Outagamie County Court Records
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Outagamie County sits in east-central Wisconsin, with Appleton as its county seat. The county's trial-level court is the Outagamie County Circuit Court, which handles criminal, civil, family, probate, and small claims matters. Several municipal courts also operate throughout the county for local ordinance violations and certain forfeitures. The Clerk of Circuit Courts maintains all circuit court records, while the Register in Probate handles probate-specific filings. Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are kept by the Register of Deeds.
If you're searching for court records in Outagamie County, you have several official options. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal — maintained by the state court system — gives you free online access to case information from every circuit court in Wisconsin, including Outagamie County. For court procedures, forms, and fee schedules, WisconsinCourts.us is a useful statewide resource. You can also contact the appropriate clerk's office directly, visit the courthouse in person, or submit a written request by mail or fax. Public access terminals may be available at the courthouse for on-site research.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Outagamie County?
How you search for a case depends on what type of record you need and how much information you already have.
Online Search
The quickest approach is to use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website, which covers civil, criminal, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases filed in any Wisconsin circuit court. To find an Outagamie County case:
- Go to the case search page.
- Select Outagamie from the county dropdown menu.
- Enter a party name, case number, or other identifying details.
- Review the results — you'll see the case type, filing date, parties, charges or claims, scheduled hearings, and disposition information.
Searching is free. Keep in mind, though, that the portal doesn't provide downloadable document copies — things like orders, motions, or transcripts. To get actual documents, you'll need to contact the Clerk of Circuit Courts directly.
By Phone, Fax, or Mail
The Clerk of Circuit Courts accepts record requests by phone, fax, and mail. Once the record is verified and payment is processed, staff can email copies to you.
- Phone for record requests: (920) 832-5130
- Fax: (920) 832-5115
- Mail: Outagamie County Clerk of Courts, 320 S Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Copy Fees (per Wis. Stat. 814.61(10)):
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per page (includes $1.25 copy fee plus certification) |
| File/record search (no case number provided) | $5.00 per search |
In Person
You can walk into the Outagamie County Justice Center and request records at the clerk's counter. Bring valid ID and as much identifying information as you can — party names, case numbers, or filing dates all help speed up the search.
Outagamie County Justice Center
Address: 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: (920) 832-5131
Fax: (920) 832-5115
Electronic Filing
Attorneys and self-represented parties can file new cases and documents electronically through Wisconsin's eFiling system. An electronic filing fee of $35 per party applies (or $70 for attorney-mediators), on top of regular filing fees.
Are Court Records Public in Outagamie County?
Wisconsin's Public Records Law, codified at Wis. Stat. 19.31–19.39, creates a strong presumption that government records are open for public inspection and copying. Under Wis. Stat. 19.35(1)(a), any person has the right to inspect any record, subject to certain statutory and common-law exceptions. Record custodians may charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of locating and reproducing records.
Records generally available to the public include:
- Criminal case filings, charges, and dispositions
- Civil complaints, judgments, and court orders
- Divorce and family case filings (with certain redactions)
- Probate filings, estate inventories, and wills
- Traffic citations and forfeiture actions
- Small claims filings and judgments
- Property liens and judgment transcripts
Records that are restricted or sealed include:
- Juvenile court records, which are confidential under Wisconsin law
- Adoption records
- Records sealed by court order
- Commitment and guardianship records maintained by the Register in Probate (confidential per office policy and statute)
- Certain personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers — which may be redacted
- Information protected by the Federal Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), which restricts disclosure of personal information from motor vehicle records
The Outagamie County Sheriff's Office also notes that medical information and juvenile-related records in its custody may be redacted consistent with state statute and departmental policy, even when other portions of a record can be released.
If your records request is denied, you have options. Under Wis. Stat. 19.35(4), a denial must be made in writing and include the reasons for it. You may then seek a court order to compel release of the records.
Outagamie County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Outagamie County go through the Circuit Court. The Clerk of Circuit Courts maintains all criminal case records — complaints, charging documents, plea records, sentencing orders, and judgments of conviction.
Where to Search
- Online: Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal to search by defendant name or case number. Criminal case results show charges, hearing dates, and dispositions.
- In Person / By Mail / By Fax: Contact the Clerk of Circuit Courts at the Outagamie County Justice Center.
Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Courts
Address: 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: (record requests): (920) 832-5130
Phone: (general): (920) 832-5131
Fax: (920) 832-5115
Plain copies cost $1.25 per page; certified copies are $5.00 per page.
