Waukesha County Court Records

What Is Waukesha County Court Records

Waukesha County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of court activities as defined under Wisconsin Statute § 19.32(2), which broadly defines public records as any material containing information created or maintained by a government authority.

Court records in Waukesha County typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
• Court dockets chronicling case events and scheduling
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
• Settlement agreements in civil cases
• Probation and supervision records

These records are distinct from other public records maintained by Waukesha County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are typically maintained by the Register of Deeds or other county departments.

The Waukesha County Circuit Courts maintain records for various judicial proceedings, including:

• Civil litigation (contract disputes, personal injury, property matters)
• Criminal prosecutions (felonies and misdemeanors)
• Family law matters (divorce, child custody, support)
• Probate proceedings (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Small claims actions
• Traffic and ordinance violations

The Wisconsin court system operates under a unified structure, with Circuit Courts serving as the primary trial courts handling most legal matters within the county.

Are Court Records Public In Waukesha County

Court records in Waukesha County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to Wisconsin's Open Records Law, codified in Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, which establishes a presumption of complete public access to government records. Additionally, the Wisconsin Constitution under Article I, Section 8 provides that "every person may freely speak, write and publish his sentiments on all subjects," which courts have interpreted to include a right of access to government proceedings and records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

• Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed documents)
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Court dockets and calendars
• Judgments and orders
• Hearing schedules
• Court transcripts (upon request and payment of applicable fees)

However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

• Juvenile proceedings (unless opened by judicial order)
• Mental health commitment records
• Adoption proceedings
• Certain family court matters involving minors
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Pre-sentence investigation reports
• Cases involving victims of sensitive crimes

Access to Waukesha County court records is governed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules, particularly SCR 72, which addresses record retention, and the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) policy on courthouse and online access to circuit court records.

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the Eastern District of Wisconsin (which includes Waukesha County) are maintained separately through the federal PACER system and are subject to federal access rules rather than state regulations.

How To Find Court Records in Waukesha County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Waukesha County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

1. Visit the Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours.
2. Complete a records request form, providing case number, party names, and specific documents needed.
3. Present valid photo identification if requesting confidential or restricted records.
4. Pay applicable copy fees ($1.25 per page for regular copies, $5.00 for certified copies).

Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Blvd., Room C-120
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Waukesha County Circuit Courts

Written Requests:

1. Submit a written request via mail to the Clerk of Circuit Court.
2. Include case information, specific documents requested, and contact information.
3. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for anticipated copy fees.
4. Allow 5-10 business days for processing.

Electronic Access:

1. Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website for case information.
2. Search by name, case number, or citation number.
3. Note that while case summaries are available online, complete case files may require in-person or written requests.
4. For certain document types, utilize the Waukesha County online document search.

For older records that may be archived, requesters should anticipate additional retrieval time and potential fees. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2), the Clerk of Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining these records and establishing reasonable procedures for access.

How To Look Up Court Records in Waukesha County Online?

Waukesha County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These electronic resources offer varying levels of detail and document availability:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA):

1. Navigate to the Wisconsin Court System case search portal.
2. Select the desired search method (name, case number, citation number).
3. For name searches, enter last name and first name (middle name optional).
4. Refine searches by county (select Waukesha) or case type if needed.
5. Review search results showing case numbers, filing dates, case types, and disposition information.
6. Access case details including party information, court dates, judgments, and document listings.

The WCCA system provides case summaries and docket information for most cases filed since 1994. However, it does not contain complete case files or document images for most records.

Waukesha County Register of Deeds Online Access:

1. Visit the Waukesha County public access/online document search.
2. Create a user account if accessing non-public records.
3. Search by document type, recording date, or party name.
4. Pay applicable fees for document retrieval or printing.

This system primarily contains property records but may include court-related documents such as judgments affecting real property.

Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Management System:

1. Access through the Wisconsin Court System website.
2. Search appellate cases involving Waukesha County matters.
3. Review briefs, opinions, and disposition information.

For specialized court records such as probate matters or family court cases, users may need to utilize court-specific portals or request access through the Clerk of Circuit Court. Online access to certain sensitive or confidential records may be restricted pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court rules governing electronic access to court records.

How To Search Waukesha County Court Records for Free?

Wisconsin law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, as established in Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), which states that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." While fees may apply for copies or certified documents, several no-cost options exist for searching and viewing Waukesha County court records:

Free Online Resources:

• Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - Provides free, comprehensive case information including party names, charges, dispositions, scheduled court dates, and judgment information for cases filed in Waukesha County Circuit Courts.
• Wisconsin Court System Case Search - Offers free access to appellate court decisions and opinions that may involve Waukesha County cases.
• Wisconsin State Law Library Court Records Search - Provides guidance and links to free court record resources.

In-Person Free Access:

1. Visit the Waukesha County Courthouse during public hours.
2. Request to view specific case files at the Clerk of Circuit Court office.
3. Use public access terminals available in the courthouse to search electronic records.

