Washington County Court Records Search
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Washington County, situated in southeastern Wisconsin with its county seat in West Bend, operates a court system that processes a wide range of legal matters through its Circuit Court. As a unified trial court, the Washington County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over criminal prosecutions, civil litigation, family law disputes, probate administration, juvenile matters, and traffic offenses. The Clerk of Circuit Court’s office — led by an elected official serving a four-year term — is responsible for maintaining all court documents, scheduling hearings, managing jury service, and collecting court-ordered fees and fines. For anyone who needs to obtain records, verify a case status, or understand how the local courts work, this guide covers the essential steps, offices, fees, and tools involved.
Individuals looking to find court case information in Wisconsin can search through several channels, including clerk of courts offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online databases. WisconsinCourts.us may help users locate publicly available court case records across the state’s circuit courts, including those filed in Washington County. The Wisconsin Court System also maintains its own case search resources and self-help tools for people navigating the process without an attorney.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?
The most widely used method for searching Washington County court records is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) database, which is the public-facing search tool operated by the state’s Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP). Through WCCA, anyone can search circuit court records statewide — including all Washington County filings — at no charge. The system accepts searches by:
- Party name (last name and first name)
- Case number
- Attorney name
- Business name
Results can be refined by county, case type, and date range. The information displayed includes case status, scheduled hearing dates, charges (in criminal matters), and a summary of docket entries. WCCA covers civil, criminal, family, probate, small claims, and traffic case types.
For a broader search that also includes appellate matters, the Wisconsin Court System case search page provides links to both WCCA and the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals case access tool (WSCCA).
Searching in Person
Individuals may visit the Clerk of Circuit Court’s office to inspect case files and request copies. The office is located at:
Washington County Clerk of Circuit Court
Address: Washington County Justice Center, 484 Rolfs Avenue, Room 3151, West Bend, WI 53090
Phone: (262) 335-4341
Fax: (262) 335-4776
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Copies of documents from court files cost $1.25 per page, with an additional $5.00 fee for certification. Parties to a case can also access their files electronically through the state’s eFiling system for a one-time fee of $35.
Requesting Records by Mail
Written requests can be mailed to the Clerk of Circuit Court at the address above. Include the case number (if known), party names, the type of document needed, and a check or money order payable to “Washington County Clerk of Courts” to cover copy and certification fees.
Paying Fines and Obligations
Court-ordered fines and forfeitures can be paid online through WCCA using Visa, MasterCard, or electronic check, or by calling Pay Gov at 1-866-480-8552 (pay location code 2936). Cash is accepted only in person; credit cards, checks, and money orders are accepted in person or by mail.
Are Court Records Public in Washington County?
Wisconsin law establishes a strong presumption that court records are open to the public. Wisconsin Statute § 59.20(3) requires clerks of circuit court to maintain records and make them available for public inspection. The WCCA database reflects this principle by providing free online access to most circuit court case information.
However, several categories of records carry confidentiality protections. Wisconsin Statutes §§ 801.19 through 801.21 set out rules governing the protection of sensitive personal information in court filings. Under these provisions, the following identifiers must be excluded or redacted from publicly accessible documents:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Passport numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Employer and taxpayer identification numbers
These statutes also establish procedures for parties to request that records containing such information be sealed.
Confidential Case Types
Certain case categories are not viewable through WCCA or available for public inspection without a court order. These include juvenile delinquency proceedings, certain guardianship records, mental health commitment files, and sealed cases. The Register in Probate’s office confirms that guardianship and civil commitment cases are generally considered confidential and closed to public access.
Additionally, in family court matters involving children, a party may request that identifying information be sealed from the public or the opposing party if disclosure would jeopardize the health, safety, or liberty of a parent or child. The court will schedule a hearing to determine whether sealing is warranted.
Washington County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Washington County — felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses — are prosecuted by the District Attorney and processed through the Circuit Court. The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all criminal court files, which are accessible in person and through the WCCA online database.
Online Criminal Case Search
The WCCA system allows users to search criminal docket information by defendant name, case number, or date. Search results include charges, case status, hearing dates, bail information, and disposition details. Primary criminal statutes are found in Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 938–961 (Criminal Code and Controlled Substances Act) and Chapters 967–980 (Criminal Procedures).