Arrest Records and Law Enforcement Reports
The Outagamie County Sheriff's Office is the custodian of arrest reports, incident reports, and booking records generated by the Sheriff's department. Contact the records unit to request these materials.
Outagamie County Sheriff's Office
Address: 3030 East Goodland Drive, Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: (920) 832-5605 (press option 2 for records)
Records Unit Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Copy fee: $0.25 per printed page
Reports can be picked up in person or sent by fax, mail, or email. Under Wis. Stat. 19.35(1)(h), you'll need to describe the record with reasonable specificity. If your request involves motor vehicle record data covered by the DPPA, you must also complete a Limited Vehicle/Driver Record Information Request Form.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the state's Centralized Criminal History (CCH) database. You can submit a public name-based criminal background check through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) — no account required. The fee for an online name-based search is $7.00; caregiver background checks cost $10.00. An additional $5.00 surcharge applies if you want a paper copy of the results (per Wis. Stat. 165.827(1m)).
The CCH is fingerprint-supported, so arrests without supporting fingerprints or disposition data won't appear. Law enforcement agencies are required to submit arrest fingerprint cards under Wis. Stat. 165.84(1). Juvenile criminal records are not publicly accessible.
Outagamie County Civil Court Records
The Circuit Court hears all civil disputes in Outagamie County. The Clerk of Circuit Courts keeps records for every civil case type — contract disputes, personal injury claims, property damage actions, foreclosures, evictions, name changes, and restraining orders.
Jurisdiction and Filing Fees
Wisconsin's Circuit Court handles civil claims of any dollar amount. Small claims, covered by Wis. Stat. Chapter 799, are limited to $10,000 or less (with tort and personal injury claims capped at $5,000 or less).
Key filing fees, set by Wis. Stat. Chapter 814:
| Action | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil claim (money judgment > $10,000) | $265.50 |
| Civil claim (no money judgment, e.g., name change, injunction) | $164.50 |
| Civil claim ($5,001–$10,000, personal injury/tort) | $147.50 |
| Small claims ($10,000 or less) | $94.50 |
| Small claims (tort/personal injury, $5,000 or less) | $94.50 |
| Jury demand (small claims) | $89.00 |
| Foreclosure under Ch. 846 | $265.50 |
| Harassment restraining order (without qualifying allegations) | $164.50 |
| Domestic abuse / child abuse restraining order | $0 |
These totals include the base filing fee, court support services surcharge, and justice information surcharge. Electronically filed cases also carry an additional $35 eFiling fee per party.
How to Search Civil Records
- Search online at the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal by party name or case number.
- Call the Clerk of Circuit Courts at (920) 832-5130 to request records.
- Visit the Justice Center at 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton, to inspect files or get copies.
- Submit a written request by mail or fax to (920) 832-5115.
Small Claims Resources
The Wisconsin Court System's Small Claims Self-Help website has guides for filing evictions, money claims, replevin actions, and judgment enforcement. A forms assistant tool walks self-represented parties through the process and generates the right filings. All necessary circuit court forms are available to download from the state courts website.
Outagamie County also offers foreclosure mediation through forms available from the Clerk of Circuit Courts.
Outagamie County Family Court Records
Outagamie County doesn't have a separate family court. Instead, the Circuit Court hears all family law matters — divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, paternity, and domestic abuse cases. The Family Court Commissioner and assistant commissioners handle certain family law proceedings, temporary orders, and mediation referrals.
Family Court Commissioner's Office
Address: Government Center, 2nd Floor, 320 S Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: (920) 832-5057
Fax: (920) 832-4418
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed 12:30–1:00 p.m.)
Divorce and Legal Separation
Divorce filings are processed through the Clerk of Circuit Courts. The Family/Divorce Self-Help website offers forms and step-by-step instructions for people representing themselves. The Self Help Office at the Family Court Commissioner's office helps self-represented parties complete divorce paperwork at no charge. This service runs Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with Thursday afternoon appointments available by calling (920) 968-2985.
Divorce Filing Fees:
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Without child support or maintenance | $184.50 |
| With child support or maintenance | $194.50 |
Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order. Credit and debit cards are not accepted for divorce filing fees. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
Custody, Support, and Paternity
Mediation is required for contested custody and placement disputes. The Family Court Commissioner's office coordinates mediation and custody studies; custody study fees are $300 (or a locally set amount). The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families provides tools to estimate income and child support amounts.
Paternity actions filed by a private party carry a $184.50 filing fee ($194.50 with a support request). Actions initiated by the state or a child support agency are filed at no cost.
