Waukesha County Court Records Search
WisconsinCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on WisconsinCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Waukesha County, located in southeastern Wisconsin with its county seat in the City of Waukesha, operates a Circuit Court system that handles all trial-level matters — from felonies and civil disputes to family law proceedings and probate administration. The county also has several Municipal Courts that adjudicate local ordinance violations. Understanding where each type of record is kept and how to obtain copies is essential for anyone involved in a legal proceeding, conducting background research, or tracing property and family history.
Court records throughout Wisconsin can be located through a combination of official clerk offices, in-person public access terminals, and online search tools. The statewide judiciary maintains resources at WisconsinCourts.us that may help users locate publicly available case information, find applicable forms, and identify the correct court division for a particular type of case.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Waukesha County?
The most direct way to search for a Waukesha County court case is through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system. This free, publicly available database allows searches by party name, case number, or date of birth for cases filed in any Wisconsin circuit court, including Waukesha County.
Steps for an online search:
- Navigate to the WCCA website.
- Select “Waukesha” from the county dropdown menu.
- Enter the party’s last name, first name, and date of birth — or enter a known case number directly.
- Review the returned docket entries, case status, scheduled hearings, and charges.
Not all case documents are viewable online. WCCA displays docket information, party names, charges, and disposition data, but it does not provide copies of filed documents such as complaints, motions, or orders. To obtain actual documents, a request must be directed to the appropriate court division.
In-person access is available at the Waukesha County Courthouse during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Public access computer terminals are located in the Civil, Criminal/Traffic, Family, and Probate divisions. The case type list by division helps users identify the correct office based on the two-letter case code in the middle of any case number.
Contact information for each division:
| Division | Phone | Fax |
|---|---|---|
| Civil | (262) 548-7525 | (262) 548-7546 |
| Criminal/Traffic | (262) 548-7484 | (262) 548-7546 |
| Family | (262) 548-7544 | (262) 896-8364 |
| Juvenile | (262) 548-7449 | (262) 896-8397 |
| Probate | (262) 548-7468 | (262) 548-7546 |
All divisions are located at:
Waukesha County Courthouse
515 W. Moreland Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188
Mail requests should be sent to the relevant division with the case number (or party name and date of birth), a description of the specific documents needed, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a contact phone number. Payment in full is required before any request is processed. If you do not have a case number and the clerk must search for the record, a $5.00 search fee applies ($4.00 in Probate Court).
Copy fees across all divisions:
| Item | Civil, Criminal, Family, Juvenile | Probate |
|---|---|---|
| Copy per page | $1.25 | $1.00 |
| Certified copy surcharge | +$5.00 per document | +$3.00 per document |
| Record search (no case number) | $5.00 | $4.00 |
All divisions accept credit card payments in person or by phone. The Clerk of Circuit Court’s office does not email court records.
Off-site records: Older files stored off-site can be retrieved at no charge within approximately 72 hours. Emergency retrieval is available for $22.75 per trip and can typically be completed within two hours after payment. Retrieved files remain available for three business days before being returned to storage.
Are Court Records Public in Waukesha County?
Wisconsin’s public records law, codified in Chapter 19, Subchapter II of the Wisconsin Statutes, establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access to government records, including court files. Unless a specific statute or court order makes a record confidential, anyone may inspect and obtain copies of Waukesha County court records during regular business hours or through the WCCA system.
Categories of restricted or confidential records include:
- Juvenile court records — Inspection and copying require approval from the Juvenile Court judge. Written instructions for requesting inspection or release of juvenile records are available on the county website.
- Sealed and expunged records — Records sealed by court order under Wis. Stat. § 801.21 are removed from public access. Motions to seal or redact must demonstrate a compelling interest.
- Victim and witness information — Identifying details for victims and witnesses may be withheld when disclosure would endanger safety.
- Active investigation files — Records connected to ongoing law enforcement or judicial investigations are generally exempt.
- Confidential personal identifiers — Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other sensitive personal data are subject to redaction.
- Informant identities — Information that would reveal the identity of a confidential informant is not available to the public.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule Chapter 72 governs the retention and maintenance of court records, establishing minimum retention periods that vary by case type. For most felonies, the retention period is 50 years; for misdemeanors and civil matters, retention periods are shorter. Once a record’s retention period expires, it may be destroyed through approved methods.
The Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the statutory custodian of all court records filed in Waukesha County. This office is responsible for maintaining documents, managing access, collecting fees and fines, and ensuring confidentiality where required by law.
Waukesha County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Waukesha County are handled primarily by the Circuit Court’s Criminal/Traffic Division and, for local ordinance violations, by the various Municipal Courts. The Circuit Court has exclusive jurisdiction over felony prosecutions, misdemeanor charges, and criminal traffic offenses.
