Kenosha County Court Records Search
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Kenosha County sits in the southeastern corner of Wisconsin, bordered by Lake Michigan to the east and the Illinois state line to the south. The county seat is the city of Kenosha, where the Circuit Court and most county offices are concentrated. Court operations in Kenosha County are carried out by a single Circuit Court with general jurisdiction over all case types — criminal, civil, family, probate, and juvenile — along with ten Municipal Courts that handle local ordinance violations and certain forfeitures. The Clerk of Circuit Court, housed in the Kenosha County Courthouse at 912 56th Street, serves as the custodian of virtually all Circuit Court records and is the primary point of contact for record searches, copies, and certifications.
Wisconsin court records can be accessed through several channels, including in-person visits to clerk offices, written mail requests, and electronic search tools maintained by the state judiciary. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal is the statewide online database for looking up case information filed in any circuit court, including Kenosha County. WisconsinCourts.us may also assist individuals in locating publicly available court case information across the state. Additionally, the Clerk of Courts office provides direct assistance to those who need certified documents or access to files not fully available online.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kenosha County?
The first step is identifying which court handled the matter. The Kenosha County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felonies, civil actions, family law, probate, and juvenile matters. Municipal Courts handle city and village ordinance violations, certain traffic offenses, and local forfeiture actions.
Kenosha County Circuit Court
Address: 912 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: (Records): (262) 653-2664
Phone: (Family & Probate): (262) 653-2454
Fax: (Records): (262) 653-2435
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Municipal Courts in Kenosha County
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| City of Kenosha Municipal Court | 625 52nd Street, Room 97, Kenosha, WI 53140 | (262) 653-4220 |
| Village of Pleasant Prairie Municipal Court | 9915 39th Avenue, Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158 | (262) 694-8923 |
| Village of Bristol Municipal Court | 19801 83rd Street, Bristol, WI 53104 | (262) 857-2368 |
| Village of Salem Lakes Municipal Court | 9814 Antioch Road, P.O. Box 443, Salem, WI 53168 | (262) 843-2759, ext. 21 |
| Village of Twin Lakes Municipal Court | 108 East Main Street, P.O. Box 549, Twin Lakes, WI 53181 | (262) 877-2269 |
| Village of Paddock Lake Municipal Court | 6969 236th Avenue, Paddock Lake, WI 53168 | (262) 843-9314 |
| Town of Somers Municipal Court | 7511 12th Street, P.O. Box 197, Somers, WI 53171 | (262) 859-2822 |
| Town of Randall Municipal Court | 34530 Bassett Road, Bassett, WI 53101 | (262) 877-2165 |
| Town of Wheatland Municipal Court | 34315 Geneva Road, P.O. Box 797, New Munster, WI 53152 | (262) 537-4340 |
Online case searches
The WCCA portal allows the public to search Circuit Court cases by party name, case number, or county. After selecting Kenosha County, users can filter results by filing date, case status, and date of birth. Each case record typically displays the case number, type, status, filing date, party and attorney names, charges, statutes cited, disposition, and sentencing information.
In-person and mail requests
Visitors may inspect court files at Room 109 of the Kenosha County Courthouse during business hours. The Records Department can be reached at (262) 653-2664 to schedule an in-person review. Written requests sent by mail should include the case number (if known), full party names, and a return address, directed to:
Clerk of Circuit Court – Records
912 56th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
Copy and search fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record search (per action, when no case number is provided) | $5.00 |
| Regular copies | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 certification + $1.25 per page |
These fees align with the statewide Wisconsin Circuit Court fee schedule set under Chapter 814 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Are Court Records Public in Kenosha County?
Wisconsin operates under a strong presumption of public access to government records. The Wisconsin Open Records Law, codified in Chapter 19, Subchapter II of the Wisconsin Statutes, grants any person the right to inspect or obtain copies of records held by government authorities, including court records. The law applies broadly to all documents maintained by the Kenosha County Circuit Court and its clerk’s office.
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure by statute, court rule, or court order. The Wisconsin Court System maintains a detailed list of confidential record classifications, which include:
- Juvenile proceedings under Chapter 938
- Children’s proceedings under Chapter 48
- Adoption records
- Guardianship records
- Paternity pre-adjudication records
- Mental health act proceedings
- Grand jury proceedings and juror lists
- Presentence investigation reports
- Search warrants (until executed)
- Wills deposited for safekeeping during the testator’s lifetime
- Sealed or expunged records
When a record is only partially confidential, the clerk may release the non-confidential portions while redacting protected information. Under Wisconsin Statute § 801.20, filing parties are responsible for identifying documents that contain confidential information and using the appropriate cover sheet (Form GF-244) to alert the clerk. Confidential personal identifiers — including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account numbers — must be redacted before any record is released to the public.
