Waupaca County Court Records
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Waupaca County sits in central Wisconsin, with the city of Waupaca as its county seat. The county's trial courts handle everything from criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits to family disputes and estate proceedings. All records generated by these cases—including filings, docket entries, motions, judgments, orders, warrants, and transcripts—are maintained by the offices inside the Waupaca County Courthouse at 811 Harding Street in Waupaca.
If you're looking for court case information in Wisconsin, the state judiciary offers several electronic tools alongside in-person access at local clerk offices. The Wisconsin Court System website is the central hub for court directories, downloadable forms, filing fee calculators, and online case-search platforms. In Waupaca County specifically, you can search records through the statewide Wisconsin Circuit Court Access database, through public-access terminals at the courthouse, or by contacting the appropriate clerk's office directly. The best method depends on the record type, whether it's classified as public or confidential, and whether you need certified copies.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Waupaca County?
Waupaca County's court system includes a three-branch Circuit Court and two municipal courts. The Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction—it hears all criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and probate matters. The municipal courts handle local ordinance violations and non-criminal traffic offenses within their respective city limits.
Waupaca County Circuit Court
Address: 811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981
Phone: (715) 258-6460
Fax: (715) 258-6497
Email: Waupaca.Clerk@wicourts.gov
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
The Circuit Court operates three branches:
| Branch | Judge | Phone | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch I | Hon. Troy L. Nielsen | (715) 258-6430 | July 31, 2029 |
| Branch II | Hon. Vicki L. Clussman | (715) 258-6425 | July 31, 2026 |
| Branch III | Hon. Diane L. Meulemans | (715) 258-6437 | July 31, 2030 |
New London–Weyauwega Joint Municipal Court
Address: 215 North Shawano Street, New London, WI 54961
Phone: (920) 982-8508
Fax: (920) 982-8556
Northern Waupaca County Joint Municipal Court
Address: 50 Tenth Street, Clintonville, WI 54929
Phone: (715) 823-7609
Fax: (715) 823-1352
Online Case Search
The quickest way to look up a Waupaca County court case from anywhere is through Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA), the state's free public case-search database. WCCA (formerly known as CCAP) lets anyone search circuit court cases statewide by name, case number, or date range. Search results show party names, case type, charges, filing dates, court events, and dispositions for non-confidential cases.
In-Person Access
Walk-in visitors can review public case files at the Clerk of Circuit Court's office during regular business hours. That office handles records for all Circuit Court divisions except the Probate branch. The Register in Probate office separately maintains probate, guardianship, mental health commitment, adult adoption, and juvenile case files. A public-access computer terminal is available in the Probate Office for case searches.
Copies and Fees
Copies of public court records cost $1.25 per page from the Clerk of Courts office (per Wis. Stat. 814.61(10)(a)). The Probate Office charges $1.00 per page. Payments at the Clerk of Courts office can be made in person or online; a 3.5% service fee applies to online payments, and a 4.75% fee applies to payments made by phone.
Electronic Filing
Wisconsin has rolled out mandatory electronic filing in circuit courts on a county-by-county basis. Attorneys and self-represented parties can file documents through the Wisconsin circuit court eFiling system. Downloadable court forms are also available on the Wisconsin Court System forms page.
Are Court Records Public in Waupaca County?
Waupaca County court records are generally presumed open to public inspection. The Wisconsin Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. 19.31–19.39) gives anyone the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records, including court documents, unless a specific statute or court order restricts access. Wis. Stat. 19.35(1)(a) states that, except as otherwise provided by law, any requester has a right to inspect any record.
Within the court system, additional protections apply. Wis. Stat. 801.19 requires that certain personal identifiers be redacted from court filings before they become part of the public record. Protected information includes Social Security numbers, employer identification numbers, financial account numbers, driver's license numbers, and tax identification numbers. Wis. Stat. 801.20 sets out a procedure for filing documents containing information made confidential by statute or case law, and Wis. Stat. 801.21 prohibits courts from including protected information in publicly accessible documents such as judgments and orders.
Categories of records that are typically restricted or confidential in Waupaca County include:
- Juvenile records – Most proceedings involving minors are confidential under Wisconsin Children's Code provisions and are not displayed on WCCA.
- Adoption records – Sealed by statute and accessible only through court order.
- Mental health commitment records – Filed and maintained confidentially by the Register in Probate.