Criminal/Traffic Division
Address: Room C-167, 515 W. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone: (262) 548-7484
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Criminal case files typically contain complaints, probable cause affidavits, bail and bond documentation, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and appeal records. Case codes that fall under this division include CF (felony), CM (misdemeanor), CT (criminal traffic), TR (traffic forfeiture), FO (non-traffic ordinance violation), and SW (search warrants).
Searching for criminal records:
- WCCA — Search the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal by name or case number to view charges, case status, and disposition information.
- In-person — Visit Room C-167 with a case number or party identifying information. Public access terminals are available for self-service lookups.
- Phone or mail — Contact the Criminal/Traffic Division directly at (262) 548-7484 and arrange payment for any copies requested.
Law enforcement records and arrest information are maintained separately by the Waukesha County Sheriff’s Department Records Division:
Address: 515 W. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188
Mailing: P.O. Box 1488, Waukesha, WI 53187-1488
Phone: (262) 548-7156
Fax: (262) 548-7887
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The Sheriff’s Records Division maintains incident reports, accident reports, citations, and internal documents generated by patrol and detective operations. Reports containing personal identifying information may be redacted under the federal Driver’s Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) and Wisconsin public records statutes. To obtain un-redacted copies, requesters must complete a Permissible Uses Form and present photo identification in person. Copy fees through the Sheriff’s office are $0.25 per page; CDs or DVDs cost $10.00 each.
The Waukesha County Jail (Huber Facility) at 1400 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI 53188 — Phone: (262) 548-7181, Fax: (262) 896-8254 — is another source for inmate-related records and booking information.
For federal-level criminal history, the FBI offers Identity History Summary Checks (rap sheets) that can be requested online or by mail.
Waukesha County Civil Court Records
The Civil Division of the Waukesha County Circuit Court handles non-criminal disputes including large and small claims, foreclosures, garnishments, liens, injunctions, name changes, landlord-tenant matters, and appeals from municipal court decisions.
Civil Division
Address: Room C-167, 515 W. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone: (262) 548-7525
Fax: (262) 548-7546
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Selected civil filing fees (from the court fee schedule):
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small claim (≤ $10,000) | $94.50 |
| Large claim (≤ $10,000) | $147.50 |
| Large claim (> $10,000) | $265.50 |
| Foreclosure | $265.50 |
| Garnishment (≤ $10,000) | $92.50 |
| Garnishment (> $10,000) | $210.50 |
| Name change | $164.50 |
| Foreign judgment | $20.00 |
| Appeal from municipal court (on the record) | $129.50 |
| Appeal from municipal court (new trial) | $144.50 |
| Temporary restraining order (harassment, abuse) | No fee |
| Other injunctions | $164.50 |
Small claims and name change form packets are available free online through the Waukesha County Circuit Courts website. In-office copies of packets cost $5.00–$10.00 depending on the type.
Civil case codes include CV (civil), SC (small claims), CL (construction lien), FJ (foreign judgment), TJ (transcript of judgment), HT (habitual traffic offender), IP (incarcerated person), and several others.
To search civil records, use the WCCA portal or contact the Civil Division directly. Copies are $1.25 per page, with a $5.00 surcharge for certification. The general record search fee of $5.00 applies when no case number is provided.
Waukesha County also operates several Municipal Courts that handle ordinance violations, traffic infractions, non-jury first-offense DUI matters, and local drug/narcotics violations. Key Municipal Court locations include:
- City of Waukesha — 201 Delafield St., Room 201, (262) 524-3705
- City of Brookfield — 2100 N. Calhoun Rd., (262) 796-6660
- City of New Berlin — 16300 W. National Ave., (262) 780-8154
- City of Pewaukee — W240 N3065 Pewaukee Rd., (262) 691-9083
- Lake Country Municipal Court — 630 E. Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, (262) 569-0920
Waukesha County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the Circuit Court addresses divorce, legal separation, annulment, paternity, child custody and placement, child support, spousal support, grandparent visitation, and related domestic matters.
Family Division
Address: Room C-167, 515 W. Moreland Blvd., P.O. Box 1627, Waukesha, WI 53187-1627
Phone: (262) 548-7544
Fax: (262) 896-8364
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Key family court filing fees:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce (no children, no support request) | $184.50 |
| Divorce (with children and/or support request) | $194.50 |
| Paternity action | $184.50 |
| Paternity with child support | $194.50 |
| Modify custody/placement | $50.00 |
| Other post-judgment modifications | $30.00 |
| Contempt motion | No fee |
| Grandparent visitation (new action) | $184.50 |
Self-help family court form packets — covering divorce, modification, contempt, mediation requests, and more — are available free online. In-office copies range from $10.00 to $20.00 per packet.