In-Person Access and Copy Fees
Criminal case files can be reviewed at the Clerk of Courts office at 484 Rolfs Avenue, West Bend, WI 53090. The statutory copy fee is $1.25 per page, plus $5.00 for certification if needed.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office maintains its own records of arrests, incidents, and investigations. Open records requests can be made in person (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), by phone at (262) 335-4378, or by mail to:
Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Attention: Records
P.O. Box 1986
West Bend, WI 53095
The Sheriff’s Office fee schedule for records is:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Accident reports | $0.25 per page |
| Incident reports | $0.25 per page |
| Legal documents | $1.00 per page |
| Reproduced photos | $1.50 per photo |
| Digital media (CD/DVD) | $5.00 each |
| Color digital photos | $2.00 per page |
Motor vehicle accident reports are also available online through Crashdocs.org for a flat fee of $2.00 per report. A 10-day processing period applies after the date of any accident.
Criminal History Background Checks
The Sheriff’s Office is not authorized to release state criminal history records. Formal background checks must be requested from the Wisconsin Crime Information Bureau by submitting a Criminal History Request form to:
Crime Information Bureau, Records Check Unit
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
Expungement
Wisconsin law permits expungement only in limited circumstances. A judge may order expunction of the court record, but this does not remove the case from District Attorney files, the Crime Information Bureau, the Department of Transportation, or other law enforcement databases. The Expunging Court Records brochure from the Wisconsin Court System and the Wisconsin Department of Justice criminal records FAQ provide further guidance.
Washington County Civil Court Records
Civil matters — contract disputes, property litigation, personal injury claims, foreclosures, injunctions, name changes, and administrative reviews — are filed with the Clerk of Circuit Court and handled by the Civil, Small Claims and Jury Division.
Civil Division Contact Information
Address: 484 Rolfs Avenue, Room 3151, West Bend, WI 53090
Phone: (262) 365-5133
Fax: (262) 335-4776
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case docket information is available through the WCCA database. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney name and filter results by case type to narrow the search to civil filings. For physical file review or certified copies, visit the Clerk of Courts office in person or submit a written request by mail.
Civil Court Forms
The Wisconsin Court System provides civil court forms online through its Circuit Court Forms page. The state also offers a Forms Assistant tool that guides self-represented litigants through the process of selecting and completing the appropriate paperwork. New filings can be submitted electronically through the eFiling system.
Name Change Filings
A name change action in Washington County requires a filing fee of $164.50. The process is governed by Wisconsin Statutes 786.36 and 786.37. Instructions for standard and confidential name changes are available through the Basic Steps to Handling a Name Change and Basic Steps to Handling a Confidential Name Change guides on the Wisconsin Court System website.
Small Claims
Small claims cases are heard in the Washington County Circuit Court for monetary claims up to $10,000 (or up to $5,000 for personal injury, tort, or third-party claims). The filing fee is $94.50, and personal service of the summons and complaint on the defendant is required. The Small Claims Self-Help Law Center on the Wisconsin Court System website provides detailed filing guidance. Landlord-tenant disputes may be filed in the county where the property is located or where the defendant resides.
Washington County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Washington County are handled by the Circuit Court rather than a separate family court. The Family Court division processes divorces, legal separations, annulments, child custody and placement disputes, child support actions, paternity cases, and domestic violence matters.
Accessing Family Court Records
Many family court docket entries are searchable through the WCCA system. Certified copies of divorce judgments, paternity orders, and other family court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of Courts office at 484 Rolfs Avenue, Room 3151, West Bend, WI 53090. The statutory fee is $1.25 per page, plus $5.00 for certification. Copies may also be requested by mail; include your case number and a check or money order for the correct amount.
Family Court Forms and Self-Help Resources
The Wisconsin Court System provides family court forms online and offers a self-help family law website with interactive forms assistants for starting new or existing cases. A Basic Guide to Divorce/Legal Separation is available as a recommended starting point for self-represented parties.
Family Law Assistance Program
Washington County offers a free Family Law Assistance Program on select Tuesdays from noon to 1:00 p.m. in Room 3252 of the Justice Center. Volunteer attorneys help self-represented litigants with forms, written instructions, and procedural guidance for divorce, legal separation, annulment, child support, and other family actions. No appointment is needed. The program does not operate during weeks containing Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day. Note that volunteer attorneys provide procedural guidance only and cannot offer legal advice.