Domestic Abuse and Harassment Restraining Orders
Petitions for domestic abuse, child abuse, or individual-at-risk restraining orders or injunctions may be filed free of charge under Wis. Stat. 813.12, 813.122, and 813.123. Harassment petitions that allege stalking, sexual assault, physical violence, or threats are also filed at no cost. Other harassment petitions require a $164.50 filing fee.
Juvenile and Adoption Cases
Juvenile case records and adoption records are confidential and not open to public inspection. For questions about these matters, contact the Clerk of Circuit Courts at (920) 832-5138 or (920) 832-5139.
Marriage and Divorce Certificates
The Outagamie County Register of Deeds issues certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates, as well as birth and death certificates. Records are available from the following date ranges:
- Birth certificates: October 1, 1907, to present
- Death certificates: September 1, 2013, to present
- Marriage certificates: October 1, 1907, to present
- Divorce certificates: January 1, 2016, to present
Vital Record Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First copy of any vital record | $20.00 |
| Each additional copy (same record, same order) | $3.00 |
In-person requests require valid photo identification showing a current street address — a state driver's license, U.S. passport, tribal ID, or military ID will work. If you don't have one of those, two forms of secondary ID (such as a utility bill, bank statement, or vehicle registration) may be accepted. Certified copies are only available to individuals with a direct and tangible interest as defined on the application forms.
Register of Deeds Office
Address: 320 S Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: (Vital Records): (920) 832-5095
Phone: (Land Records): (920) 832-5114
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Mail-in requests require a completed application form, a photocopy of acceptable ID, and the applicable fee. Cash, money orders, and personal checks are accepted by mail (personal checks are subject to a three-day processing delay). You can also order online through VitalChek, which charges an additional service fee.
Outagamie County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Outagamie County are processed by the Register in Probate and adjudicated by the Circuit Court. The Register in Probate handles all paperwork for estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, civil commitments, and trust proceedings.
Register in Probate Office
Address: 320 South Walnut Street, Appleton, WI 54911
Phone: (920) 832-5601
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Closed on all county holidays
Staff:
- Brent Haroldson, Register in Probate / Probate Registrar / Probate Court Commissioner
- Lisa Wilharms, Deputy Register in Probate
- Ashley Elwing-Vargas, Deputy Register in Probate
- Stephanie Hedquist, Probate Assistant
Types of Probate Cases
The office handles formal and informal probate proceedings, summary assignments, summary settlements, ancillary proceedings, special administration, determination of descent, trusts, guardianships (adult, minor, and temporary), conservatorships, and mental health, alcohol, and drug commitments.
Informal Probate Proceedings
Informal probate is the most common process for transferring a decedent's assets. Detailed guidance is available in the Outagamie County Informal Probate Guidelines, with additional instruction in A Personal Representative's Guide to Informal Estate Administration.
Probate Filing Fees (Inventory Fee):
The filing fee for informal probate is based on the date-of-death value of the decedent's assets:
| Estate Value | Fee |
|---|---|
| $10,000 or less | $20.00 |
| More than $10,000 | 0.2% of gross estate value minus liens |
For example, an estate with $50,000 in total assets would carry a filing fee of $100.00. Inventory fees for minor and adult guardianships of the estate follow a similar structure — the 0.2% rate applies to estates valued over $50,000, with a $20.00 minimum. Trust proceedings carry a flat filing fee of $250.00.
Key Deadlines:
- The estate inventory must be filed within 6 months of the petition filing date. The Outagamie County Register in Probate does not grant extensions for this deadline.
- The estate must be closed within 18 months of filing the Petition for Administration. Extensions require a court order; failing to meet this deadline without approval may result in removal of the personal representative.
Appointments with the Probate Registrar for signing and notarizing documents are available on Tuesday afternoons (1:00–4:00 p.m.) and Thursday mornings (8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.), with each appointment limited to 30 minutes. All required court forms must come from the Wisconsin Court System forms page — the Register in Probate office does not supply blank forms.
Public Access to Probate Records
Most probate records — wills, estate inventories, and filings related to estate administration — are public and searchable through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal. Select Outagamie County and the appropriate probate case type to begin. Commitment and guardianship records are confidential and not open to public inspection. The Register in Probate office cannot provide legal advice, but staff can answer procedural questions and offer guidance on do-it-yourself probate matters. For more complex legal questions, consider consulting an attorney or visiting the Wisconsin State Law Library for self-help resources.