Racine County Court Records Search
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Racine County is located in southeastern Wisconsin along the Lake Michigan shoreline, with its county seat in the city of Racine. The county’s judicial system centers on the Racine County Circuit Court, which is the fourth largest circuit court in Wisconsin and is staffed by ten circuit court judges who rotate among divisions every two years. Wisconsin Circuit Courts exercise original jurisdiction over all civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate, and traffic matters. The Clerk of Circuit Court, currently Amy Vanderhoef, serves as the official custodian of all court records filed in Racine County and manages court finances, jury administration, and public record access.
Wisconsin residents and other interested parties looking for court records can begin their search through multiple channels. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system, commonly known as WCCA, provides free statewide online access to circuit court case information entered into the court case management system. Broader case information for Wisconsin courts, including appellate cases, is available through WisconsinCourts.us. At the local level, the Clerk of Circuit Court office in the Racine County Courthouse offers in-person access to public court files, public access terminals, and assistance with record requests during regular business hours.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Racine County?
Racine County provides online, in-person, and mail-based methods for locating court case information.
Online Search Options
The primary free tool for searching Racine County court cases is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, operated by the Consolidated Court Automation Programs office. WCCA allows searches by case number, party name (last name, first name), or date of birth across all Wisconsin circuit courts. Results display case type, filing date, parties, charges, and disposition information as entered by the court clerk. WCCA is available at no cost and does not require registration.
The Clerk of Circuit Court also maintains a court records request form for individuals who need copies of specific documents. The form requires the following details:
- Case party name
- Case number and type
- Date of birth
- Year to search
- Payment of the $5.00 search fee and $1.25 per page for certified copies
In-Person Access
The Clerk of Circuit Court office is open to the public for record inspection and requests:
Racine County Clerk of Circuit Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-3333
Fax: (262) 636-3341
Email: rcclerkofcourts@racinecounty.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Electronic case files can be viewed at public access terminals in the clerk’s office. Requesters should bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay applicable fees. Copy fees under Wisconsin statute are $1.25 per page for regular copies, and $5.00 per document plus $1.25 per page for certified copies.
By Mail
Written requests for court records may be mailed to the Clerk of Circuit Court at 730 Wisconsin Avenue, Racine, WI 53403. Include the case number or party names, the specific documents requested, and payment by check or money order.
General County Open Records Requests
For records held by county departments other than the courts, the Racine County Public Records Request Portal allows electronic submission. Note that this portal excludes records held by the Sheriff’s Office and the Clerk of Circuit Court, which have their own processes.
Are Court Records Public in Racine County?
Court records in Racine County are presumed public under the Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wis. Stat. §§ 19.31–19.39). This statute establishes a strong presumption that all records maintained by government authorities, including the clerk of circuit court, are open for inspection and copying. The law states that denial of access is “contrary to the public interest” and may occur only in exceptional circumstances.
Wisconsin Supreme Court rules and specific statutes further govern access to court files. While the vast majority of case information is publicly accessible — including civil complaints, criminal charges, docket entries, judgments, and sentencing records — certain categories of records carry confidentiality restrictions.
Records commonly restricted from public access include:
- Adoption records (sealed by statute; release requires a court order or request through the Wisconsin Adoption Records Search Program)
- Juvenile delinquency proceedings and records
- Termination of parental rights cases
- Mental health commitment records (Chapter 51 proceedings)
- Guardianship records (many probate matters are confidential)
- Specific documents within an otherwise public case, such as financial disclosure forms in divorce proceedings
- Any court record sealed or expunged by court order
Persons whose records have been sealed or who need access to confidential records must generally obtain a court order. The Clerk of Circuit Court cannot release records that are classified as confidential under state law, regardless of the requester’s relationship to the case.
For records maintained by law enforcement, the Racine County Sheriff’s Office open records request process applies separately, with its own fees and procedures.
Racine County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Racine County — including felonies, misdemeanors, ordinance violations, and traffic offenses — are adjudicated in the Racine County Circuit Court and processed by the Clerk of Circuit Court’s Criminal and Traffic Division.
Searching Criminal Court Records
Criminal and traffic case records are searchable online through WCCA at no charge. Enter the defendant’s last name, first name, and optionally their date of birth to retrieve matching case records. Results include charges filed, case status, scheduled hearings, and disposition data.
For in-person inquiries, contact the Criminal and Traffic Court division:
- Misdemeanor Court Information: (262) 636-3508
- Felony Court Information: (262) 636-3242
- General Criminal & Traffic: (262) 636-3333
The Clerk’s office at 730 Wisconsin Avenue is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Criminal Background Checks
The Wisconsin Department of Justice maintains the Centralized Criminal History (CCH) database. Public access to criminal history record information is available through the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS). The fee for an online name-based criminal background check is $7.00 per request. Caregiver background checks through WORCS cost $10.00. Users must register an account to submit background check requests.
