number if known, the approximate filing date, and the type of record needed. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and any applicable copy fees. Requests may also be submitted by email; contact the clerk’s office for current email procedures.
Chippewa County Court Structure
Chippewa County operates a single Circuit Court within the Tenth Judicial Administrative District. The court has multiple branches presided over by elected circuit judges. All case types — criminal, civil, family, juvenile, probate, small claims, and traffic — are heard by this court. There is no separate probate court or family court; these are divisions within the circuit court.
| Court/Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Chippewa County Circuit Court | 711 North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 | (715) 726-7758 |
| Clerk of Circuit Court | 711 North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 | (715) 726-7758 |
| Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office | 45 West Spruce Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 | (715) 726-7701 |
| Register in Probate | 711 North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 | (715) 726-7758 |
Are Court Records Public in Chippewa County?
Wisconsin has a strong tradition of government transparency, and court records are broadly accessible to the public. Two key legal frameworks govern access to Chippewa County court records.
Wisconsin Open Records Law
Under Wisconsin Statutes §§ 19.31–19.39, the state’s public records law establishes a presumption that records maintained by government authorities — including courts — are open for inspection and copying. Any person may request access to court records without needing to state a reason, and the custodian of those records (in this case, the Clerk of Circuit Court) must provide them unless a specific statutory exception applies.
Supreme Court Rule on Public Access
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has adopted Supreme Court Rule 70.32, which provides a detailed policy on public access to circuit court records. Under this rule, the presumption is that court records are open. However, certain categories of information are either confidential by statute or subject to restricted access:
- Juvenile court records (Wis. Stat. § 938.396)
- Guardianship and mental commitment records (subject to statutory confidentiality provisions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal identifiers (which must be redacted before public disclosure)
- Presentence investigation reports
- Certain records in paternity actions
- Records in proceedings involving children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
- Domestic abuse and harassment injunction petition details where sealed
- Trade secrets and proprietary information filed under seal
- Grand jury proceedings
When a record is restricted, individuals may petition the court for access by filing a motion and demonstrating good cause. The court will balance the public interest in disclosure against privacy or safety concerns.
Copy Fees
Wisconsin law permits reasonable fees for copying court records. Under Wis. Stat. § 814.61(10), the Clerk of Circuit Court may charge copy and certification fees. Standard charges include:
- Copies: $1.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page
- Computer-generated copies or printouts: fees may vary
Inspection of records at the courthouse is generally free of charge.
Chippewa County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Chippewa County are prosecuted in the Circuit Court and range from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all criminal case files, which typically contain the criminal complaint, arrest warrant or summons, bail and bond documents, plea records, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and judgment of conviction.
Searching Criminal Court Records
- WCCA: Search the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access database by defendant name or case number. Criminal case entries show the charges, case status, next hearing date, and disposition.
- Clerk’s Office: Visit or contact the Clerk of Circuit Court at (715) 726-7758 to request copies of specific criminal case documents.
- Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office: For arrest records, booking information, and incident reports, contact the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office at (715) 726-7701, located at 45 West Spruce Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
Criminal Background Checks
For formal criminal history record searches, the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) operates a statewide system. Individuals and authorized entities can request background checks through the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau. Name-based record checks cost $7.00 per search when submitted online. Fingerprint-based checks are also available and may be required for certain employment or licensing purposes.
Criminal history records maintained by the DOJ are governed by Wis. Stat. § 165.83, which regulates the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal identification and history data. Certain records may be restricted from public disclosure, including those that have been expunged under Wis. Stat. § 973.015.
Relevant Criminal Filing Fees
Filing fees in criminal matters are primarily assessed against defendants as part of court costs upon conviction. These are set by statute under Wis. Stat. Chapter 814. Specific surcharges and assessments — including the crime victim and witness surcharge, the justice information system surcharge, the DNA surcharge, and others — are added to the base court costs as prescribed by law. Restitution orders and fines are case-specific.
Chippewa County Civil Court Records
Civil matters filed in Chippewa County Circuit Court include personal injury claims, breach of contract disputes, property actions, foreclosures, evictions, garnishments, and other monetary or equitable claims. The Clerk of Circuit Court is the custodian of all civil case records.
Civil Case Types and Jurisdiction
- Large civil claims: Actions involving amounts exceeding $10,000 are classified as large claims and follow standard civil procedure under Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 801–847.
- Small claims: Disputes involving $10,000 or less (effective threshold) are handled under the simplified small claims procedure established in Wis. Stat. Chapter 799. Small claims cases are designed for faster resolution, and parties frequently represent themselves.
- Eviction (small claims): Landlord-tenant disputes, including actions for possession and return of security deposits, are filed as small claims matters.
Civil Filing Fees
Filing fees for civil actions in Wisconsin are established by statute. Current fees include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action (large claim) | $265.50 |
| Small claims | $94.50 |
| Third-party complaint | $94.50 |
| Counterclaim or cross-claim (large civil) | $265.50 |
| Garnishment | $94.50 |
| Foreign judgment filing | $265.50 |
| Petition for judicial review | $265.50 |
These amounts reflect statutory fees as set under Wis. Stat. § 814.61. Actual amounts may be adjusted periodically by legislative action.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records can be searched on WCCA by party name or case number. For copies of specific filings — such as a judgment, complaint, or order — contact the Clerk of Circuit Court in person, by phone at (715) 726-7758, or by mail. Include the case number and a description of the document needed, along with payment for applicable copy fees.