Family Court Services, located in Room C-355 of the courthouse, provides mediation for custody and placement disputes. The first mediation session is free; subsequent sessions cost $200.00 each. A court-ordered legal custody/physical placement study costs $2,200.00 per study. The “Helping Children Cope With Divorce” seminar costs $60.00 per party.
Access restrictions: Some family case records contain sensitive information about minor children, financial disclosures, and domestic violence details that may not be accessible to the general public. Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and certain financial documents may be sealed or restricted under applicable statutes.
Marriage and divorce certificates are available through the Waukesha County Register of Deeds, Vital Records Division:
Address: 515 W. Moreland Blvd., Room AC110, Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone: (262) 548-7863
Email: vitalrecords@waukeshacounty.gov
Hours: Applications processed 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; arrive by 3:45 p.m.
Fees are $20.00 for the first certified copy and $3.00 for each additional copy. Application forms for marriage certificates and divorce certificates can be downloaded from the county website. Applications may be submitted in person, by mail, via the office drop box, or online through VitalChek (additional third-party fees apply). Payment methods include cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card (no American Express). Marriage certificates are available statewide from October 1, 1907 to present; divorce certificates are available from January 1, 2016 to present through the Register of Deeds. For divorces finalized before 2016, contact the Clerk of Courts Family Division at (262) 548-7544.
Pre-1907 Waukesha County marriage records can be searched through the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Marriage Index. The earliest marriage records in the county date to 1842.
Birth and death certificates are also issued by the Vital Records Division at the same office. The fee is $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional. Birth records remain restricted for 100 years and are only available to the individual named, immediate family members, legal representatives, or authorized government agents. Death records become publicly available 75 years after the date of death. The earliest birth records in the county date to 1860; death records date to 1872. Requests require a valid state-issued photo ID. Genealogical research is available by appointment only through the genealogy research program.
Waukesha County Probate Court Records
The Probate Division of the Circuit Court manages all matters involving decedents’ estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, protective placements, and civil commitments. The Register in Probate, Paul Nowakowski, coordinates all judicial and administrative functions for this division.
Probate Division
Address: Room C-153, 515 W. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone: (262) 548-7468
Fax: (262) 548-7546
Email: Paul.Nowakowski@wicourts.gov (inquiries only; filings cannot be accepted by email)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
The Juvenile Court also handles certain matters that overlap with probate jurisdiction, including minor guardianships and adoptions:
Juvenile Court
Address: 521 Riverview Ave., Room JC-103, Waukesha, WI 53187
Phone: (262) 548-7449
Fax: (262) 896-8397
Probate case types include PR (formal probate), IN (informal probate), WL (wills deposited for safekeeping), GN (guardianships), JT (joint tenancy), ME (civil commitment), and AD (adoption).
Probate filing fees and costs:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Estate inventory filing | 0.2% of assets ($20.00 minimum for estates ≤ $10,000) |
| Guardianship inventory filing | 0.2% of assets ($20.00 minimum for estates ≤ $50,000) |
| Objection to probate of will | $20.00 |
| Will deposit for safekeeping | $10.00 |
| Health care POA deposit | $8.00 |
| Claim against estate | $3.00 |
| Certificate terminating life estate/homestead | $3.00 |
| Commencement of proceeding under Ch. 701 | $250.00 |
| Copy per page | $1.00 |
| Certification per document | $3.00 |
| Authentication per document | $6.00 |
| Exemplification per document | $9.00 |
| Record search (no case number) | $4.00 |
Checks for probate matters should be made payable to “Register in Probate”.
How to search probate records:
- Use the WCCA system and select Waukesha County to search by party name or case number. Probate docket entries and basic case information are available online.
- Visit the Probate Division in person at Room C-153 of the courthouse. Public access terminals are available for on-site lookups.
- Send a written request to the Probate Division with the case number or party name, the documents needed, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The Probate Court handles guardianships and protective placements for adults, including guardianship of the person, guardianship of the estate, conservatorships, and protective placements for individuals who are found incompetent. Guardians are required to file annual reports on the condition of the ward. State-approved forms for guardianship, conservatorship, and estate proceedings are available through the Wisconsin Court System forms page and through the Register in Probate’s office. Local probate court rules contain additional requirements specific to Waukesha County, including rules governing facsimile filings and document formatting.
Property records for Waukesha County — including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps — are maintained by the Register of Deeds and can be searched through the Public Access/Online Document Search Portal. The Register of Deeds office can be reached for land records inquiries at (262) 548-7589 or by email at wclandrecords@waukeshacounty.gov.