Walworth County Court Records Search
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Walworth County is located in southeastern Wisconsin, with the city of Elkhorn serving as its county seat. The county’s judicial system centers on the Walworth County Circuit Court, which operates from the Walworth County Judicial Center and exercises general jurisdiction over all criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. In addition, more than a dozen municipal courts across the county handle local ordinance violations, certain traffic offenses, and other limited-jurisdiction cases. The Clerk of Circuit Court, a constitutionally established officer in Wisconsin, is responsible for maintaining all circuit court case files, collecting court fees, and providing public access to records.
For anyone looking to find Walworth County court records, a practical starting point is the Wisconsin Court System’s website at WisconsinCourts.us. The state judiciary operates the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database, which offers free public access to case information from circuit courts statewide. Beyond this online tool, records can be reviewed in person at the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office using public access terminals, requested by mail, or obtained from specific county offices depending on the record type. The state courts website also provides links to court forms, fee schedules, and electronic payment options.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Walworth County?
Walworth County circuit court case records can be located through online databases, in-person visits to the clerk’s office, or written requests sent by mail. The approach will vary depending on whether the requester needs to view basic case information or obtain certified copies of specific documents.
Online case search:
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database provides free public access to case docket information for circuit courts across the state, including Walworth County. Users can search by party name, case number, or date range. WCCA displays docket entries, charges, case status, scheduled hearings, and disposition information. Case dockets in WCCA are generally available from 1994 to the present.
In-person requests:
The Clerk of Circuit Court office at the Walworth County Judicial Center maintains all circuit court case files. Walk-in visitors can review records during business hours or request copies.
Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court
Address: 1800 County Road NN, P.O. Box 1001, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Phone: (262) 741-7012
Fax: (262) 741-7050
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Requesting copies by mail:
Written requests should include the full names of the parties involved, the case number (if known), and the specific documents needed. Send the request with the applicable fees to the Clerk of Circuit Court at the address above.
Copy and certification fees (per Wisconsin Statutes, Chapter 814):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular copies | $1.25 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 per document, plus $1.25 per page |
| Search of file or record (per action) | $5.00 |
| Docketing fee | $5.00 |
Payments for existing cases can also be made through the Wisconsin Court System’s online payment portal. Credit card payments incur a 2.75% convenience fee for MasterCard and Visa; electronic checks carry a flat $1.95 fee.
The statewide circuit court fee schedule published by the Wisconsin Court System provides a comprehensive breakdown of all filing fees, surcharges, and associated costs referenced throughout Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 814.
Are Court Records Public in Walworth County?
Wisconsin’s commitment to open government extends to court records. Under Sections 19.31 through 19.39 of the Wisconsin Statutes, also known as the Wisconsin Public Records Law, the public has a presumptive right to inspect and obtain copies of records in the custody of government agencies, including courts. The statute provides that denial of access should occur only in “exceptional cases”, placing the burden on the custodian to justify withholding.
Walworth County court records follow this framework, and the vast majority of case files, docket entries, judgments, and pleadings are accessible to the public. However, several categories of records are exempt from disclosure under state and federal law:
- Juvenile records — proceedings involving minors are confidential under Wisconsin law
- Adoption records — sealed and accessible only to authorized parties
- Sealed and expunged records — removed from public access by court order
- Records of ongoing investigations — law enforcement and judicial investigation files may be withheld during active proceedings
- Domestic violence and child custody records — certain filings containing sensitive protective information carry access restrictions
- Medical and mental health records — protected under both state privacy statutes and federal law
- Attorney-client privileged material — exempt from disclosure
- Victim and witness information — identifying details may be redacted or withheld for safety
Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule Chapter 72 (SCR 72) governs the retention and maintenance of court records, establishing minimum retention periods by case type. Once a record passes its retention period, it may be destroyed. Individuals seeking older records should confirm availability with the Clerk of Circuit Court before submitting a formal request.
Accessing restricted records typically requires a court order or demonstrated legal standing. The clerk’s office can advise on specific eligibility requirements.
Walworth County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Walworth County are prosecuted in the Walworth County Circuit Court. The court handles felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses. Case records encompass complaints, warrants, bail and bond information, plea documents, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and disposition records.