Mediation Services
Wisconsin law requires that all disputes over legal custody and physical placement of children be referred to mediation through Family Court Services, unless waived due to undue hardship or safety concerns. A Request for Mediation form can be filed by a party or attorney. The mediation fee is $300, divided between the parties as determined by the court. Payment plans are available through the Accounting Division at (262) 365-5131. For mediation questions, contact the Family Senior Court Assistant at (262) 365-5135.
Marriage and Divorce Certificates
Marriage and divorce certificates are vital records managed by the Washington County Register of Deeds. The office issues statewide marriage certificates from October 1, 1907 to present, and statewide divorce certificates from January 1, 2016 to present. Vital record fees are $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy. Records can be obtained:
- In person at 432 E. Washington Street, Room 2084, West Bend, WI 53095
- By mail using a completed application form and the appropriate fee
- Online through VitalChek (additional service fee applies)
The Register of Deeds office is open Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (closed Fridays). Phone: (262) 335-4320. Questions about specific vital records can be directed to (262) 335-4321.
Washington County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Washington County are administered by the Register in Probate, a position appointed by the county judges and operating as a division of the Clerk of Courts office. This office handles estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, wills, adult adoptions, civil commitments, and trusts.
Register in Probate Contact Information
Address: Washington County Justice Center, 484 Rolfs Avenue, Room 3151, West Bend, WI 53090
Phone: (262) 335-4341
Fax: (262) 306-2224
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Case Types
The Register in Probate handles the following case types: Adult Adoption (AD), Probate (PR), Guardianships (GN), Guardianships of a Minor’s Estate (GN), Adult Civil Commitments (ME), Juvenile Civil Commitments (JM), Wills (WL), and Group Probate (GP).
Searching Probate Records
Probate records that are classified as open records can be searched through the WCCA website by entering a party’s name or case number. Guardianship and civil commitment cases are confidential and are not accessible through the public database. In-person searches can be conducted at the Register in Probate office; a mandatory search fee of $4.00 applies under Section 814.66(1)(b)(3)(j), Wisconsin Statutes. Copies are $1.00 per page, with a $3.00 certification fee.
Probate Filing Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Forms packets | $10.00 each |
| Guideline to Informal Probate booklet | $10.00 each |
| Inventory fee — estate $10,000 or less | $20.00 |
| Inventory fee — estate over $10,000 | 0.2% of inventoried assets |
| Inventory fee — guardianship/conservatorship ($50,000 or less) | $20.00 |
| Inventory fee — guardianship/conservatorship (over $50,000) | 0.2% of inventoried assets |
| Filing claim against estate | $3.00 |
| Objection to probate of will | $20.00 |
| Will filed for safekeeping | $10.00 |
| Power of Attorney for Healthcare (safekeeping) | $8.00 |
| Declaration to Physicians/Living Will (safekeeping) | $8.00 |
| Copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certification | $3.00 |
| Record search fee | $4.00 |
| Termination of life estate | $3.00 |
| Grandparent or step-parent visitation action | $60.00 |
Filing a Will
Wisconsin law requires the filing of the original will for every deceased person (see Wis. Stat. § 856.05). If a probate proceeding is needed, the will is filed with the estate opening documents. If no probate is required, an Affidavit of No Probate must be completed (signature must be notarized) and filed alongside the original will. Living persons may deposit an original will for safekeeping with the Register in Probate for $10.00 under Wis. Stat. § 853.09.
Estate Administration Timeline
Wisconsin Statutes require estates to be settled without unnecessary delay. The Chief Judges have established a 14-month benchmark for closing probate estates, and the Registers in Probate for the Third Judicial District — which includes Washington County — enforce this standard. Formal probate hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge, and all documents must be filed with the Probate Office at least 96 hours before the hearing date.
Guardianship Resources
Mandatory state guardianship forms are available on the Wisconsin Court System Guardianship Forms page. The Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR) operates the Wisconsin Guardianship Support Center, which provides information and assistance on guardianship, protective placement, and advance directives.