- Medical and mental health records – Protected by state and federal privacy laws.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information – May be sealed by court order.
- Records containing active financial details – Protected to prevent identity theft or financial harm.
- Sealed and expunged records – Removed from public view by court order. Wisconsin courts provide forms to request sealing or redaction of documents or information in the court record.
If a record is classified as public and housed on site, you can view it at the counter of the relevant clerk's office. Staff can help you locate and retrieve files but cannot offer legal advice about record content.
Waupaca County Criminal Court Records
All criminal cases in Waupaca County—felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses—are prosecuted in the Circuit Court. The municipal courts only handle non-criminal ordinance violations and forfeitures; they do not adjudicate criminal charges.
Searching Criminal Records Through the Courts
Criminal case information, including charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentences, is searchable at no cost through WCCA. You can search by a defendant's name or by case number. For in-person access to criminal case files, visit the Clerk of Courts office during business hours.
Waupaca County Sheriff's Office
The Waupaca County Sheriff's Office maintains local arrest records, incident reports, and jail booking information.
Waupaca County Sheriff's Office
Address: 1402 East Royalton Street, Waupaca, WI 54981
Phone: (715) 258-4466
If you're a crime victim, you can use the Wisconsin VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) system at (888) 944-8463 to receive automated notifications about changes in an offender's custody status.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Crime Information Bureau (CIB) within the Wisconsin Department of Justice manages the state's Centralized Criminal History (CCH) database. This fingerprint-supported repository contains arrest data, prosecution and court findings, sentences, and Department of Corrections notices for adult offenders statewide.
Members of the public can request criminal background checks in two ways:
- Online via WORCS – The Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) lets anyone submit a name-based criminal background check and receive results electronically. The fee is $7 per search for a standard criminal history check and $10 for a caregiver background check. An additional $5 fee applies if results must be mailed rather than retrieved online. No registration is required for public-access searches—just click Submit Request on the Public Access tab.
-
By mail using Form DJ-LE-250 – Download the Single Name Record Request Form (DJ-LE-250) and mail it with the appropriate fee to:
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Crime Information Bureau Record Check Unit
P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
Criminal history record requests are governed by Wis. Stat. 165.82, which authorizes the CIB to charge fees for background checks. The CCH database only contains records supported by arrest fingerprint cards submitted by law enforcement agencies under Wis. Stat. 165.84(1) for offenses listed in Wis. Stat. 165.83(2)(a). Arrests without fingerprint cards or related dispositions are not included.
Waupaca County Civil Court Records
The Waupaca County Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all civil actions in the county. Cases range from contract disputes and personal injury claims to property actions, employment discrimination suits, consumer protection matters, and landlord-tenant proceedings. Small claims cases—those involving amounts of $10,000 or less—are also filed in the Circuit Court under a simplified procedure.
Accessing Civil Records
The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains all civil case files. Public civil case information can be searched online through WCCA at no charge. In-person inspection is available at the Clerk of Courts office on the main floor of the Waupaca County Courthouse during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM).
Civil Filing Fees
The circuit court fee schedule published by the Waupaca County Clerk of Courts lists fees for all civil case types. Key fees include:
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil claim for money (over $10,000) | $265.50 |
| Personal injury or tort claim (over $5,000) | $265.50 |
| Civil claim no dollar amount stated | $164.50 |
| Third-party complaint (over $5,000) | $235.50 |
| Third-party complaint (under $5,000) | $117.50 |
| Small claims (up to $10,000) | $94.50 |
| Small claims third-party complaint ($5,000 or less) | $117.50 |
| Small claims crossclaim or counterclaim (over $10,000) | $125.50 |
| Small claims jury trial demand | $89.00 |
| Garnishment (over $10,000) | $210.50 |
| Garnishment ($10,000 or less) | $92.50 |
| Name change | $164.50 |
Additional charges include $2.00 per defendant for service by mail in small claims cases, a $5.00 search fee when no case number is provided, a $5.00 docketing fee, and $1.25 per page for copies.
Fee Waivers
Wisconsin law allows indigent individuals to proceed without paying filing fees. If you cannot afford court costs, ask at the Clerk of Courts office about the process for requesting a fee waiver.
Waupaca County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Waupaca County are heard in the Circuit Court. The Clerk of Courts handles filings and maintains records for divorce, annulment, paternity, custody, child support, and related actions. Juvenile cases and certain domestic matters may also involve the Register in Probate office.