Searching criminal case records:
The WCCA case search includes criminal case docket information from Walworth County dating back to approximately 1994. Users can search by defendant name or case number to view charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes.
Sheriff’s Office criminal records:
The Walworth County Sheriff’s Office maintains law enforcement records including arrest reports, incident reports, and related investigative documents. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Records Section is open 24 hours a day and accepts records requests in person, by mail, or by email.
To request records from the Sheriff’s Office:
- Download the Request for Records form
- Complete the form with the date and location of the incident, case number (if known), and the involved person’s name
- Submit the form by email to sheriffrecords@co.walworth.wi.us, in person, or by mail
Walworth County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 1770 County Road NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Phone: (262) 741-4400
Sheriff’s Office records fees:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Accident/crash report | $3.00 |
| All other records | $0.50 per page |
| DVDs (photos, body camera, audio) | $15.00 each |
Payment is accepted by cash or check. Records that can be emailed are provided at no cost. Requests are processed in the order received, with a response within 10 business days.
Access restrictions on criminal records:
Public access to certain criminal records is limited. Sealed and expunged records, juvenile proceedings, records of active investigations, and documents containing victim or witness identifying information are generally not available to the public. Records seekers who need access to restricted files must obtain a court order.
Additional resources:
The Walworth County Inmate Search allows the public to look up individuals currently or recently held in the county jail. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry can be searched for information on registered sex offenders residing in Walworth County.
Walworth County Civil Court Records
The Walworth County Circuit Court adjudicates all civil matters in the county, including general civil actions, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosures, personal injury claims, and replevin. There is no separate district or civil court in Wisconsin; the circuit court exercises unified trial jurisdiction.
Accessing civil case records:
Civil case docket information is available through the WCCA online database. In-person and mail requests for document copies should be directed to the Clerk of Circuit Court at the Walworth County Judicial Center.
Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court
Address: 1800 County Road NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Phone: (262) 741-7012
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Civil filing fees:
Civil filing fees in Wisconsin are established by statute and include a base filing fee plus surcharges. Key examples from the statewide fee schedule include:
- Civil action (claim over $10,000): $265.50 total ($75 filing fee + $169 court support services + $21.50 justice information surcharge)
- Civil action (claim $5,001–$10,000, personal injury/tort): $147.50
- Small claims ($10,000 or less): $94.50 total ($22 filing fee + $51 court support services + $21.50 justice information surcharge)
- Small claims (tort/personal injury, $5,000 or less): $94.50
- Foreclosure action: $265.50
- E-filing fee: $35 per case per party (effective May 1, 2024)
Electronically filed cases use the Wisconsin Court System’s eFiling platform. Government entities are exempt from the e-filing fee, and parties who receive a fee waiver under Section 814.29(1) are also exempt.
Small claims:
Small claims cases involving $10,000 or less (excluding personal injury claims over $5,000) are filed and heard in the circuit court. Jury trial demands in small claims cases carry an additional $89 fee, plus a per-juror charge.
Property records:
Real estate documents, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats, are maintained by the Walworth County Register of Deeds. The office operates the Landshark online portal for searching and purchasing copies of land records. Uncertified copies are $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of the same document. Certified copies add $1.00 per document. An internet convenience charge of $3.00 per session applies to online purchases. The Register of Deeds is located at 100 W. Walworth Street, Room 102, P.O. Box 1001, Elkhorn, WI 53121, and can be reached at (262) 741-4233.
Walworth County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Walworth County are heard by the circuit court. Wisconsin does not maintain a separate family court; instead, the circuit court’s family division handles all domestic relations cases. Types of family law proceedings include dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, annulment, child custody and placement, child support, paternity, adoption, domestic violence restraining orders, and guardianship of minors.
Searching family case records:
Family case docket information can be viewed through the WCCA online search using the party name or case number. Detailed file copies must be requested from the Clerk of Circuit Court.