For additional information or to submit requests by paper form, contact the Criminal History Unit at the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Criminal history forms are available on the DOJ website.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Racine County Sheriff’s Office Records Bureau maintains incident reports, investigative reports, citations, arrest records, fingerprint cards, and booking photos. Reports are kept on file for eight years. Records checks conducted by the Sheriff’s Office are limited to contacts and cases involving the Sheriff’s Office specifically.
Open records requests can be submitted electronically, by mail, in person, or by fax:
Racine County Sheriff’s Office — Records Bureau
717 Wisconsin Avenue
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-3229
Fax: (262) 637-5279
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Copy fees are $0.25 per page for records obtained through the Sheriff’s Office.
Fingerprinting services are available at the Records Bureau counter Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, for $25.00 per session (waived if court-ordered). A valid photo ID is required.
Racine County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Racine County Circuit Court handles lawsuits seeking monetary damages over $10,000, foreclosures, injunctions, restraining orders, name changes, appeals from municipal courts and administrative agencies, evictions, replevin actions, liens, and small claims matters.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records can be searched online through WCCA using a case number or party name. The Racine County civil court page lists the categories of civil matters handled and provides access to relevant forms and procedures.
To request copies of documents from a civil case file, use the Clerk’s online records request form or visit the Clerk’s office in person at 730 Wisconsin Avenue, second floor. The search fee is $5.00 per file searched, and copies are $1.25 per page ($5.00 plus $1.25 per page for certified copies).
Civil Filing Fees
Wisconsin circuit court filing fees are set by statute (primarily Chapter 814 of the Wisconsin Statutes). Selected civil filing fees include:
| Filing Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action (claim over $10,000) | $265.50 |
| Civil action (claim $5,001–$10,000, tort/personal injury) | $147.50 |
| Civil action (no money judgment — name change, declaratory judgment, etc.) | $164.50 |
| Small claims ($10,000 or less) | $94.50 |
| Small claims (tort/personal injury, $5,000 or less) | $94.50 |
| Foreclosure | $265.50 |
| Garnishment (over $10,000) | $210.50 |
| Garnishment ($10,000 or less) | $92.50 |
| Restraining order (domestic abuse, child abuse, individual at risk) | No fee |
| Harassment restraining order (with qualifying allegations) | No fee |
| Appeal from municipal court (on the record) | $129.50 |
Total fees include the base filing fee, court support services surcharge, and justice information surcharge. Electronically filed cases are subject to an additional $35.00 per party (effective May 1, 2024). Fee waivers may be requested by qualifying individuals under Wis. Stat. § 814.29.
Municipal Courts
Racine County has numerous municipal courts that handle ordinance violations, traffic citations, and other local matters. Municipal court records are maintained separately by each municipality. Appeals from municipal court are filed with the Circuit Court and follow standard civil appeal filing fees.
| Municipal Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| City of Racine | 800 Center Street, Racine, WI 53403 | (262) 636-9263 |
| City of Burlington | 300 North Pine Street, Burlington, WI 53105 | (262) 342-1129 |
| Village of Caledonia | 5043 Chester Lane, Caledonia, WI 53402 | (262) 835-6467 |
| Village of Mt. Pleasant | 8811 Campus Drive, Racine, WI 53406 | (262) 664-7831 |
| Village of Sturtevant | 2801 89th Street, Sturtevant, WI 53177 | (262) 886-7207 |
| Village of Union Grove | 925 15th Avenue, Union Grove, WI 53182 | (262) 878-2668 |
| Village of Waterford | 123 North River Street, Waterford, WI 53185 | (262) 534-3980 ext. 233 |
| Town of Burlington | 32288 Bushnell Road, Burlington, WI 53105 | (262) 763-8591 |
| Town of Dover | 4110 South Beaumont Avenue, Kansasville, WI 53139 | (262) 878-2200 |
| Town of Norway | 6419 Heg Park Road, Wind Lake, WI 53185 | (262) 895-3652 |
| Town of Raymond | 2255 76th Street, Franksville, WI 53126 | (262) 835-1651 |
| Town of Waterford | 415 North Milwaukee Street, Waterford, WI 53185 | (262) 534-4880 |
| Wind Point–North Bay Joint | 4725 Lighthouse Drive, Racine, WI 53402 | (262) 898-7071 |
Racine County Family Court Records
The Family Court and Family Court Commissioner’s Office handles all domestic relations cases filed in Racine County. Matters heard in Family Court include divorce, legal separation, annulment, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, paternity, and modifications of existing family court orders.
