Grant County Court Records Search
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Grant County is located in the southwestern corner of Wisconsin, with its county seat in the city of Lancaster. The Grant County Circuit Court, operating as part of the state’s unified judicial system, handles a broad range of legal matters including criminal, civil, family, probate, small claims, and traffic cases. Two circuit court branches serve the county, along with a Register in Probate office that manages estate, guardianship, and mental health proceedings. Court records generated through these proceedings are maintained by the Clerk of Circuit Court and the Register in Probate, and interested parties can access them through several methods depending on the record type and the requester’s eligibility.
Wisconsin provides centralized tools for locating court case information across all counties. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access database, available through WisconsinCourts.us, allows public searches of circuit court case records filed statewide. In addition to this online resource, individuals can visit the Grant County Clerk of Courts office in person, submit requests by mail, or use public access terminals at the courthouse. The state courts website is a useful starting point for locating publicly available case data, docket entries, and party information for Grant County proceedings.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Grant County?
The most efficient way to search for a Grant County court case is through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) case search, which provides free public access to case information for circuit courts statewide. Users can search by party name, case number, or date range. Case docket information for most counties, including Grant, is available from 1994 to the present.
For in-person record searches, the Grant County Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all court files at the county courthouse:
Grant County Clerk of Circuit Court
Address: 130 W. Maple St., P.O. Box 110, Lancaster, WI 53813
Phone: (608) 723-2752
Fax: (608) 723-7370
Email: Tina.McDonald@wicourts.gov
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Requesting Copies of Records
The Clerk of Courts office processes requests for copies of court documents. Under the Grant County Circuit Court Rules and Wis. Stat. § 814.61(10), the following copy fees apply:
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (from paper or electronic files) | $1.25 per page |
| Electronic copies (even when made by requester) | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per document (plus $1.25/page copy fee) |
| Simple file searches (when no case number is provided) | $5.00 per search |
| Complex searches | Actual, direct, and necessary costs |
Payments should be directed to the Clerk of Courts. When requesting documents by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient postage. The Clerk’s office also processes passport applications and handles the collection of various fines, fees, and forfeitures.
The courthouse also houses two circuit court branches:
| Court | Judge | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court Branch I | Hon. Lisa A. Riniker | (608) 723-7826 |
| Circuit Court Branch II | Hon. Craig R. Day | (608) 723-6576 |
Both branches are located at 130 W. Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813, and share the fax number (608) 723-7370. Office hours for both branches are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Are Court Records Public in Grant County?
Wisconsin law establishes a strong presumption favoring public access to government records. Under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39), court records are generally considered public documents that must be made available upon request. This presumption applies to records held by the Grant County Clerk of Courts, the Register in Probate, and other county offices.
Despite this broad right of access, specific categories of court records are shielded from public disclosure. Records that are typically restricted or confidential include:
- Sealed records — Cases sealed by court order due to statute or judicial directive are not accessible to the general public
- Expunged records — Criminal records that have been expunged under Wisconsin law are removed from public view
- Juvenile court records — Proceedings involving minors under Chapters 48 and 938 of the Wisconsin Statutes are generally confidential
- Adoption records — Files related to adoption proceedings are restricted to authorized parties
- Personal identifying information — Records containing information about court officials or parties whose disclosure would compromise privacy or safety may be withheld
- Guardianship and mental health records — Certain protective placement and commitment records carry confidentiality protections
The Grant County Circuit Court Rules also address court proceedings that are required by law to be public. Under Part 2 of the local court rules, a party seeking to close a proceeding must notify the court and the media coordinator in writing at least 72 hours before the hearing, with the burden falling on the moving party to demonstrate cause for closure.
Grant County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Grant County are assigned to the presiding intake court judge at the initial appearance. The Clerk of Courts maintains records for all criminal proceedings from initial filing through final disposition, including case initiations, pleadings, judgments, bound-overs from associate level to circuit level, license suspensions, and copies of records.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal court case records can be searched through the WCCA case search system. To locate a specific case, select Grant County and enter the defendant’s name or case number. Traffic tickets can also be searched by litigant name through the online system. The Clerk of Courts office can assist in person or by phone at (608) 723-2752.
Criminal Background Checks
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the state’s Centralized Criminal History (CCH) database. Public access to adult criminal history record information is available through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). Anyone may submit a name-based background check by creating an account on the WORCS portal and paying the applicable fee, which is $7 for a standard criminal background check. The results reflect fingerprint-supported records of arrests, prosecutions, court findings, sentences, and corrections data submitted by Wisconsin law enforcement agencies pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 165.84(1).
Arrest Records and the Sheriff’s Office
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest reports and incident records. Public records requests can be submitted to the Sheriff’s Office:
Grant County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 8820 Hwy 35/61/81, Lancaster, WI 53813
Phone: (608) 723-2157
Emergency: 911
Hours: Open 24 hours
The Sheriff’s Office also handles public record requests for incident reports. Grant County also participates in the NextRequest public records portal, which allows members of the public to submit and track records requests online. The Sheriff’s civil process division can be reached at (608) 723-2157 for questions about foreclosure sales, civil papers, and related matters.
Grant County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Grant County are distributed between the two circuit court branches, with even-numbered cases assigned to Branch II and odd-numbered cases to Branch I. The Associate Circuit division handles small claims and civil matters up to $10,000, while the Circuit division hears cases involving claims exceeding $10,000, including foreclosures, personal injury, contract disputes, property damage, and declaratory judgments.
