Door County Court Records Search
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Door County, Wisconsin occupies the tip of a peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan, covering roughly 493 square miles of land with a population of approximately 31,000 residents. Its court system handles the full range of legal matters you would expect in a mid-sized Wisconsin county — from felony prosecutions and civil money disputes to estate administrations and protective placement proceedings. Court records generated by those proceedings are maintained by county officers as official public documents, serving both accountability and practical purposes: they document how disputes are resolved, create enforceable judgments, and provide a traceable history of legal actions filed within the county.
Individuals researching cases in Wisconsin have several access routes available. The Wisconsin Court System website connects users to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database for online case lookups, along with self-help forms, court directories, and information on specific case types. For Door County specifically, WisconsinCourts.us can help orient users to publicly available court case information, local clerk contacts, and case search tools maintained by the state. Records may also be accessed in person at the courthouse or by contacting the appropriate office by mail or phone.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Door County?
Case records for Door County are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court, a constitutionally elected county officer responsible for creating, filing, and safeguarding all case files processed through the Circuit Court. The office handles criminal, civil, family, and small claims records, as well as warrant information and judgment dockets.
Door County Clerk of Circuit Court
Address: 1205 South Duluth Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Phone: (920) 746-2205
Fax: (920) 746-2520
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed holidays)
How to search or request records:
- Online — WCCA case search: The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system at wcca.wicourts.gov allows free public searching of circuit court cases statewide. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney. Confidential case types are excluded from WCCA results.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Courts office at the Door County Justice Center. Staff can assist with locating case files, though they cannot provide legal advice.
- By mail or phone: Contact the Clerk at (920) 746-2205 ext. 3 with the subject’s name, case number, and case type. The office will advise on whether the record is available and any applicable copying fees.
The Wisconsin Court System also maintains a case search portal that covers circuit court cases, appellate filings, and Supreme Court cases in one consolidated interface.
Are Court Records Public in Door County?
Wisconsin’s public records framework is one of the broadest in the country. Under Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39, commonly known as the Wisconsin Public Records Law, every person is entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government, and access to records maintained by government bodies is the rule rather than the exception. The records held by the Clerk of Circuit Court and the Door County Sheriff’s Office are subject to this law.
However, several categories of records carry statutory restrictions:
- Juvenile records — Cases involving minors are generally closed to the public under Wisconsin law.
- Sealed or expunged records — Courts may order records sealed or expunged; such files are removed from public access, including the WCCA database.
- Records implicating personal privacy — Where disclosure would constitute an unreasonable invasion of personal privacy and the public interest does not outweigh that privacy interest, access may be denied following a balancing test.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records — Certain investigative materials held by law enforcement may be withheld to protect an active investigation.
- Mental health and protective placement proceedings — These probate-court-adjacent matters carry confidentiality protections under Wisconsin statutes.
When a record exists but access is restricted, requesters may need to demonstrate legal standing, provide written authorization from the subject, or obtain a court order before the custodian can release the file.
Door County Criminal Court Records
The Door County Circuit Court’s trial division handles both misdemeanor and felony criminal matters. Misdemeanor cases initiated in municipal court may be appealed to the Circuit Court. Felony proceedings — from initial appearance through sentencing — are conducted entirely at the Circuit Court level. All resulting criminal case files, including charging documents, plea records, judgments of conviction, and sentencing orders, are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court at 1205 South Duluth Avenue in Sturgeon Bay.
Searching criminal case records:
The fastest way to look up a criminal case is through the WCCA case search system, which is free and available around the clock. Searches can be conducted by the defendant’s name or case number. The database displays case status, charge descriptions, court dates, and disposition information for non-confidential matters.
For cases not appearing in WCCA, or when certified copies of criminal records are needed, contact the Clerk of Courts directly at (920) 746-2205.
Arrest and incident records — Door County Sheriff’s Office:
The Door County Sheriff’s Office maintains law enforcement records separately from court files. These include incident reports, crash reports, photographs, audio recordings, and jail records.
Door County Sheriff’s Office
Non-Emergency: (920) 746-2400
Records Clerk: (920) 746-2415
Citations/Warrants: (920) 746-2413
Records requests can be submitted by phone or through the Door County Sheriff’s public records request form available on the county website.
Sheriff’s Office records fees:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Incident reports (emailed) | Free |
| Incident reports (photocopy, mail or in person) | $0.15 per page |
| Crash reports prior to March 26, 2024 (emailed) | Free |
| Crash reports prior to March 26, 2024 (photocopy) | $0.15 per page |
| Crash reports after March 26, 2024 | Available at Crashdocs.org |
| Photographs (CD or DVD) | $0.25 |
| Audio 911 recording (DVD) | $0.25 |
| Flash drives/USB | Actual cost based on size |
| Jail recordings (DVD) | $0.25 |
If the estimated cost of copying or recording exceeds $5.00, pre-payment is required. Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card through the county’s Point & Pay system.
Door County Civil Court Records
The Door County Circuit Court holds concurrent jurisdiction over civil cases of any dollar amount, while small claims matters are capped at $10,000 (or $5,000 for tort/personal injury claims) and governed by Wis. Stat. Chapter 799. Civil cases encompass contract disputes, money judgments, evictions, replevin actions, and injunctions.