E-Filing
Wisconsin circuit courts participate in the statewide electronic filing system. Attorneys and self-represented litigants can file civil documents through the eFiling system maintained by the Wisconsin court system. Registration is required, and certain document types may still require paper filing.
Property Records
While the Circuit Court handles property-related litigation, property ownership records such as deeds, mortgages, and land contracts are maintained by the Chippewa County Register of Deeds. The Chippewa County Register of Deeds office is located at 711 North Bridge Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729, and can be reached at (715) 726-7980. Many property records are searchable through the county’s online land records system. For property tax information and assessment data, the Chippewa County Treasurer’s Office and the county’s real property listing portal may be consulted.
Chippewa County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Chippewa County are adjudicated by the Circuit Court’s family division. These cases include divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, placement (visitation), child support, paternity, domestic abuse restraining orders, and adoption.
Divorce Records
Divorce and legal separation cases are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court. Wisconsin is a no-fault divorce state, requiring only that the marriage be “irretrievably broken” under Wis. Stat. § 767.315. At least one spouse must have resided in the state for six months and in the county for 30 days before filing.
The filing fee for a divorce or legal separation action is $265.50. Forms for divorce with and without minor children, as well as stipulated divorce forms, are available through the Wisconsin Court System Self-Help Center. Completed forms are filed with the Chippewa County Clerk of Circuit Court.
To obtain copies of existing divorce records, contact the clerk’s office with the case number or the names of the parties and the approximate year of filing. Certified copies cost $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page.
Child Custody and Support
Custody, placement, and child support orders are typically established as part of divorce proceedings or through separate paternity actions. The Chippewa County Child Support Agency assists with enforcement of support orders and can be reached through the Chippewa County Department of Human Services.
Domestic Abuse and Harassment Restraining Orders
Petitions for domestic abuse injunctions under Wis. Stat. § 813.12 and harassment restraining orders under Wis. Stat. § 813.125 are filed in Circuit Court. There is no filing fee for domestic abuse injunction petitions. Certain details in these cases may be restricted from public access to protect the safety of the petitioner.
Marriage and Vital Records
Marriage licenses are not issued by the courts in Wisconsin. They are obtained through the county Register of Deeds office. The Chippewa County Register of Deeds handles marriage license applications and maintains marriage records. Contact them at (715) 726-7980.
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Vital Records. Certified copies can be ordered online through the Wisconsin Vital Records Office or in person at local Register of Deeds offices. The fee for a certified birth certificate is $20.00, and additional copies ordered at the same time cost $3.00 each.
Chippewa County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Chippewa County are handled by the Circuit Court, with the Register in Probate serving as the administrative officer for estate, guardianship, and conservatorship proceedings. The Register in Probate is housed within the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office at the Chippewa County Courthouse.
Register in Probate
711 North Bridge Street
Chippewa Falls, WI 54729
Phone: (715) 726-7758
Types of Probate Proceedings
The probate division handles a range of matters governed primarily by Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 851–882:
- Formal administration of estates: Required when the decedent’s assets exceed the threshold for simplified procedures, when there is a dispute among heirs, or when the will is contested. The personal representative (executor or administrator) must file an inventory, account for all estate transactions, and obtain court approval before distribution.
- Informal administration: A streamlined process available for smaller or uncontested estates, governed by Wis. Stat. Chapter 865.
- Transfer by affidavit: For estates with assets valued at $50,000 or less, heirs may use a transfer-by-affidavit procedure under Wis. Stat. § 867.03 without opening a formal probate case.
- Guardianship of minors and adults: The court appoints guardians for individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs due to age, incapacity, or disability. Guardianship proceedings for adults are governed by Wis. Stat. Chapter 54; for minors, Chapter 48 applies.
- Conservatorships: When only financial management is needed (rather than personal decision-making authority), a conservator may be appointed under the applicable statutes.
- Trusts: Certain trust disputes and trust administration matters fall within the probate division’s jurisdiction.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Formal administration of estate | $265.50 |
| Informal administration | $265.50 |
| Ancillary administration (out-of-state decedent) | $265.50 |
| Guardianship or conservatorship petition | $265.50 |
| Minor guardianship | $265.50 |
| Transfer by affidavit | $0 (no court filing required, but fees may apply for recording) |
Additional costs such as publication fees for notice to creditors, bond premiums, and attorney fees will vary by case.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records appear in the WCCA database and can be searched by the decedent’s name or the case number. The Register in Probate also maintains physical files that can be inspected at the courthouse during business hours. For copies of wills, estate inventories, guardianship orders, or other probate documents, submit a request to the clerk’s office with the applicable copy fee.
Probate Forms
Standard probate forms approved by the Wisconsin court system are available for download from the Wisconsin Court System Forms page. These include petitions for administration, inventory forms, final account forms, and guardianship applications. The Register in Probate’s office can advise which forms are needed for a particular proceeding, though staff cannot provide legal advice on how to complete them.
Confidentiality in Probate
Most probate records are public. However, guardianship proceedings involving minors, mental health evaluations submitted to the court, and certain financial account details may be restricted from public inspection under Wisconsin law. Records in proceedings under Wis. Stat. Chapter 55 (protective services) may also carry access restrictions. When in doubt, contact the Register in Probate to confirm whether a specific record is available for public review.