Marathon County Court Records Search
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Marathon County occupies a large swath of central Wisconsin, with the city of Wausau as its county seat. The county’s court system centers on the Marathon County Circuit Court, which is part of Wisconsin’s Ninth Judicial Administrative District and holds jurisdiction over all felony, misdemeanor, civil, family, small claims, traffic, and probate matters at the county level. Several municipal courts — in Wausau, Marshfield/Spencer, and Mosinee — handle local ordinance violations and certain forfeitures. The Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of all Circuit Court case records, while the Register of Deeds maintains vital records and land documents separately.
For anyone searching for court records in Wisconsin, multiple channels exist. Official clerk’s offices accept in-person requests, and public-access terminals at the courthouse allow direct record viewing. The Wisconsin Court System also operates the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal for online case lookups. In addition, WisconsinCourts.us may assist users in locating publicly available case information from courts across the state. Understanding which office or tool to use — and which records are accessible — is the first step toward a successful search.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Marathon County?
Marathon County court cases can be located through online databases, in-person visits, or written requests. The method chosen will depend on whether the requester needs an informal lookup or official certified documents.
Online Case Search
The primary online tool is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal, which provides free public access to case records from all Wisconsin circuit courts. To search Marathon County records specifically:
- Navigate to the WCCA website.
- Enter a party name (last name, first name, or middle name), a business name, or a case number.
- For more targeted results, use the advanced search option, which allows filtering by case type (e.g., Criminal-Felony, Civil, Family), case status, county, filing date range, and disposition date.
- Click on any case number in the results to view the full docket, including party information, charges, court activities, and dispositions.
The WCCA displays case summaries, party details (including date of birth, sex, and race for criminal defendants), charges, hearing schedules, court activities, and disposition information. It does not display the actual documents filed in a case, and confidential case types are excluded.
In-Person Requests
Visitors can view and copy records at the Clerk of Courts Office during regular business hours:
Marathon County Clerk of Courts
Address: 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1300
Fax: (715) 261-1319
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (filings accepted until 4:00 p.m.)
Specific division phone numbers:
| Division | Phone |
|---|---|
| Civil / Family / Small Claims | (715) 261-1310 |
| Criminal / Traffic | (715) 261-1270 |
| Register in Probate | (715) 261-1260 |
| Collections | (715) 261-1132 |
Effective January 5, 2026, most Marathon County departments shifted to hours of Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., and Friday, 7:30 a.m.–noon. However, the Circuit Court and Clerk of Courts may maintain their own schedule; contact the office at (715) 261-1300 to confirm current hours before visiting.
Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copies | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page |
| File/record search (no case number) | $5.00 per search |
| E-filing fee | $35.00 per case per party |
Off-Site File Requests
Older cases are stored at an off-site facility and are not immediately available at the courthouse. To obtain these records, submit an Off-site File Request form to the Clerk of Courts. Off-site requests are processed on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The office will contact the requester by phone when the file is ready for inspection.
Are Court Records Public in Marathon County?
Wisconsin’s Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31 et seq.) establishes a broad right of public access to government records, including court filings. Unless sealed by court order or classified as confidential by statute, circuit court files in Marathon County are open to public inspection. Anyone may request to view or copy records without providing a reason.
Publicly Accessible Information
When viewing a Marathon County court record, the following data points are generally available:
- Case caption, number, type, filing date, and status
- Names of parties, attorneys, and the assigned judicial officer
- Date of birth, sex, and race of parties (in criminal cases)
- Hearing dates, times, locations, and presiding officials
- Docket entries with dates, descriptions, and associated documents
- Charges, offense dates, pleas, statutes cited, severity classifications, and dispositions
- Sentencing details and judgment amounts
Confidential Record Categories
Wisconsin law designates specific case types and documents as confidential. These records are not available for public inspection and do not appear on the WCCA portal:
- Adoption proceedings
- Children’s proceedings under Wis. Stat. Ch. 48
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings under Wis. Stat. Ch. 938
- Guardianship records
- Termination of parental rights
- Mental health act proceedings
- Paternity pre-adjudication records
- Jane Doe proceedings
- Grand jury proceedings and juror lists
- Search warrants (until executed)
- Wills deposited for safekeeping during the testator’s lifetime
- Confidential name change petitions
Certain documents within otherwise public cases are also treated as confidential by default. These include income and expense statements, financial disclosure statements in divorce cases, family medical history questionnaires, presentence investigation reports, and child abuse restraining orders. Under Wis. Stat. § 801.19, five categories of personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, employer identification numbers, tax identification numbers, financial account numbers, and driver’s license numbers — must be redacted from documents before public filing.