Family filing fees:
Under Wisconsin Statutes, the filing fees for family actions are:
- Family action (no request for support or maintenance): $184.50 ($75 filing fee + $68 court support services + $21.50 justice information surcharge + $20 family court counseling services fee)
- Family action (with request for support or maintenance): $194.50 (adds a $10 fee for parties not receiving public assistance)
- Paternity action by private party: $184.50; with support request: $194.50
- Post-judgment revision (custody or placement): $50.00
- Post-judgment revision (other matters): $30.00
- Mediation fee: $200 (first session free under Section 767.405(5))
- Custody/placement study: $300
Court forms for divorce, custody, child support, and other family law matters are available through the Wisconsin Court System Forms Center. The Clerk of Circuit Court also provides mandatory blank forms at no charge.
Access restrictions:
Family court records containing information about minors, domestic violence protective orders, and certain financial details may have restricted access. Adoption records are sealed under Wisconsin law. Juvenile dependency and delinquency records are confidential and not available through public case search tools. Authorized parties seeking restricted family records should contact the clerk’s office for guidance on required documentation.
Vital records (marriage, divorce, birth, death):
The Walworth County Register of Deeds issues certified copies of vital records. Since January 2017, Wisconsin has maintained statewide issuance, meaning any county Register of Deeds can issue certificates for events recorded statewide within specified date ranges: births from October 1, 1907; marriages from October 1, 1907; deaths from September 1, 2013; and divorces from January 1, 2016.
Vital records fees through the Register of Deeds:
- Certified copy: $20.00 per certificate
- Each additional copy of the same certificate (ordered simultaneously): $3.00
- Online orders through VitalChek: $10.00 service fee plus certificate fee; expedited shipping available at additional cost
In-person applications at the Register of Deeds office are typically processed within 15 minutes. Applicants must present valid identification (state-issued ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID; or two alternative documents such as a utility bill and health insurance card). Mail requests should include a completed application form — available for birth certificates and death certificates — along with a copy of identification, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the applicable fee.
Walworth County Register of Deeds
Address: 100 W. Walworth Street, Room 102, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Phone: (262) 741-4233
Fax: (262) 741-4947
For divorce records predating January 1, 2016, contact the Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court at (262) 741-7012. Statewide vital records may also be ordered through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Vital Records Office (P.O. Box 309, Madison, WI 53701-0309; Phone: (608) 266-1373).
Walworth County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Walworth County are administered through the circuit court and overseen by the Register in Probate. The Register in Probate maintains all papers filed in estate proceedings, keeps a complete court record of each probate case from initiation through final disposition, and records all wills admitted to probate, letters of personal representative, and judgments rendered.
Walworth County Register in Probate
Address: 100 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Phone: (262) 741-7014
Case types handled:
The Probate Office administers proceedings for estate administration (both formal and informal), guardianship of minors and incapacitated adults, conservatorship, trust proceedings, and name changes. The Probate Registrar handles informal probate proceedings and can advise on document preparation, though court staff cannot provide legal advice.
Probate filing fees:
Probate fees are governed by Wisconsin Statutes Section 814.66. Key fees include:
- Inventory fee: minimum $20.00, or 0.2% of estate value over $10,000
- Inventory fee in minor or adult guardianship of the estate: minimum $20.00, or 0.2% of value over $50,000
- Trust petition (judicial proceedings under Chapter 701): $250.00
- Receiving and disbursing trust funds: $10.00 or 0.5% of funds deposited, whichever is greater
- Withdrawal of funds (per transaction): $10.00
- E-filing fee: $35 per case per party
Inventory fees are not due at case filing; they are paid when the inventory is filed with the court.
Searching probate records:
Probate case information can be searched through the WCCA database. For copies of specific documents — such as wills, letters of personal representative, guardianship orders, or estate inventories — contact the Clerk of Circuit Court or the Register in Probate. Standard copy and certification fees apply.
Guardianship and conservatorship:
Guardianship proceedings for both minors and adults who are incompetent are filed with the Register in Probate. These cases require ongoing judicial oversight, including annual accounting for conservatorships and periodic review of guardian reports. Due to the complexity of guardianship and conservatorship law, consultation with an attorney is strongly recommended. Court forms for these proceedings can be accessed through the Wisconsin Court System forms library.