Walworth County Court Records
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Walworth County sits in southeastern Wisconsin, with the city of Elkhorn as its county seat. The county's judicial system is anchored by the Walworth County Circuit Court, which operates out of the Walworth County Judicial Center and has general jurisdiction over all criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. More than a dozen municipal courts throughout the county also handle local ordinance violations, certain traffic offenses, and other limited-jurisdiction cases. The Clerk of Circuit Court — a constitutionally established Wisconsin officer — is responsible for maintaining all circuit court case files, collecting court fees, and making records available to the public.
If you're trying to find Walworth County court records, a good place to start is the Wisconsin Court System's website at WisconsinCourts.us. The state judiciary runs the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database, which offers free public access to case information from circuit courts across the state. Beyond that, you can review records in person at the Clerk of Circuit Court's office using public access terminals, request records by mail, or contact specific county offices depending on what you need. The state courts site also links to court forms, fee schedules, and online payment options.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Walworth County?
Walworth County circuit court case records can be found through online databases, in-person visits to the clerk's office, or written mail requests. The right approach depends on whether you need basic case information or certified copies of specific documents.
Online case search:
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database is a free public tool covering docket information for circuit courts statewide, including Walworth County. Search by party name, case number, or date range to pull up docket entries, charges, case status, scheduled hearings, and disposition details. Case dockets in WCCA are generally available from 1994 to the present.
In-person requests:
The Clerk of Circuit Court's office at the Walworth County Judicial Center keeps all circuit court case files. You're welcome to stop in during business hours to review records 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, the case number if you have it, and a description of the specific documents you need. Send the request along 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 (MasterCard and Visa) carry a 2.75% convenience fee; electronic checks have a flat $1.95 fee.
The statewide circuit court fee schedule published by the Wisconsin Court System lists all filing fees, surcharges, and related 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 — commonly known as the Wisconsin Public Records Law — the public has a presumptive right to inspect and copy records held by government agencies, including courts. The law places the burden on the records custodian to justify any denial of access, so denials are meant to be the exception, not the rule.
The vast majority of Walworth County case files, docket entries, judgments, and pleadings are open to the public. That said, several categories of records are exempt from disclosure under state or 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) sets out the rules for retention and maintenance of court records, including minimum retention periods by case type. Once a record's retention period has passed, it may be destroyed. If you're searching for older records, confirm availability with the Clerk of Circuit Court before submitting a formal request.
Getting access to restricted records typically requires a court order or demonstrated legal standing. The clerk's office can walk you through the eligibility requirements for specific record types.
Walworth County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Walworth County — including felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses — are prosecuted in the Walworth County Circuit Court. Case records cover complaints, warrants, bail and bond documents, plea filings, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and final dispositions.
Searching criminal case records:
The WCCA case search includes Walworth County criminal docket information going back to roughly 1994. Enter a defendant's name or case number to view charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes.
Sheriff's Office criminal records:
The Walworth County Sheriff's Office keeps law enforcement records including arrest reports, incident reports, and related investigative documents. The Criminal Records Section operates 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
- Fill it out with the date and location of the incident, the case number if you know it, and the name of the person involved
- Submit the completed 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, and you can expect a response within 10 business days.
Access restrictions on criminal records:
Sealed and expunged records, juvenile proceedings, records tied to active investigations, and documents containing victim or witness identifying information are generally not available to the public. If you need access to restricted files, you'll need to obtain a court order.
Additional resources:
The Walworth County Inmate Search lets you 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
All civil matters in Walworth County — general civil actions, small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, foreclosures, personal injury claims, and replevin — are heard in the Walworth County Circuit Court. Wisconsin doesn't have a separate district or civil court; the circuit court has unified trial jurisdiction across all case types.
Accessing civil case records:
Civil case docket information is available through the WCCA online database. For document copies, submit your request in person or by mail 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 set 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)
Cases filed electronically use the Wisconsin Court System's eFiling platform. Government entities are exempt from the e-filing fee, as are parties who receive a fee waiver under Section 814.29(1).
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. If you demand a jury trial in a small claims case, expect 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 runs the Landshark online portal for searching and purchasing copies of land records. Uncertified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of the same document; certified copies add $1.00 per document. Online purchases carry a $3.00 internet convenience charge per session. 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 in the circuit court's family division — Wisconsin doesn't maintain a standalone family court. The family division covers 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 a party name or case number. If you need copies of specific documents, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court directly.
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 involving 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 won't appear in public case search results. If you need access to restricted family records, contact the clerk's office for guidance on what documentation you'll need to provide.
Vital records (marriage, divorce, birth, death):
The Walworth County Register of Deeds issues certified copies of vital records. Since January 2017, Wisconsin has moved to statewide issuance, meaning any county Register of Deeds can issue certificates for events recorded statewide within certain 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 the certificate fee; expedited shipping available at additional cost
In-person applications at the Register of Deeds office are typically processed within 15 minutes. Bring a valid ID — a 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), a copy of your 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. Vital records can also be ordered statewide 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 opening through final disposition, and records all wills admitted to probate, letters of personal representative, and judgments entered.
Walworth County Register in Probate
Address: 100 W. Walworth Street, Elkhorn, WI 53121
Phone: (262) 741-7014
Case types handled:
The Probate Office administers estate proceedings (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 help with document preparation — though, like all court staff, cannot give legal advice.
Probate filing fees:
Probate fees are set 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 aren't due at the time of filing — they're paid when the inventory is submitted to 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. Given the complexity of guardianship and conservatorship law, consulting an attorney is strongly recommended. Court forms for these proceedings are available through the Wisconsin Court System forms library.