Oconto County Court Records Search
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Oconto County sits in northeastern Wisconsin along the western shore of Green Bay, with the city of Oconto serving as the county seat. Court records generated in the county encompass filings, orders, judgments, pleadings, evidence, transcripts, and case dockets produced by the county’s circuit and municipal courts. These documents support a wide range of practical needs — from verifying a legal judgment or researching a property dispute to conducting due diligence before entering into a business relationship or locating an estate filing.
The Oconto County Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of all circuit court case records in the county. This elected office, established by the Wisconsin State Constitution, is responsible for maintaining official court documents, recording all court proceedings, collecting and reconciling case-related fees, and managing the county’s jury pool. For most records requests — whether criminal, civil, family, or probate — the Clerk of Courts is the first point of contact.
Finding court case information in Wisconsin is straightforward when you know where to look. Public records can be accessed through the Clerk of Courts office directly, through public access terminals at the courthouse, or using online search tools available through state and county resources. WisconsinCourts.us can be a useful starting point for locating publicly available case information for Oconto County and other Wisconsin counties. The statewide Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system also provides broad search functionality without requiring an in-person courthouse visit.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Oconto County?
Oconto County offers several ways to search for court case information, ranging from a free online portal to in-person inspection at the courthouse.
Online Case Search
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system provides free, public-facing access to case information from circuit courts across Wisconsin, including Oconto County. Users can search by party name, case number, or citation number. The Wisconsin Court System case search page also consolidates access to both circuit court records via WCCA and appellate records through the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access (WSCCA) system at wscca.wicourts.gov.
For parties who have created an eFiling account, many case files are accessible online through the eFiling system for a one-time fee of $35 per case. Instructions for registering for eFiling are available through the Wisconsin Court System’s eFiling registration page. For eFiling technical support, call (800) 462-8843.
In-Person Records Inspection
Unless sealed by court order or otherwise restricted by law, circuit court files are open for public inspection at no charge during normal business hours. Records can be viewed in the Clerk of Courts Office in Building C, first floor, at the Oconto County Courthouse. Case files are available in hard copy or on microfilm depending on their age. Case types found in the Clerk’s Office include civil, criminal, family, paternity, small claims, traffic, forfeiture/ordinance, and various liens.
Clerk of Courts — Contact and Hours
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Oconto County Clerk of Circuit Court |
| Address | 301 Washington Street, Oconto, WI 54153 |
| Phone | (920) 834-6859 |
| Fax | (920) 834-6867 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Clerk | Trisha L. LeFebre |
Four Ways to Request Copies of Records
All copy requests must be submitted in writing. The Clerk of Courts cannot provide court transcripts; those must be requested directly from the court reporter for the relevant branch. The Oconto County Request Copies of Court Records page outlines the following submission methods:
- Mail — Send a written request including the case number, a list of specific documents needed, and your contact information to 301 Washington Street, Oconto, WI 54153. Enclose a check or money order for the copy fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient return postage. Contact the office in advance to determine the total cost.
- Fax — Fax your request to (920) 834-6867. Include the case number, specific documents requested, and contact information.
- Online/Email — Complete the online Record Request Form with the case number, document list, and contact details.
- In Person — Visit the Clerk of Courts Office during regular business hours (8:00 AM–4:00 PM, Monday–Friday). Payment must be received before copies are processed.
Copy Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Copy fee (per page) | $1.25 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Mailing fee | $2.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Oconto County?
Court records in Wisconsin are presumptively public under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39. This statute establishes a strong public policy favoring access to government records, including court documents, on the basis that transparency promotes an informed and accountable democracy. Any person may request inspection or copies of public court records without providing a reason for the request.
In practice, this means docket sheets, orders, judgments, motions, pleadings, and most case filings in Oconto County’s circuit court are open for public review. However, Wisconsin law and court rules carve out specific categories of records that are withheld from general public access:
- Juvenile delinquency and status offense records are confidential under Wisconsin statutes and restricted to authorized parties, including the juvenile, their parents or guardians, and court-appointed counsel.
- Adoption records are sealed and not available to the public without a court order.
- Medical, psychological, and treatment records submitted in court proceedings may be withheld to protect personal privacy.
- Information identifying sexual assault or trafficking victims is protected from public disclosure.
- Records of confidential informants or protected witnesses are exempt from release.
- Sealed or expunged records are removed from public access once a court enters the appropriate order. Wisconsin law permits expungement of certain criminal convictions under specified eligibility criteria, upon which the court seals the entire case file and bars public inspection without a court order.
- Probate juvenile records maintained by the Register in Probate are kept confidential as required by law.
Requests for records that are denied may be subject to appeal through the judicial system or through Wisconsin’s open records enforcement mechanisms, including action through the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Oconto County Criminal Court Records
The Oconto County Circuit Court, part of Wisconsin’s 8th Judicial District, holds original jurisdiction over all criminal matters in the county, including felony prosecutions, misdemeanor trials, criminal citations, and related proceedings. Criminal case records maintained by the Clerk of Courts include felony and misdemeanor case files, charging documents, sentencing orders, probation conditions, post-conviction motions, and bench warrant records.
Searching Criminal Records Online
The WCCA portal allows free statewide searches of circuit court criminal case information by name or case number. Search results display case status, charges, court dates, and disposition information.