Marathon County Criminal Court Records
All criminal cases in Marathon County — felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses — are heard in the Circuit Court at the Marathon County Courthouse, 500 Forest Street, Wausau. The Criminal/Traffic division of the Clerk of Courts manages these records and can be reached at (715) 261-1270.
Searching Criminal Court Records
The fastest free method is the WCCA portal. Using the advanced search, select case type codes “CF” (Felony), “CM” (Misdemeanor), or “CT” (Criminal Traffic) to limit results to criminal matters in Marathon County. Each record displays the prosecuting agency, charges with statute citations, offense dates, pleas entered, dispositions, and sentencing information.
For certified copies of criminal judgments, orders, or other filings, visit the Clerk of Courts in person. Copies cost $1.25 per page, and certification adds $5.00 per document. Requests require the defendant’s name or case number.
Criminal History Background Checks
The Wisconsin Department of Justice operates the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), which provides access to the state’s criminal history repository maintained by the Crime Information Bureau. Public users do not need an account. A name-based search requires the subject’s first and last name, gender, race, and date of birth. Fees are $7.00 per record, with an additional $5.00 for certified copies.
Arrest Records
The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office maintains an online public information portal through its Police to Citizen system. The inmate roster shows current jail bookings, sortable by arrest date, booking agency, charges, or last name. The portal also provides general data about incidents and arrests that have occurred within the Sheriff’s jurisdiction.
Sheriff’s Office Contact:
Address: 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1200
Marathon County Civil Court Records
The Circuit Court exercises original jurisdiction over all civil matters in Marathon County, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, foreclosures, injunctions, and replevin actions. Small claims cases — those involving amounts up to $10,000, as well as evictions and tort claims up to $5,000 — are also filed in the Circuit Court under small claims procedures. The Civil/Family/Small Claims division at (715) 261-1310 handles inquiries and record requests for these case types.
Filing Fees
Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 814 sets uniform circuit court filing fees across the state. Selected civil filing fees applicable in Marathon County include:
| Action | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil claim for money judgment over $10,000 | $265.50 |
| Civil claim over $5,000 up to $10,000 (personal injury/tort) | $147.50 |
| Civil claim — no money judgment (name change, declaratory judgment, etc.) | $164.50 |
| Small claims (up to $10,000) | $94.50 |
| Small claims third-party complaint (up to $5,000) | $117.50 |
| Foreclosure | $265.50 |
| Garnishment over $10,000 | $210.50 |
| Garnishment $10,000 or less | $92.50 |
Each total includes the base filing fee, court support services surcharge, and justice information surcharge. Cases filed electronically incur an additional $35.00 per party.
How to Search Civil Records
Civil case records can be searched at no charge through the WCCA portal. Using the advanced search and selecting “CV” (Civil) or “SC” (Small Claims) as case types narrows results. In person, copies are available at the Clerk of Courts for $1.25 per page (certified: $5.00 per document plus copy costs).
Older civil case files stored off-site require an Off-site File Request form. Processing occurs on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Court Forms
The Wisconsin Court System provides downloadable circuit court forms covering small claims, civil complaints, garnishments, and other action types. Blank mandatory forms are available at no charge; fees may apply for form packets with local instructions.
Property Records
Real estate filings — deeds, mortgages, certified survey maps, and easements — are recorded with the Marathon County Register of Deeds at 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403, Phone: (715) 261-1470 The tract index is searchable free online through Ascent Land Records Suite. Document images can be viewed and printed for a fee via the LandShark web portal. Standard copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page; certified copies are $1.00 per document.
Marathon County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Marathon County — including divorce, annulment, legal separation, custody, paternity, child support, and related post-judgment motions — are filed in the Circuit Court and managed through the Civil/Family/Small Claims division at (715) 261-1310.
Searching Family Records
The WCCA portal includes family case records. An advanced search with the case type “FA” (Family) will isolate results to divorce, custody, and related proceedings. Docket entries, scheduled hearings, and case status information appear in the online results.