Records available on the WCCA portal reflect only information that has been cleared for public access. Protection orders, certain domestic abuse filings, and juvenile-related documents may be omitted from online results even when the underlying case file exists.
Kenosha County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Kenosha County is divided between the Circuit Court (felonies, serious misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings) and the Municipal Courts (ordinance violations and certain forfeitures). The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all Circuit Court criminal case files, while each Municipal Court retains its own records for local matters.
Searching criminal case records online
The WCCA portal provides public access to criminal case information filed in the Kenosha County Circuit Court. Users can search by defendant name, date of birth, or case number. Results display charges, statutes violated, hearing dates, warrants, bonds, disposition, and sentencing details.
Obtaining copies
Copies of criminal case documents can be requested in person at Room 109 of the courthouse or by mail to the Clerk of Circuit Court. Provide the case number whenever possible to avoid the $5.00 search fee. Copies cost $1.25 per page, with an additional $5.00 for certification.
Arrest and incident records
The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, inmate information, and incident reports. The office is located at:
Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: (262) 605-5100
Non-emergency dispatch: (262) 656-1234
Fax: (262) 605-5130
For incidents within the City of Kenosha, the Kenosha Police Department handles records requests. Requesters should complete the department’s records request form and submit it in person, by mail, or by fax to:
Kenosha Police Department
1000 55th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
Fax: (262) 653-6909
Statewide criminal background checks
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau conducts name-based criminal history checks through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). Any person or organization may submit a request; the fee is paid by credit or debit card online. For fingerprint-based checks, applicants must submit the appropriate form, a fingerprint card, and the required fee to:
Crime Information Bureau – Record Check Unit
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
Kenosha County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Kenosha County are heard by the Circuit Court. These include contract disputes, personal injury and tort claims, property damage, medical malpractice, intellectual property disputes, foreclosures, and other non-criminal actions. Small claims cases — those involving amounts of $10,000 or less — are also filed in the Circuit Court under small claims procedures outlined in Chapter 799 of the Wisconsin Statutes.
Searching civil case records
The WCCA portal provides online access to civil case docket information. Users may search by party name or case number and view filing dates, case status, and disposition details. Full documents may not always be available electronically; for complete file review, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court.
Requesting copies
Civil case documents can be requested in person at the courthouse Records Department (Room 109) or by mailing a written request to the clerk’s office at 912 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140. Include the case number or full party names, along with a check or money order for the applicable fees.
Civil filing fees (selected)
| Action | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil claim for money judgment over $10,000 | $265.50 |
| Civil claim, no money judgment (name change, declaratory judgment, etc.) | $164.50 |
| Small claims ($10,000 or less) | $94.50 |
| Foreclosure under Chapter 846 | $265.50 |
| Third-party complaint (over $10,000) | $235.50 |
| Garnishment (over $10,000) | $210.50 |
| Foreign judgment filing | $15.00 |
Electronically filed cases are subject to an additional $35 per party (or $70 for attorney-mediators) effective May 1, 2024. A complete breakdown of fees is available in the Wisconsin Circuit Court fee tables.
Property records
Real estate records — including deeds, mortgages, liens, and surveys — are maintained by the Kenosha County Register of Deeds. The office provides online access to recorded documents through its Landshark portal. Additional property data, including tax assessments and ownership details, can be found on the county’s property inquiry page. The Register of Deeds is located at 1010 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140, and can be reached at (262) 653-2444.
Kenosha County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the Kenosha County Circuit Court handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody and placement, child support, paternity, domestic abuse restraining orders, harassment injunctions, and child abuse matters. There is no standalone family court in Wisconsin; these cases are heard within the Circuit Court system. The Family Court Commissioner can be reached at (262) 653-2646 for questions about scheduling and procedural matters.
Contact information for family case records
Clerk of Circuit Court – Family Division
912 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: (262) 653-2454
Fax: (Family): (262) 653-2753
How to access family court records
- Online – The WCCA portal displays publicly available family case information, including case type, filing date, parties, and disposition. Certain records — such as paternity pre-adjudication documents, child abuse restraining orders, and juvenile proceedings — are excluded from online results.
- In person – Visit Room 109 at the courthouse to review files or request copies. Call the Records Department at (262) 653-2664 in advance for file review appointments.
