Rock County Court Records Search
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Rock County, located in southern Wisconsin along the Illinois border, is home to a judicial system that processes thousands of case filings each year across criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The county seat is Janesville, where the Rock County Courthouse serves as the primary hub for court operations. Whether you are a party to a lawsuit, an attorney conducting research, a journalist, or a member of the public seeking case information, understanding how to navigate the county’s court record systems can save considerable time and effort. This guide covers the key methods for searching, requesting, and obtaining court records in Rock County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Rock County?
Residents of Wisconsin can access court case information through several channels. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, available throug WisconsinCourts.us, is the primary online resource for locating publicly available case data from all circuit courts in the state, including Rock County. Beyond this statewide tool, records can be obtained directly through the Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court’s office, either in person, by mail, or by telephone request.
Online Search via WCCA
The WCCA portal allows users to search by:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Date of birth
- Attorney name
- Citation number
The system returns case summaries, party information, charges, scheduled hearings, and disposition details for most case types. It does not provide access to the underlying documents themselves, such as motions, briefs, or exhibits.
In-Person Search
Visitors can search court records at:
Rock County Courthouse
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 743-2200
The Clerk of Circuit Court’s office maintains files for all circuit court cases. Public access terminals are available in the courthouse for reviewing electronic records during business hours:
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed on weekends and state holidays
Mail Requests
Written requests for court records should be directed to:
Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Include the full case number or the names and approximate dates of the proceedings. Enclose payment for any applicable copy or certification fees.
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies (per page) | $1.25 |
| Certified copies (per document) | $5.00 |
| Court record search fee | $5.00 |
Payments may be made by cash, check, or money order payable to the Rock County Clerk of Circuit Court. Some requests may also be handled through the eFiling system used by Wisconsin courts.
Are Court Records Public in Rock County?
Wisconsin has a strong tradition of open government, and court records are generally presumed to be open to the public. Under Wisconsin Statutes §19.31–19.39, the state’s public records law establishes a broad right of access to government records, including those maintained by the courts.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court has also adopted specific rules governing public access to court documents. Supreme Court Rule 72 outlines the policy for access to circuit court records and defines how courts must handle requests.
Records that are generally public include:
- Criminal complaints and charging documents
- Civil petitions and complaints
- Court orders and judgments
- Sentencing records
- Small claims filings
- Probate petitions
- Traffic and ordinance violations
Records that may be sealed or restricted include:
- Juvenile proceedings (under Wis. Stat. §§938.18 and 938.396)
- Guardianship records involving minors
- Certain mental health commitment records
- Records sealed by court order
- Domestic abuse injunction petitions that are dismissed before a hearing
- Adoption records
- Confidential portions of family court filings, including financial disclosure statements
Under Wisconsin Statutes §59.20, the Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the custodian of court records at the county level and is responsible for responding to public records requests. If a request is denied, the requester has the right to challenge the denial under the procedures set forth in the public records law.
Certain personal identifiers, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and the names of minor victims in sensitive cases, are routinely redacted from publicly accessible documents per Wisconsin Statutes §801.21.
Rock County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Rock County are heard by the Rock County Circuit Court, which is part of Wisconsin’s Fifth Judicial District. The court handles felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic matters. The Rock County District Attorney’s Office initiates criminal prosecutions, while the Clerk of Circuit Court maintains the official case files.
Searching Criminal Records
Criminal case records can be searched through:
- WCCA – Enter the defendant’s name or case number to find charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes.
- Clerk of Circuit Court – Request copies of criminal complaints, judgments of conviction, or sentencing documents in person or by mail.
- Rock County Sheriff’s Office – For arrest-related records and booking information, contact the Rock County Sheriff’s Office:
Rock County Sheriff’s Office
200 East U.S. Highway 14
Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 757-8000
Criminal History Background Checks
Formal criminal history searches can be conducted through the Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Information Bureau. The DOJ offers background check services for a fee and maintains the state’s criminal history repository. Employers, landlords, and individuals may request checks through the Wisconsin Criminal Background Check System.
Key Points for Criminal Records
- Felony and misdemeanor dispositions are available online through WCCA for cases filed after the system’s inception.
- Expunged records may still appear in the WCCA system with a notation that the case has been expunged, per Wisconsin law.
- Under Wis. Stat. §973.015, certain offenders may petition for expungement at the time of sentencing if they were under age 25 at the time of the offense and the crime was punishable by imprisonment of six years or less.
- Arrest records that did not result in charges may be held by the Sheriff’s Office or the Janesville Police Department rather than the court.
Individuals seeking to determine whether a warrant has been issued can contact the Rock County Sheriff’s Office or check through WCCA for open cases.
Rock County Civil Court Records
The Rock County Circuit Court adjudicates a wide range of civil disputes, including contract cases, personal injury lawsuits, property disputes, foreclosures, evictions, and small claims matters. The Clerk of Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining all civil case files.
