Portage County Court Records Search

Portage County, located in central Wisconsin, operates a unified court system that handles thousands of cases each year across criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The county seat in Stevens Point is home to the Portage County Courthouse, where the Clerk of Circuit Court maintains an extensive collection of case files, judgments, and other legal documents. Whether you are an attorney preparing for litigation, a member of the public conducting a background check, or someone trying to locate records related to a personal legal matter, understanding how Portage County’s court system organizes and provides access to its records is essential.

Wisconsin’s court system offers several pathways for locating case information. The statewide judicial branch, accessible through WisconsinCourts.us, provides a centralized hub for court information across all 72 counties. Beyond that online resource, records can be searched through the Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court’s office, public-access computer terminals located inside the courthouse, and various online tools maintained by the Wisconsin court system. The clerk’s office serves as the primary custodian of local court records, and staff can assist with in-person requests and direct individuals toward the correct resources for their needs.

How to Look Up a Court Case in Portage County?

There are multiple methods available for searching Portage County court records, each suited to different levels of detail and convenience.

Online Case Search

The most efficient starting point is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, a free public database maintained by the Director of State Courts. WCCA allows users to search for circuit court case records from all Wisconsin counties, including Portage County. Searches can be conducted by:

Party name (first and last)
Case number
Date of birth (to narrow results)
Attorney name

WCCA results typically display the case type, filing date, parties involved, charges (for criminal cases), case disposition, and scheduled hearings. However, WCCA does not provide access to the actual documents filed in a case—only index-level information and the Register of Actions.

In-Person Search

For anyone needing copies of filed documents, the Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court office is the place to go:

Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court
Address: 1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1364
Fax: (715) 346-1590

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can use public-access terminals in the courthouse to look up case information electronically, and then request copies of specific documents from clerk staff.

Mail Requests

Written requests for court records can be mailed to the clerk’s office at the address above. Each request should include:

The full case number, if known
The names of the parties involved
A description of the specific document(s) needed
A return address and a check or money order for applicable fees payable to the Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court

Fees

The standard fees for obtaining court records in Portage County follow the statewide fee schedule:

Service	Fee
Copies of court documents	$1.25 per page
Certified copies	$5.00 per document
Certification fee (additional)	$5.00 per certification
Computer printouts	$1.25 per page

These fees are established under Wisconsin Statutes § 814.61, which governs charges assessed by clerks of circuit court for various services.

Are Court Records Public in Portage County?

Wisconsin operates under a strong presumption of public access to court records. Under Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31–19.39, commonly known as the Wisconsin Public Records Law, records maintained by government authorities—including the courts—are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exception applies.

In addition to the general public records law, the Wisconsin Supreme Court adopted Supreme Court Rule 70.34, which specifically addresses public access to court records. This rule establishes that court records are accessible to the public, while also setting out categories of information that must be kept confidential.

Records that are generally public include:

Criminal complaints and charging documents
Civil complaints and answers
Judgments and court orders
Motions and briefs
Sentencing records
Traffic and ordinance violation records
Probate filings, including wills admitted to probate

Records or information that are restricted or confidential include:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Records sealed by court order
Juvenile court proceedings (governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 938)
Guardianship records involving minors in certain circumstances
Mental health commitment records under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 51
Adoption records
Records related to paternity actions (partially restricted)
Victim information in domestic abuse cases when a protective order is in effect

The court and clerk’s office are required to redact confidential identifiers before releasing records. If a document contains restricted information that was inadvertently filed without redaction, any person may file a motion requesting that the court seal or redact the record.

Anyone who believes they have been improperly denied access to a court record may file a written request with the court, and the matter may be brought before a judge for a determination.

Portage County Criminal Court Records

Criminal cases in Portage County are heard by the Portage County Circuit Court, which handles all felony, misdemeanor, and criminal traffic matters filed within the county. The Portage County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the State of Wisconsin.

Searching Criminal Records

The WCCA database is the primary tool for searching criminal case records. Users can locate cases by entering the defendant’s name and, optionally, a date of birth. The Register of Actions displayed in WCCA typically includes:

Charges filed
Dates of hearings and court appearances
Plea information
Disposition (conviction, acquittal, dismissal, etc.)
Sentencing details

For the actual documents—such as the criminal complaint, plea agreement, or sentencing order—a request must be made to the Clerk of Circuit Court, either in person or by mail.

Criminal History and Background Checks

Portage County criminal records form part of a broader picture that may also include records held by:

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau, which maintains the state criminal history repository and offers background check services
The Portage County Sheriff’s Office, which maintains arrest and booking records

A formal criminal background check through the Wisconsin DOJ requires completion of a records request form and payment of the applicable fee. These checks return information from all Wisconsin counties, not just Portage County.

Arrests and Jail Records

The Portage County Sheriff’s Office manages the county jail and maintains arrest logs and inmate records. Inquiries about current inmates or recent bookings can be directed to the Sheriff’s Office. The Portage County Jail is located at:

Portage County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 1500 Strongs Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1400

Arrest records are generally public, though certain details may be withheld if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation.

Portage County Civil Court Records

Civil matters in Portage County—ranging from breach of contract disputes to personal injury lawsuits—are adjudicated by the Portage County Circuit Court. The Clerk of Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining all civil case filings, including complaints, answers, motions, discovery materials (when filed with the court), and final judgments.