For criminal history background checks on specific individuals, the Wisconsin Department of Justice operates the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS), which allows individuals and organizations to submit name-based criminal background check requests and retrieve results online.
Arrest and Inmate Information
The Oconto County Sheriff’s Office is the county’s primary law enforcement agency and the main point of contact for arrest records and current inmate status. For non-emergency inquiries, the Sheriff’s Office can be reached at (920) 834-6900 (Option 1). The county also provides a VINELink notification service for crime victims who need to monitor an offender’s custody status at the Oconto County Jail. Inmate information is available through the county’s Inmate Information page.
Note that police and sheriff’s reports are maintained by the issuing law enforcement agency, not the Clerk of Courts. To request a police or sheriff’s report, contact the relevant agency directly.
Oconto County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Oconto County are filed and adjudicated in the Circuit Court, which holds broad original jurisdiction over all civil disputes not specifically assigned elsewhere. Common civil filings include contract disputes, personal injury and tort claims, property disputes, collections actions, and small claims matters.
Small Claims
Small claims cases in Wisconsin are governed by Wis. Stat. Chapter 799. In Oconto County, the filing fee to commence a small claims action is $94.50, plus an additional $2.00 mailing fee per defendant if the defendant resides within Oconto County (personal service is required for out-of-county defendants). The Oconto County Small Claims Information page and the How to File a Small Claims page provide step-by-step guidance, including forms and procedures. The Wisconsin Court System also maintains a Small Claims Self-Help Law Center with fillable forms and process guides for self-represented litigants.
Civil Record Requests
Civil case records are requested through the same Clerk of Courts process described above — in person, by mail, by fax, or through the online form — at $1.25 per page for copies and $5.00 per certified document. The complete Wisconsin Circuit Court fee schedule is available through the Wisconsin Court System’s circuit court fees page.
Property Records
Real estate records including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and transfer documents are maintained by the Oconto County Register of Deeds, located at 301 Washington Street, Oconto, WI 54153, Phone: (920) 834-7113, open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Property records can be searched online using the LandShark land records system, which allows searches of recorded documents from the Register of Deeds office. The Oconto County Land Information System provides additional online access to geographic and land parcel information.
Oconto County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Oconto County are handled by the Circuit Court and overseen by the Family Court Commissioner. The Oconto County Family Court — led by Family Court Commissioner Jacob Evans — is responsible for all pre- and post-judgment family law proceedings, including:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and physical placement determinations
- Child support establishment, modification, and enforcement
- Paternity proceedings
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Property division in divorce
- Contempt and enforcement proceedings
- Temporary restraining orders in domestic abuse and harassment cases
- Civil domestic abuse and harassment injunction hearings
The Family Court Commissioner also coordinates placement mediation services, custody studies, supervised placement arrangements, and guardian ad litem referrals through Family Court Services.
Family Court Commissioner — Contact
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Commissioner | Jacob Evans |
| Address | 301 Washington Street, Oconto, WI 54153 |
| Phone | (920) 834-6838 |
| Fax | (920) 834-7117 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
Family court case records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts and are generally public, with the same exceptions that apply to all circuit court matters. Domestic violence and harassment proceedings may have restricted access portions depending on the nature of protective orders issued.
Vital Records Related to Family Matters
Marriage and divorce certificates, as well as birth and death records, are maintained by the Oconto County Register of Deeds, located at 301 Washington Street, Oconto, WI 54153, Phone: (920) 834-6800, open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM. Fees for all vital records are $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy of the same record requested simultaneously. Certified copies of marriage certificates are restricted to individuals with a direct and tangible interest under Wis. Stat. § 69.20(1), including the individuals named on the certificate, their immediate family members, or a legal custodian or guardian. Valid photo ID — such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID — is required for all vital records requests.
Downloadable applications for vital records are available directly from Oconto County:
- Wisconsin Birth Certificate Application
- Wisconsin Marriage Certificate Application
- Wisconsin Death Certificate Application
- Wisconsin Termination of Domestic Partnership (Divorce) Application
Oconto County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Oconto County are adjudicated in the Circuit Court and administered through the Oconto County Register in Probate office, led by Jacob Evans, who also serves as Family Court Commissioner. The Register in Probate office handles a broad range of proceedings including:
- Estate administration (testate and intestate)
- Will probate and will contests
- Guardianships of incapacitated adults and minors
- Conservatorships
- Trust administration and accountings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Protective placements and annual reviews
- Powers of attorney and health care documents filed for safekeeping
The office also maintains juvenile court records, which are kept strictly confidential under Wisconsin law. All guardianship, conservatorship, and trust annual accountings are audited and approved or disapproved by the Register in Probate office. The Probate Court Commissioner handles uncontested probate proceedings, while contested matters are heard by the Circuit Court judge.
Register in Probate — Contact
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Register in Probate | Jacob Evans |
| Address | 301 Washington Street, Oconto, WI 54153 |
| Phone | (920) 834-6838 |
| Jacob.Evans@wicourts.gov | |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM |
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records that are not restricted by law can be searched through the WCCA portal by case number or party name. For direct access to case documents, contact the Register in Probate office or submit a request through the Clerk of Courts using the online Record Request Form. Standard copy fees of $1.25 per page and $5.00 per certified document apply. Probate records involving juveniles and sealed estate matters are not accessible to the general public. For additional guidance on probate procedures in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Register in Probate Association directory lists contact information for all county probate offices statewide.