Sauk County Court Records Search

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    Sauk County, located in south-central Wisconsin with its county seat in Baraboo, operates a unified circuit court system that handles criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The Sauk County Circuit Court falls within Wisconsin’s 5th Judicial Circuit and generates a wide range of records as cases move through the system — including complaints, motions, orders, judgments, dockets, and exhibits. Three municipal courts also serve communities within the county, addressing local ordinance violations. The Clerk of Courts functions as the official custodian of circuit court records and is the primary point of contact for anyone seeking court documents in Sauk County.

    Wisconsin offers several pathways for locating court case information at the state and county level. The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access database — maintained through the Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) — allows anyone to search circuit court case records statewide, including cases filed in Sauk County. In addition to this online tool, records can be obtained directly from the clerk’s office in person or by mail, and public access terminals are available in the courthouse. WisconsinCourts.us may also help users find general information about the state court system, available forms, and self-help resources.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Sauk County?

    There are several ways to research court cases in Sauk County, depending on whether you need basic case information or certified copies of specific documents.

    Online Search via WCCA

    The most efficient starting point is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal, accessible through the CCAP case search page linked on the Sauk County website. To search:

    1. Navigate to the WCCA case search page.
    2. Enter a party’s last name or business name, or type in a known case number.
    3. Select “Sauk” from the county dropdown to narrow results.
    4. Review the case details, including filings, scheduled hearings, and dispositions.

    This service is free to use and available around the clock. It covers civil, criminal, family, traffic, forfeiture, and small claims cases filed in the circuit court. Note that WCCA does not provide imaged copies of documents — only case index information and docket entries.

    Requesting Records from the Clerk of Courts

    For copies of actual court documents, you will need to contact the Sauk County Clerk of Courts Office:

    Sauk County Clerk of Courts
    Address: 510 Broadway Street, Second Floor, Baraboo, WI 53913
    Phone: (608) 355-3287
    Fax: (608) 355-3480
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    Requests can be submitted in person during business hours or by mail. The office charges $1.25 per page for regular copies and $5.00 to certify a document (plus $1.25 per page for the copy itself), according to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Fee Chart. If you request copies by mail, include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery. A $5.00 search fee per name applies when no case number is provided.

    Dedicated Staff Lines

    The Clerk of Courts maintains separate staff lines for different case types:

    • Small Claims: ext. 3407
    • Civil (name changes, restraining orders): ext. 3402
    • Criminal Felony & Misdemeanor: ext. 3403
    • Criminal Traffic, Traffic & Forfeitures: ext. 3405 or ext. 3406
    • Family & Paternity: ext. 3404

    Call (608) 355-3287 and press 9 to reach the appropriate extension.

    Are Court Records Public in Sauk County?

    Under the Wisconsin Public Records Law, court records generated from case proceedings are presumed open to public inspection. Anyone may request to examine or obtain copies of these documents without stating a reason or demonstrating Wisconsin residency.

    That said, state law and court rules exclude certain categories of records from public disclosure. The following types of documents are generally sealed or restricted in Sauk County:

    • Juvenile delinquency proceedings
    • Adoption records
    • Paternity records prior to adjudication
    • Grand jury proceedings and juror lists
    • Confidential name change petitions
    • Child abuse restraining orders and injunctions
    • Guardianship proceedings (certain filings)

    When a record falls outside these exceptions, the Clerk of Courts must provide access upon request. The Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules, particularly SCR 72.06, establish additional guidelines regarding electronic access to court records and set restrictions on sensitive information such as Social Security numbers and financial account numbers, which must be redacted before public disclosure.

    Sauk County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal cases in Sauk County — ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies — are prosecuted in the Sauk County Circuit Court and managed by the Sauk County District Attorney’s Office. The records generated from these proceedings include complaints, warrants, bail information, plea records, trial transcripts, and sentencing orders.

    Searching Criminal Case Records

    Criminal case information can be looked up for free through the WCCA database by entering a defendant’s name and selecting Sauk County. The database displays charges, case status, hearing dates, and dispositions for adult criminal cases. Juvenile criminal records are not available through WCCA or any public portal in Wisconsin.