Family Case Filing Fees
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Annulment (no support or maintenance) | $184.50 |
| Divorce/legal separation with support or maintenance | $194.50 |
| Action by Child Support Agency (fee waived for paternity and Ch. 769 cases) | $194.50 |
| Paternity acknowledgment (Wis. Stat. 767.805) | $184.50 |
| Paternity private party action | $184.50 |
| Paternity with request for support | $194.50 |
| Grandparent visitation (new action) | $184.50 |
| Revision of judgment custody or placement | $50.00 |
| Revision of judgment other | $30.00 |
| Mediation (payable to Waupaca County DHHS) | $200.00 |
| Enforcement of custody/placement/visitation order | No fee |
Temporary Restraining Orders
Petitions for domestic abuse, child abuse, and vulnerable adult restraining orders carry no filing fee. Harassment restraining orders are also free when the petition alleges stalking, sexual assault, physical violence, impaired physical condition, or threats. Other harassment petitions carry a $164.50 filing fee.
Marriage Records
Marriage certificates in Waupaca County are maintained by the Waupaca County Register of Deeds. Under Wisconsin law, marriage records are confidential and may only be obtained by individuals named on the record, their immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives. To request a copy, eligible applicants must submit a completed Marriage Certificate Application to:
Waupaca County Register of Deeds
811 Harding Street, Waupaca, WI 54981
Phone: (715) 258-6250
The fee is $20 for the first certified copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record. The Register of Deeds accepts cash, personal checks, or money orders only (no out-of-state personal checks). Online ordering is available through VitalChek at an additional service charge.
Divorce Records
Uncertified copies of divorce records are available to the public. The Register of Deeds maintains local copies. To request one, submit a completed Divorce Certificate Application to the Register of Deeds office or mail it to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office at P.O. Box 309, Madison, WI 53701. The state office issues a Certificate of Divorce—a single-page document with basic information. If you need the full court decree or judgment, contact the Clerk of Circuit Courts in the county where the divorce was granted.
Birth and Death Records
The Register of Deeds also files birth and death records for Waupaca County. Certified copies are restricted to family members and authorized representatives; uncertified copies are available to the general public. Use the Birth Certificate Application or Death Certificate Application forms. Fees follow the statewide schedule: $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record. Requests can also be mailed to the Wisconsin Vital Records Office, with processing taking approximately 10 business days after receipt.
Waupaca County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Waupaca County are heard by the Circuit Court and administered through the Register in Probate office. This office accepts filings for estates, guardianships, mental health commitments, adult adoptions, and juvenile cases. The Register in Probate is an appointed position filled by the Circuit Court judges, and the office maintains both public and confidential records across these case types.
Office Location and Hours
Due to construction, the Probate Office is currently located in the basement of the Waupaca County Courthouse near the elevators. Call ahead to schedule an appointment before visiting.
Waupaca County Register in Probate
Address: 811 Harding Street (basement level), Waupaca, WI 54981
Phone: (715) 258-6429
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (closed on observed holidays)
Searching Probate Records
Public probate case information is available online through WCCA. A public-access terminal in the Probate Office also lets you search cases electronically, and you can review any paper file housed on site at the counter. The office holds estate records dating from 1860 to the present, though original files from 1930–1939 are held by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Microfilm copies of estate records prior to 1930 are also available through the Historical Society; contact the Archives Reference Staff at askarchives@wisconsinhistory.org or (608) 264-6460.
Copies of Probate Records
Public probate records cost $1.00 per page. Confidential probate records—including mental health commitments, certain guardianship files, and adoption records—are not available for public inspection and require a court order for access.
Types of Probate Matters
The Register in Probate handles filings related to:
- Estates and wills – Formal and informal administration of decedents' estates, including filing of wills, inventories, accountings, and claims against estates.
- Guardianships and conservatorships – Petitions for guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults, annual reports, and accountings.
- Mental health commitments – Proceedings under Wisconsin's mental health statutes. These records are confidential.
- Adult adoptions – Filed and maintained by the Probate Office.
- Juvenile matters – Certain juvenile case types routed through the probate branch.
For questions about probate filing requirements, forms, or fees, contact the Register in Probate at (715) 258-6429 or visit during business hours. Staff can assist attorneys and the public with locating records and navigating procedures, but cannot offer legal advice.