Types of Civil Cases

Civil cases handled in Portage County include:

Large civil claims (amounts exceeding $10,000)
Small claims (amounts of $10,000 or less), governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 799
Eviction and landlord-tenant disputes
Foreclosure actions
Restraining orders (civil)
Replevin (recovery of personal property)
Tort claims and personal injury litigation

Searching Civil Records

Civil case information can be searched on WCCA by entering a party name or case number. The online results show the case type, filing date, parties, and a chronological list of actions taken in the case.

For copies of filed pleadings, exhibits, or court orders, requests should be directed to:

Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court
1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1364

Small Claims Procedures

Small claims cases follow a simplified process under Wisconsin’s small claims statute. The filing fee varies based on the claim amount, as set forth in Wisconsin Statutes § 814.63. Court forms necessary for initiating a small claims action are available through the Wisconsin Court System’s forms page, which provides standardized templates for summons, complaints, and other filings used across all Wisconsin circuit courts.

Judgments and Liens

Civil judgments entered in Portage County become a matter of public record and can be discovered through WCCA or by searching with the clerk’s office. A judgment may also create a lien on real property owned by the debtor within the county where the judgment is docketed. The Portage County Register of Deeds maintains records related to liens on real estate.

Portage County Family Court Records

Family law matters in Portage County are handled within the circuit court system and encompass some of the most sensitive proceedings in the judicial process. The Family Court Commissioner assists with many of these matters, particularly temporary orders, stipulated agreements, and initial hearings.

Types of Family Cases

Family court proceedings in Portage County include:

Divorce and legal separation
Child custody and physical placement
Child support establishment and modification
Paternity actions
Domestic abuse restraining orders (temporary and injunctions)
Adoption
Termination of parental rights

Access and Confidentiality

While most family court records are public, several significant restrictions apply:

Adoption records are sealed under Wisconsin Statutes § 48.93 and are not available to the general public.
Paternity records contain restricted information, and access may be limited depending on the nature of the request.
Guardian ad Litem reports and home study documents are typically not available to non-parties.
Domestic abuse records may have portions sealed to protect victim safety, including addresses and contact information.

Financial disclosure statements filed in divorce proceedings are also treated with heightened confidentiality and are generally accessible only to the parties and their attorneys.

Searching Family Records

Family case index information appears on WCCA, though the level of detail visible to the public may be reduced compared to criminal or civil cases. Document-level access requires a request to the Clerk of Circuit Court, and the clerk’s staff will verify whether the requester is authorized to view restricted filings before releasing copies.

Divorce Records

Individuals seeking proof of a divorce may obtain a certified copy of the divorce judgment from the Clerk of Circuit Court. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Vital Records Office also maintains an index of divorces occurring in Wisconsin and can issue verification letters, though the complete court file remains with the county clerk.

Child Support

Child support orders entered by the Portage County Circuit Court are enforced by the Portage County Child Support Agency. Modifications to existing support orders require filing a motion with the court. Information about child support services in Portage County can be obtained through the Portage County Department of Health and Human Services.

Portage County Probate Court Records

Probate matters in Portage County are managed by the circuit court under the supervision of the Probate Registrar and the circuit court judges. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all probate filings, and the Portage County Register in Probate assists with administrative aspects of estate and guardianship proceedings.

Types of Probate Matters

The probate division of the Portage County Circuit Court handles:

Formal and informal administration of decedent estates
Summary settlement of small estates
Testate (with a will) and intestate (without a will) proceedings
Transfer by affidavit for estates below the statutory threshold
Guardianship of the person
Guardianship of the estate (conservatorship)
Protective placements
Trusts (when court involvement is required)

Public Access to Probate Records

Most probate records are open to the public, including:

Petitions for administration
Wills admitted to probate
Inventories of estate assets
Final accountings
Orders appointing personal representatives or guardians
Claims against estates

Certain guardianship records involving protected individuals may have restricted access, particularly when the records contain medical or psychological evaluations. Mental health-related proceedings conducted under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 51 or 55 carry additional confidentiality protections.

Searching Probate Records

Probate cases appear in the WCCA system and can be searched by the name of the decedent or the ward. The Register of Actions provides a timeline of all filings and court actions in the case.

For copies of specific probate documents—such as a will, letters testamentary, or an inventory—requests should be submitted to:

Portage County Clerk of Circuit Court
1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1364

Probate Forms

Wisconsin uses standardized probate forms across all counties. The complete set of probate forms is available on the Wisconsin Court System’s probate forms page. Commonly used forms include the Application for Administration, Inventory, and various claim and notice forms.

Fees for Probate Filings

Filing fees for probate matters in Portage County follow the statewide schedule under Wisconsin Statutes § 814.66. The petition for administration filing fee is separate from the fee for obtaining copies of records once a case is open. Specific fee amounts should be confirmed directly with the clerk’s office, as legislative changes may adjust these periodically.

Estate Planning and Related Records

While the probate court deals with estates after death, individuals looking for records related to real property transfers that may have occurred as part of estate settlement can consult the Portage County Register of Deeds for recorded deeds, transfer returns, and related instruments. The Register of Deeds office is located in the same courthouse complex at 1516 Church Street in Stevens Point.