Searching Family Court Records
Family case records that are public can be searched online through WCCA using the party name or case number. To request copies of documents from a family case file, submit a request through the Clerk’s online form and select “Family” as the case type, or visit the office in person. Standard search and copy fees apply.
Contact the Family Court division:
Racine County Family Court
730 Wisconsin Avenue, 3rd Floor
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-3155
Email: FACourt@RacineCounty.com
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Paternity and juvenile cases carry heightened confidentiality protections. Access to these records generally requires authorization from the court or involvement as a named party in the case.
Family Court Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Family action (no support/maintenance request) | $184.50 |
| Family action (with support/maintenance request) | $194.50 |
| Post-judgment revision (custody or placement) | $50.00 |
| Post-judgment revision (other matters) | $30.00 |
| Post-judgment revision (by stipulation) | No fee |
| Paternity action (private party) | $184.50 |
| Paternity action (with support request) | $194.50 |
| Mediation fee (first session) | Free |
| Mediation fee (subsequent sessions) | $200.00 (or local fee) |
| Custody/placement study | $300.00 (or local fee) |
Family action filing fees include the $75.00 base fee, $68.00 court support services surcharge, $21.50 justice information surcharge, and $20.00 family court counseling services fee.
Marriage and Divorce Records
Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates are available from the Racine County Register of Deeds. Fees are $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy. Requests can be made in person or by mail using the appropriate application form: marriage certificate application or divorce certificate application. Payment for mail requests must be by money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks accepted).
Under statewide issuance, marriage certificates from October 1, 1907 to present and divorce certificates from January 1, 2016 to present can be obtained from any Register of Deeds office in Wisconsin. Records older than these dates must be obtained from the county where the event occurred. Divorce records before 2016 can also be requested from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, P.O. Box 309, Madison, WI 53701.
Birth and Death Records
The Register of Deeds also issues birth certificates (available from October 1, 1907 to present statewide) and death certificates (from September 1, 2013 to present statewide). The fee is $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy. Requesters must demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record and present valid photo identification. Application forms are available for birth certificates and death certificates.
Racine County Register of Deeds
730 Wisconsin Avenue, 1st Floor
Racine, WI 53403
Phone: (262) 636-3208
Email: rod@racinecounty.com
Hours: Monday–Friday (applications accepted until 3:45 PM)
Racine County Probate Court Records
The Probate Court division of the Racine County Circuit Court handles estate administration, probate of wills, trusts, guardianship and protective placements, civil commitments (mental health, alcohol, and drug), and adoptions. The Register in Probate, Teresa Hill, oversees probate operations as a full-time court-appointed position.
Types of Probate Matters
The Probate Court hears cases involving the administration of decedent estates (with and without a will), trust disputes, guardianship of minors and adults, conservatorship, powers of attorney, and marital property agreements. Civil commitment cases — where a person with severe mental illness is court-ordered into treatment — are prosecuted by the Racine County Corporation Counsel and processed through this division.
Searching Probate Records
Many probate records are confidential, particularly those involving guardianships, civil commitments, and adoption proceedings. Publicly available probate case information can be searched through WCCA. For access to specific documents that may carry restrictions, contact the Probate Court directly or visit the Clerk’s office.
Probate Filing Fees
Probate filing fees in Wisconsin are governed by Wis. Stat. § 814.66. Selected fees include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate inventory fee (estates) | $20.00 minimum or 0.2% of estate value over $10,000 |
| Inventory fee (minor or adult guardianship of estate) | $20.00 minimum or 0.2% of value over $50,000 |
| Trust petition (judicial proceedings under Ch. 701) | $250.00 |
| Receiving/disbursing trust funds | $10.00 or 0.5% of deposited amount (whichever is greater) |
| Fund withdrawal (per transaction) | $10.00 |
Probate forms may be obtained in person from the Register in Probate office (a small fee may apply) or downloaded from the Wisconsin Court System forms page. Additional information about probate procedures is available through the Wisconsin Register in Probate Association.
For questions about estates, trusts, guardianships, or other probate matters, contact the Probate Court:
- Phone: (262) 636-3333 (main Clerk of Circuit Court line)
Adoption records in Wisconsin are sealed by law. Information about birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted individuals cannot be released without a court order. Persons seeking adoption records must submit a search request through the Wisconsin Adoption Records Search Program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (P.O. Box 8916, Madison, WI 53703-8916; phone: (608) 266-7163).