However, several categories of family court documents are confidential under Wisconsin law and will not appear in public search results. These include financial disclosure statements, income and expense statements, and family medical history questionnaires. Actions to determine paternity remain confidential until paternity is adjudicated.
In-person copies of non-confidential family records cost $1.25 per page at the Clerk of Courts. Family cases filed before 1986 are maintained off-site. To access these older files, submit an Off-site File Request. The Clerk processes off-site requests on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and will contact the requester by phone when the record is available.
Filing Fees for Family Actions
| Action | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce/annulment/legal separation (no support request) | $184.50 |
| Divorce/annulment/legal separation (with support request) | $194.50 |
| Post-judgment motion (custody/placement revision) | $50.00 |
| Post-judgment motion (other judgments) | $30.00 |
| Paternity (private party) | $184.50 |
| Paternity (with support request, private party) | $194.50 |
| Mediation fee (first session free) | $200.00 |
| Custody/placement study fee | $300.00 |
Marriage and Divorce Certificates
Certified copies of marriage, divorce, and domestic partnership certificates are issued by the Marathon County Register of Deeds — Vital Records Section. All vital record certificates cost $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
Requests can be made:
- In person at the Register of Deeds, 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403. Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.–noon. A valid photo ID is required.
- By mail using the appropriate application form — Marriage Certificate Application or Divorce Certificate Application. Include a completed form, a photocopy of a valid ID, the fee (money order or cashier’s check), and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Online through an approved third-party vendor (additional processing fees apply).
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are also available through the Register of Deeds. The same $20.00/$3.00 fee structure applies. Mail requests require a Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application, a valid ID copy, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail requests are processed the same day they are received.
Marathon County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Marathon County are handled by the Register in Probate Office, which operates as a division within the Clerk of Courts. This office administers estate proceedings, guardianships and conservatorships, wills, civil commitments, and adoptions/termination of parental rights.
Register in Probate Office
Address: Room C269, 500 Forest Street, Wausau, WI 54403
Phone: (715) 261-1260
Fax: (715) 261-1269
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (filings accepted until 4:00 p.m.)
Closed daily for lunch: 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m.
How to Search Probate Records
Probate case records can be searched through the WCCA portal using the advanced search. Selecting “PR” (Probate), “IN” (Informal Probate), or “WL” (Will) from the case types dropdown limits results to probate-related matters. In-person requests require a name or case number; the Probate Office staff will locate the file and provide copies after payment of the applicable fees.
Types of Probate Proceedings
The probate page on the county website outlines the following procedures:
- Transfer by Affidavit — For solely owned property in Wisconsin valued under $50,000.
- Summary Settlement / Summary Assignment — For estates under $50,000 after expenses. Summary Settlement is used when a spouse or minor children survive; Summary Assignment applies when they do not.
- Informal Probate — For estates of $50,000 or more where the will does not prohibit this procedure and all parties consent. The personal representative manages the administration independently.
- Formal Probate — For larger or contested estates. Hearings are held before a circuit court judge, and an inventory must be filed.
The Probate Office provides several downloadable forms and checklists, including the Informal Probate Checklist, Non-Probate of Will form, Personal Representative’s Guide, and Transfer by Affidavit form.
Probate Fees
Fees are established by Wis. Stat. § 814.66 and apply countywide:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estate inventory filing — gross value under $10,000 | $20.00 |
| Estate inventory filing — gross value over $10,000 | 0.2% of gross estate value |
| Objection to probate of a will | $20.00 |
| Filing a claim against an estate | $3.00 per claim |
| Will filed for safekeeping | $10.00 |
| Power of attorney for health care or declaration (safekeeping) | $8.00 per document |
| Certified copies | $3.00 per document |
| Standard copies | $1.00 per page |
Guardianship Fees and Requirements
Guardianship inventory filing follows the same structure: $20.00 for estates under $50,000, or 0.2% of gross value for estates over $50,000. Since January 1, 2023, Wisconsin Act 97 requires all newly appointed guardians (except corporate guardians and guardians of minor children) to complete a training program offered at no cost through the UW-Green Bay Guardianship Training program. The training must be completed once and applies to new petitions and successor or standby guardian appointments.
For general questions about probate, guardianship, or estate administration, contact the Register in Probate Office at (715) 261-1260. The office cannot provide legal advice but can answer procedural questions and supply relevant forms.