- By mail – Send a written request with the case number, party names, and payment to the clerk’s office address above.
Copy fees follow the standard schedule: $1.25 per page, $5.00 for certification, and a $5.00 search fee if no case number is provided.
Restricted family records
The following categories are confidential by default in Kenosha County:
- Paternity pre-adjudication records
- Termination of parental rights proceedings
- Child abuse restraining orders and injunctions
- Juvenile proceedings under Chapter 938
- Children’s proceedings under Chapter 48
- Family financial disclosure forms (FA-4139V) and income statements (FA-4138V)
Filing fees for family actions
| Action | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce, annulment, or legal separation (no support/maintenance request) | $184.50 |
| With request for support or maintenance | $194.50 |
| Post-judgment motion | $30.00 |
| Revision of custody or placement | $50.00 |
| Mediation fee (first session free) | $200.00 or local fee |
| Paternity action (private party) | $184.50 |
Marriage and divorce certificates
Marriage certificates for events in Kenosha County dating from October 1907 are available through the Register of Deeds Office. Divorce certificates have been maintained by the Register of Deeds since January 2016. The Wisconsin Vital Records Office also issues statewide copies of marriage and divorce records from October 1907 onward.
Under Wisconsin Statute § 69.20(1), certified copies are available only to individuals with a direct and tangible interest — the record subject, a parent, legal guardian, immediate family member, authorized representative, or a person who needs the record to protect personal or property rights. Uncertified copies are available to any member of the public.
To request vital records locally, complete the appropriate application form and submit it in person or by mail to:
Jennifer Mack
Kenosha County Register of Deeds
1010 56th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
Phone: (262) 653-2444
A satellite office is also available at the Kenosha County Center, 19600 75th Street, Bristol, WI 53104, Phone: (262) 857-1845
Vital records fees
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies (same application) |
|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | $20.00 | $3.00 each |
| Death certificate | $20.00 | $3.00 each |
| Marriage certificate | $20.00 | $3.00 each |
| Divorce certificate | $20.00 | $3.00 each |
Mail requests must include a money order (no personal checks), a copy of valid identification, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Online orders may be placed through VitalChek, which charges additional processing fees.
Birth and death records
The Register of Deeds holds birth records for events from October 1, 1907 to the present and death records from September 1, 2013 to the present. For death records predating September 2013, or for records from other Wisconsin counties, contact the Wisconsin Vital Records Office at P.O. Box 309, Madison, WI 53701.
Kenosha County Probate Court Records
Probate and guardianship matters in Kenosha County are handled by the Circuit Court. There is no separate probate court. The Probate and Juvenile Office within the Clerk of Circuit Court manages these filings. Key staff contacts include the Probate Clerk at (262) 653-2675 and the Guardianship Clerk at (262) 653-2880.
Types of probate cases
The Circuit Court handles a broad range of matters under its probate jurisdiction, including estate administration, will contests, guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults, conservatorships, protective services and placements, adult and juvenile mental health commitments, and proceedings under Chapters 48 and 54 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Trusts proceedings under Chapter 701 are also filed in the probate division.
How to search probate records
- Online – The WCCA portal includes probate case information that has been cleared for public access. Search by the decedent’s or ward’s name and select Kenosha County.
- In person – Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court at 912 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140. The Probate Division can be reached at (262) 653-2454, Fax: (262) 653-2673
- By mail – Send a written request with the case number or party name and applicable fees to the clerk’s office.
Probate fees
Probate filing fees differ from standard civil fees. The inventory fee under Wisconsin Statute § 814.66(1)(a) is a minimum of $20.00 or 0.2% of the estate value exceeding $10,000. For minor guardianships and adult guardianships of the estate, the inventory fee is a minimum of $20.00 or 0.2% of the estate value exceeding $50,000. Trust proceedings under Chapter 701 carry a $250.00 filing fee. Standard copy and search fees ($1.25 per page, $5.00 certification, $5.00 search) apply.
Confidential probate records
Guardianship records are classified as confidential by default under Wisconsin law. Mental health commitments, protective service proceedings, and examining physician or psychologist reports in guardianship cases (under Wis. Stat. § 54.36 and § 51.30(4)(b)) are also restricted. Wills deposited with the court for safekeeping during the testator’s lifetime remain confidential until the testator’s death. Adoption-related files processed through the probate division are sealed upon completion.
For general information about the probate process in Wisconsin, the Clerk of Courts page links to the Probate in Wisconsin resource, and the Wisconsin Register in Probate Association provides additional guidance on estate administration, guardianship procedures, and required forms.