    Obtaining Criminal History Reports

    For a more comprehensive background check that reaches beyond individual Sauk County cases, the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Crime Information Bureau (CIB) maintains statewide adult criminal records. Public searches can be conducted through:

    • Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS): A name-based search costing $7 per query. Users enter a person’s name, date of birth, race, and gender. Results may include arrests, charges, and court dispositions across all Wisconsin counties. Because this is a name-based system, results may belong to someone else who shares the same identifying information.
    • Fingerprint-Based Checks: Available only for purposes authorized by statute (such as employment, adoption, or immigration). Requesters must submit the Single Name Record Request Form (DJ-LE-250), a complete set of fingerprints, and a $15 fee to the CIB Record Check Unit.

    Sauk County Sheriff’s Office

    The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests, booking, and detention within the county. Arrest information and incident reports can be requested from the Sheriff’s Office or from the local police agency that made the arrest. Keep in mind that arrest records alone do not indicate guilt or innocence — they only reflect that an individual was taken into custody.

    Sauk County Sheriff’s Office
    Address: 1300 Lange Court, Baraboo, WI 53913
    Non-Emergency Dispatch: (608) 356-4895
    Toll-Free: (800) 377-1195
    Civil Process: (608) 355-3478
    Fax: (608) 355-3298

    Sauk County Civil Court Records

    All civil litigation filed in Sauk County — including contract disputes, personal injury claims, foreclosures, evictions, and declaratory judgments — falls under the jurisdiction of the Sauk County Circuit Court. The county’s municipal courts (in Reedsburg, Spring Green, and Prairie du Sac) handle only municipal ordinance violations and do not adjudicate civil lawsuits.

    Where to Find Civil Records

    Civil case details are searchable online at no cost through WCCA. To obtain copies of filed documents, contact the Clerk of Courts at (608) 355-3287 or visit the office at 510 Broadway Street, Baraboo. When requesting civil records by phone or mail, have the case number ready. If you do not have a case number, the office charges a $5.00 search fee per name to locate the relevant file.

    Filing Fees for Civil Actions

    The Wisconsin Circuit Court Fee Chart sets the following filing fees for civil cases:

    Action TypeFiling Fee (Total with Surcharges)
    Civil claim over $10,000$265.50
    Civil claim $5,001–$10,000 (personal injury/tort)$147.50
    Civil claim (no money judgment)$164.50
    Small claims $10,000 or less$94.50
    Foreclosure$265.50

    Copy and Certification Fees

    ServiceFee
    Regular copies$1.25 per page
    Certified copy$5.00 plus $1.25 per page
    File/record search (per name)$5.00

    Electronically filed cases are subject to an additional $35 per case per party.

    Small Claims

    Small claims cases involving amounts of $10,000 or less are filed through the Clerk of Courts. For small claims inquiries, contact Sheilah at (608) 355-3287, ext. 3407. Civil name changes and restraining orders should be directed to Ann at ext. 3402.

    Municipal Courts

    While municipal courts do not handle civil litigation, they process citations for local ordinance violations. The three municipal courts serving Sauk County communities are:

    • City of Reedsburg Municipal Court — 134 South Locust Street, P.O. Box 490, Reedsburg, WI 53959 — Phone: (608) 768-3348
    • River Valley Joint Municipal Court — 230 East Monroe Street, Spring Green, WI 53588 — Phone: (608) 588-2125
    • Sauk Prairie Municipal Court — 640 13th Street, Prairie du Sac, WI 53578 — Phone: (608) 643-2427 ext. 106

    Sauk County Family Court Records

    Family law matters in Sauk County — including divorce, legal separation, child custody, placement, child support, paternity, and domestic abuse proceedings — are heard in the circuit court. The Family Court Commissioner’s office handles uncontested proceedings and initial motions, while contested matters go before a circuit court judge.

    Family Court Commissioner
    Address: 510 Broadway, Room 320, Baraboo, WI 53913
    Phone: (608) 355-3246
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

    For family and paternity case inquiries at the Clerk of Courts, contact Renee at (608) 355-3287, ext. 3404.