Types of Civil Cases Filed in Rock County
- Large civil claims: Cases involving amounts exceeding $10,000
- Small claims: Cases involving $10,000 or less, governed by Wis. Stat. Chapter 799
- Foreclosure actions
- Eviction (small claims eviction) filings
- Replevin actions
- Restraining orders (non-domestic)
- Tax warrant filings
How to Search Civil Records
Civil case information can be accessed through the WCCA system by searching the party name, case number, or attorney name. For copies of specific filings—such as complaints, answers, motions, or judgments—requesters must contact the Clerk of Circuit Court directly.
Filing and Service Fees
Civil filing fees in Wisconsin circuit courts are established by Wis. Stat. §814.61. Common fee amounts include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action (large claims) | $265.50 |
| Small claims | $94.50 |
| Third-party complaint | $265.50 |
| Eviction (small claims) | $94.50 |
| Counterclaim (civil) | $265.50 |
Fee amounts are subject to statutory change. Current amounts should be confirmed with the Clerk’s office.
Small Claims Procedures
Rock County small claims cases follow the procedures set forth in Wis. Stat. Chapter 799. Self-represented litigants can access court forms through the Wisconsin court forms page, which provides standardized templates for filing small claims complaints, counterclaims, and other documents.
The Rock County Register of Deeds maintains property records that may be relevant to civil disputes involving real estate, liens, or title issues.
Rock County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Rock County are handled by the Circuit Court’s family division. These cases encompass divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic abuse injunctions, and related proceedings.
Common Family Court Case Types
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and placement disputes
- Child support establishment and modification
- Paternity actions
- Domestic abuse temporary restraining orders and injunctions
- Harassment injunctions
Searching Family Court Records
Family court cases can be located through WCCA, though access to certain documents within these cases may be restricted. Financial disclosure statements filed in divorce cases, for example, are generally treated as confidential.
To obtain copies of divorce decrees, custody orders, or other family court documents, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court at (608) 743-2200 or visit the courthouse in person. Certified copies of divorce decrees are frequently needed for legal name changes, remarriage, or benefits applications.
Domestic Abuse and Harassment Injunctions
Petitions for domestic abuse injunctions are governed by Wis. Stat. §813.12. When a temporary restraining order is granted and a hearing is held, the resulting injunction becomes a public court record. However, if a petition is dismissed before a hearing takes place, the filing may be removed from public view.
Harassment injunctions follow similar procedures under Wis. Stat. §813.125.
Marriage and Divorce Vital Records
While the court maintains records of divorce proceedings, marriage certificates and divorce verification letters can also be obtained from:
- The Rock County Clerk’s Office, which issues marriage licenses
- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office, which maintains statewide vital records
Child Support Services
Rock County’s child support enforcement is coordinated through the Rock County Child Support Agency, which assists with establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders. Contact information:
Rock County Child Support Agency
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 757-5551
The statewide Wisconsin Support Collections Trust Fund (WI SCTF) handles the collection and distribution of child support payments.
Rock County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Rock County fall under the jurisdiction of the Circuit Court. Wisconsin does not have a separate probate court; instead, circuit court judges handle probate cases alongside other matters. The Register in Probate serves as the administrative officer for probate proceedings.
Types of Probate Matters
- Formal and informal estate administration
- Testate (with a will) and intestate (without a will) proceedings
- Small estate affidavits
- Guardianship of minors and incompetent persons
- Conservatorships
- Trust disputes
- Will contests
Contact Information
Rock County Register in Probate
51 South Main Street
Janesville, WI 53545
Phone: (608) 743-2200
Office hours follow the same schedule as the Clerk of Circuit Court: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information is available through the WCCA system. Users can search by the decedent’s name or case number to find basic case details, including the personal representative, attorney of record, and key filing dates.
For copies of wills, inventories, accountings, or final orders, contact the Register in Probate. Certified copies of probate documents carry the standard certification fee.
Probate Procedures in Wisconsin
Probate proceedings in Rock County follow Wis. Stat. Chapters 851–882, which govern all aspects of estate administration. Key procedural steps typically include:
- Filing a petition for administration with the court
- Appointment of a personal representative
- Notification of creditors and interested parties
- Filing an inventory of estate assets
- Payment of debts and taxes
- Distribution of remaining assets
- Filing a final account and petition for discharge
For estates valued under $50,000, Wisconsin law permits a simplified transfer-by-affidavit procedure under Wis. Stat. §867.03, which avoids the need for formal probate.
Guardianship Records
Guardianship cases, including those involving adults who are found to be incompetent, are handled through the probate division. Under Wis. Stat. Chapter 54, guardianship proceedings require a finding of incompetency and appointment of a guardian by the court. Certain guardianship records involving minors may have restricted access. Interested parties should contact the Register in Probate to determine what records are available for public inspection.
Standard probate forms are available through the Wisconsin court system’s website and can be used for filings in Rock County.