Civil Filing Fees
Wisconsin circuit court filing fees are established under Chapter 814 of the Wisconsin Statutes. The state circuit court fee tables detail the current amounts. Key civil filing fees include:
| Case Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action — money judgment over $10,000 | $265.50 |
| Personal injury/tort — over $5,000 up to $10,000 | $147.50 |
| Civil action — no money judgment (name change, declaratory judgment, etc.) | $164.50 |
| Small claims — claim $10,000 or less | $94.50 |
| Small claims — tort/personal injury $5,000 or less | $94.50 |
| Foreclosure (under Ch. 846) | $265.50 |
| Garnishment — over $10,000 | $210.50 |
| Garnishment — $10,000 or less | $92.50 |
An e-filing fee of $35 per party per case applies to electronically filed cases (effective May 1, 2024). Civil court forms are available through the Wisconsin Court System website.
Small Claims
Small claims cases in Grant County are assigned on the return date to the presiding intake court judge. Service of the summons can be accomplished by mail through the Clerk of Courts office for a fee of $2 per defendant plus postage. A demand for jury trial in small claims costs an additional $89, which includes the jury fee.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records are searchable through WCCA or by visiting the Clerk of Courts office. Copies of civil judgments and other filings can be requested in person or by mail for $1.25 per page, with certified copies costing an additional $5.00 per document.
Grant County Family Court Records
Family law cases filed in Grant County include divorce (dissolution of marriage), legal separation, annulment, paternity, child custody, child support, modification of judgments, and protective orders. These cases are divided equally between Branch I and Branch II based on case number assignment.
Family Court Filing Fees
Filing fees for family cases are established by Wis. Stat. § 814.61 and include a family court counseling services (FCCS) surcharge:
| Case Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Family action without request for support/maintenance | $184.50 |
| Family action with request for support/maintenance | $194.50 |
| Post-judgment motion (e.g., modification) | $30.00 |
| Post-judgment revision of legal custody/physical placement | $50.00 |
| Mediation fee (first session free) | $200.00 or local fee |
Divorce Records
The Grant County Circuit Court maintains the official records of divorce proceedings. The Grant County Register of Deeds is the local custodian of divorce certificates (as distinct from the full court case file). To obtain a certified copy of a divorce certificate, applicants must:
- Complete an application for a divorce certificate
- Attach a copy of a valid photo ID
- Include a $20 copy fee by money order or check payable to the State of Wisconsin Vital Records
- Submit the application in person or by mail to:
Grant County Register of Deeds
Address: 111 S. Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 391, Lancaster, WI 53813
Phone: (608) 723-2727
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses issued in Grant County are also maintained by the Register of Deeds. Copies are available only to the record subjects, their immediate family members, and legal representatives. The same $20 fee and photo ID requirement applies. Requests are submitted to the Register of Deeds at the address above.
Protective Orders
Domestic abuse, child abuse, harassment, and individual-at-risk restraining orders carry no filing fee under Wisconsin law. These cases may be filed at the Clerk of Courts office and are heard by the intake court judge.
Birth and Death Records
While not court records, birth and death certificates are frequently needed in connection with family and probate proceedings. The Register of Deeds holds birth records from 1876 and death records for events occurring in Grant County. These are not public documents — only individuals named on the record, their immediate family, legal custodians, authorized representatives, and persons with a documented need to protect personal or property rights may obtain copies. Applicants must submit a completed application form, a valid photo ID, and a $20 fee. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also processes vital records requests statewide.
Grant County Probate Court Records
Probate, guardianship, mental health, and juvenile court matters in Grant County are administered by the Register in Probate. The office provides administrative support to the court in these specialized areas while ensuring compliance with Wisconsin law. Probate cases are assigned on an equal and alternating basis between Branch I and Branch II.
Register in Probate Office
Address: 130 W. Maple Street, Lancaster, WI 53813
Phone: (608) 723-2697
Fax: (608) 723-3101
Email: jody.bartels@wicourts.gov
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Types of Probate Cases
The Probate Division handles a wide range of matters, including formal and informal probate proceedings, summary assignments, summary settlements, determination of descent, trust administration, ancillary proceedings, guardianships (adult and minor), conservatorships, protective placements, mental health commitments (Chapters 51 and 55), and alcohol and drug commitments. Adoption and termination of parental rights cases are also processed through the Register in Probate’s office.
Probate Filing Fees and Inventory Fees
Probate filing fees include an inventory fee under Wis. Stat. § 814.66, which is calculated based on the value of the estate:
- Inventory fee (standard): $20 minimum, or 0.2% of estate value over $10,000
- Inventory fee (minor or adult guardianship of the estate): $20 minimum, or 0.2% of estate value over $50,000
- Trust proceedings (Ch. 701): $250.00 filing fee
- Copies from probate files: $1.00 per page (Register in Probate rate per local court rules)
- Certified copies from probate files: $5.00 per document plus copy fees
- Simple probate file searches: $4.00 per search (Register in Probate rate per local court rules)
Searching Probate Records
Current probate case information can be accessed online through the WCCA case search. Historical probate records for Grant County dating back to the county’s formation in 1833 may be available through the county archives. For in-person requests, visit the Register in Probate at the courthouse during business hours. Guardian ad litem fees in Grant County are set at a rate of $70.00 per hour, subject to court adjustment, and attorneys accepting appointments must submit billing within 45 days of final disposition per local court rules.