    Divorce and Legal Separation

    Wisconsin law requires a 120-day waiting period between the filing or service of a divorce petition and the entry of a final judgment. The Sauk County Circuit Court provides instruction forms and packets to guide self-represented parties through the process, including:

    Additional family court forms are available on the Sauk County website. The Wisconsin Court System also maintains a comprehensive self-help guide for divorce and family law that walks parties through the necessary filings.

    The filing fee for a family action is $184.50 without a request for support or maintenance, or $194.50 when support or maintenance is requested. Post-judgment motions to revise custody or placement cost $50.00.

    Divorce Certificates

    While the Clerk of Courts is the custodian of official divorce judgments and case files, the Sauk County Register of Deeds maintains divorce certificates for events recorded since 2016. Each certificate costs $20.00 (plus $3.00 for additional copies). Certified copies are limited to individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest under Wis. Stat. § 69.21, which includes the registrant, immediate family members, legal guardians, and authorized representatives. For certificates of divorce events prior to 2016, contact the Wisconsin State Vital Records Office.

    Marriage Records

    Marriage certificates can be obtained from the Sauk County Register of Deeds by completing the Application for Marriage Certificate and submitting it in person or by mail. Each certificate costs $20.00, with $3.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. A valid photo ID is required. Mail requests must include a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope. In-person orders are typically processed within two hours, while mail orders may take up to two weeks for certified copies and up to a month for uncertified copies. The same direct-and-tangible-interest requirement applies to certified marriage certificates. Uncertified copies are available to anyone.

    Sauk County Register of Deeds
    Address: 505 Broadway, Room 122, Baraboo, WI 53913
    Phone: (608) 355-3288
    Fax: (608) 355-4439

    Birth and Death Records

    Although not strictly family court records, birth and death certificates are often needed in connection with family law proceedings. These may be requested from the Register of Deeds using the Birth Certificate Request Form or the Death Certificate Request Form. Each certificate costs $20.00, with a $3.00 fee for additional copies. Certified copies are restricted to parties with a direct and tangible interest; uncertified copies are available to anyone. Acceptable identification is listed on each form.

    Sauk County Probate Court Records

    Probate matters in Sauk County are heard in the circuit court and administered through the Office of the Register in Probate. Probate cases encompass estate administration, will filings, guardianships, conservatorships, trusts, and related proceedings governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 851 through 882.

    Register in Probate / Juvenile Clerk of Court
    Address: 510 Broadway Street, Room C234, Baraboo, WI 53913
    Phone: (608) 355-3226
    Fax: (608) 355-4436
    Email: kathe.koback@saukcountywi.gov

    Appointments are encouraged but not required and can be scheduled by calling (608) 355-3226.

    Types of Probate Proceedings

    The Sauk County Register in Probate handles various proceeding types, including formal administration, informal administration, summary assignment, summary settlement, special administration, ancillary proceedings, formal termination of joint tenancy, termination of life estate, determination of descent, and testamentary trusts. Wills must be filed with the Register in Probate within 30 days following death, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 865.05. For estates valued at $50,000 or less, a Transfer by Affidavit may be used in lieu of full probate — forms for this process are available at wisbar.org.

    Searching Probate Records

    Anyone can search for basic probate case information through the WCCA database by entering a party’s name or case number. For copies of probate documents, you must contact or visit the Register in Probate office. Certified copies may also be requested by phone if you have the case number, with payment required before the records are issued.

    Fees for Probate Records

    ServiceFee
    Copies of probate documents$1.00 per page
    Certification$3.00 per document
    File/record search$4.00 per name
    Inventory fee (standard)$20.00 minimum or 0.2% of estate value over $10,000
    Inventory fee (minor/adult guardianship of estate)$20.00 minimum or 0.2% of estate value over $50,000

    Standard probate court forms are available through the Wisconsin Court System website. The Wisconsin Register in Probate Association also publishes A Personal Representative’s Guide to Informal Estate Administration, which walks executors through the process step by step.