Small claims filing specifics:
- Filing fee: $94.50
- Mailing fee: $2.00 per defendant (for Door County residents; personal service required for out-of-county defendants)
- These pre-judgment fees are added to any judgment — they should not be included in the amount you claim
To initiate a small claims action, file a completed Summons and Complaint SC Form 500 and a Declaration of Nonmilitary Service GF 175 with the Clerk of Courts. Forms are also available directly at the courthouse.
Name changes:
Name change petitions are civil filings handled by the Circuit Court in the county where the petitioner resides. Filing fees include:
- $164.50 filing fee (due before hearing)
- Publication fee (contact the Door County Advocate at (888) 774-7744 or Peninsula Pulse at legals@ppulse.com)
- $6.25 per certified copy of order (due after hearing)
- $30.00 recording fee payable to Register of Deeds
Wisconsin court forms for name changes, including the Petition for Name Change and Order for Name Change, are available on the Wisconsin Court System website.
For civil case records — judgments, filed motions, orders, and transcripts — contact the Clerk of Circuit Court in person or by phone. The WCCA database also captures civil case docket information and can provide an overview of case activity before you visit the courthouse.
Door County Family Court Records
Family matters in Door County are handled by the family court division of the Circuit Court. The division has jurisdiction over actions governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 767, including divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody and physical placement, child support enforcement, paternity determinations, and property division.
Because family court cases often contain sensitive personal information, access to these records may be more restricted than standard civil files. Divorce records, for example, are generally available only to the parties involved, their attorneys, and authorized representatives. Anyone with a legitimate need should contact the Clerk of Circuit Court at (920) 746-2205 to determine whether a specific record is accessible and what documentation may be required.
Protective orders and injunctions:
The Circuit Court also issues temporary restraining orders (TROs) and injunctions in domestic abuse, harassment, child abuse, and individual-at-risk matters. TROs take approximately 30 minutes to process; petitioners should arrive at the courthouse no later than 3:30 p.m. to ensure same-day issuance. HELP of Door County (219 Green Bay Road, Sturgeon Bay; (920) 743-8818) can assist with completing paperwork for all types of injunctions. The Wisconsin Court System also provides self-help assistance for filing a restraining order.
Marriage and divorce certificates are filed with the Door County Register of Deeds rather than the Circuit Court (for divorces finalized on or after January 1, 2016). Certified copies cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Divorce certificates for proceedings finalized before January 1, 2016 must be requested through the Clerk of Courts.
Door County Register of Deeds
Address: 421 Nebraska Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Vital records available at the Register of Deeds and their coverage dates:
| Record Type | Available From | Available To |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificates | October 1, 1907 | Present |
| Death certificates | September 1, 2013 | Present |
| Marriage certificates | October 1, 1907 | Present |
| Divorce certificates | January 1, 2016 | Present |
All vital record fees are set by Wisconsin statute and are uniform statewide at $20.00 per certified copy, with additional same-time copies at $3.00 each. Mail requests require a completed application form (available at the Door County Vital Records page), a self-addressed stamped envelope, a photocopy of valid photo ID, and the appropriate fee. Send to: Door County Register of Deeds, 421 Nebraska St, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. Expedited online requests are available through Official Records Online, a third-party service authorized by the Register of Deeds (additional fees apply). It is a felony under Wis. Stat. § 69.24(1) to copy or reproduce vital record certificates by unauthorized means.
Birth certificate records are restricted to the individual named on the certificate, their immediate family members, and authorized agents. Valid photo identification is required for in-person pickup.
Door County Probate Court Records
Probate in Door County is administered through the Circuit Court under the supervision of the Register in Probate (RIP). The Register in Probate coordinates the administrative and judicial functions of probate proceedings, which include estate administration with or without a will, trust proceedings, guardianships, conservatorships, protective placements, and mental health or alcohol and drug abuse commitments.
Register in Probate
Address: 1209 South Duluth Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Phone: (920) 746-2280
Because the Register in Probate office has only one part-time assistant, an appointment is strongly recommended before visiting to ensure someone is available to assist you. The RIP and staff are not permitted to provide legal advice; individuals with complex estate or guardianship questions should consult an attorney.
What probate records include:
- Petitions to open an estate (with or without a will)
- Wills filed for safekeeping
- Letters testamentary and letters of administration
- Guardianship and conservatorship orders
- Trust registration documents
- Protective placement and mental health commitment records
- Inventories, claims against an estate, and final accountings
Probate case records are generally public, with the exception of certain mental health and protective placement proceedings that carry confidentiality protections under state law. To search for a probate case or request copies of probate documents, contact the Register in Probate office directly or check the Wisconsin Court System website for current court forms and procedural guidance. The WCCA case search also includes probate case docket information for Door County, which can help identify case numbers and status before contacting the office.
Property records — including deeds, mortgages, land contracts, and UCC filings related to real estate — are recorded with the Door County Register of Deeds. Copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, with an extra $1.00 charge for certification. Standard document recording fees are $30.00 per document. Online property record searches can be conducted through the Door County land navigation portal maintained by the county assessor.