Waukesha County Courthouse
515 W. Moreland Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
262-548-7484

Public Libraries: Several public libraries in Waukesha County offer free internet access where residents can utilize the online court record systems at no charge:

Waukesha Public Library
321 Wisconsin Ave.
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-524-3680

While inspection of records is free, requesters should note that fees apply for copies ($1.25 per page), certified copies ($5.00), and document authentication. Additionally, if extensive staff time is required for record retrieval, particularly for archived records, reasonable fees may be assessed for the actual, necessary, and direct cost of location.

What's Included in a Waukesha County Court Record?

Waukesha County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. A typical court record includes:

Case Initiation Documents:

• Complaints or petitions in civil matters
• Criminal complaints and information in criminal cases
• Summonses and warrants
• Initial appearance documentation

Procedural Documents:

• Motions filed by parties
• Responses and replies to motions
• Court orders on procedural matters
• Scheduling notices and hearing dates
• Subpoenas issued
• Affidavits and declarations

Evidentiary Materials:

• Exhibits admitted during proceedings (descriptions, not always actual items)
• Witness lists and testimony summaries
• Expert reports (when filed with the court)
• Deposition transcripts (when filed)

Disposition Documents:

• Court orders and judgments
• Verdict forms in jury trials
• Settlement agreements (when filed)
• Dismissal orders
• Sentencing information in criminal cases

Financial Records:

• Filing fee payments
• Court-ordered financial obligations
• Restitution orders
• Fine and forfeiture records
• Fee waiver determinations

Post-Judgment Documents:

• Appeals notices and documentation
• Post-conviction motions in criminal cases
• Judgment enforcement documents
• Probation/supervision records
• Satisfaction of judgment filings

The Register in Probate maintains specialized records for probate matters, including:

• Wills and codicils
• Estate inventories
• Guardianship documents
• Conservatorship records
• Trust administration filings

Family court records typically contain additional specialized documents such as:

• Marital settlement agreements
• Child support worksheets
• Custody and placement orders
• Paternity determinations
• Domestic abuse injunctions

Court records also include the case docket, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in a case, as required by Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2)(c).

How Long Does Waukesha County Keep Court Records?

Waukesha County adheres to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Records Retention Schedule established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court under Supreme Court Rule 72. This schedule mandates specific retention periods for various court documents:

Permanent Retention:

• Judgment and lien docket indices
• Judgment dockets and case indices
• Case files for Class A felonies
• Probate case files (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Adoption records
• Civil and family judgments affecting real estate
• Juvenile permanent records

Extended Retention (50+ years):

• Class B and C felony case files: 75 years after entry of final judgment
• Divorce and paternity judgments: 75 years
• Civil judgments: 50 years after entry

Medium-Term Retention (20-30 years):

• Class D-I felony case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
• Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
• Small claims judgments: 20 years
• Civil case files (non-judgment): 20 years after filing

Shorter-Term Retention (7-10 years):

• Traffic forfeiture case files: 10 years after entry of final judgment
• Ordinance violation case files: 10 years
• John Doe proceedings: 10 years after filing
• Court reporter notes and digital recordings: 10 years after hearing
• Small claims dismissals: 7 years

Brief Retention (1-2 years):

• Juror information: 2 years after use
• Exhibits: 1 year after final judgment (if not reclaimed)
• Search warrants: 1 year after filing

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed pursuant to a notice and destruction procedure. However, the Clerk of Circuit Court may elect to preserve records beyond the minimum retention period, particularly those with historical significance. Additionally, certain records may be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society for permanent archival preservation.

For records nearing the end of their retention period, researchers are advised to contact the Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court office directly to determine availability.

Types of Courts In Waukesha County

Waukesha County's judicial system operates within Wisconsin's unified court structure, with several levels of courts serving different jurisdictional functions:

Waukesha County Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Blvd.
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Waukesha County Circuit Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court is Waukesha County's court of general jurisdiction, divided into specialized branches:

• Criminal Division (Branches 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8)
• Civil Division (Branches 6, 9, 10, 11, 12)
• Family Division (Branches 3, 4)
• Probate Division (Branch 2)
• Juvenile Division (Branch 5)

Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction courts handling ordinance violations):

City of Brookfield Municipal Court
2000 N. Calhoun Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-787-3619
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

City of New Berlin Municipal Court
3805 S. Casper Drive
New Berlin, WI 53151
262-780-8154
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

City of Waukesha Municipal Court
201 Delafield Street
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-524-3700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Village of Menomonee Falls Municipal Court
W156 N8480 Pilgrim Road
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051
262-532-4200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Appellate Courts (not physically located in Waukesha County but hear appeals from county cases):

Wisconsin Court of Appeals - District II
(Serving Waukesha County)
2727 N. Mayfair Road, Suite 1400
Milwaukee, WI 53222
414-227-4680

Wisconsin Supreme Court
16 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
608-266-1880

The Wisconsin court system follows a hierarchical structure where cases typically originate in Municipal Courts (for ordinance violations) or Circuit Courts (for state law violations and most civil matters). Appeals from Circuit Court decisions are heard by the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, with the Wisconsin Supreme Court serving as the state's highest appellate authority.

Federal cases arising in Waukesha County are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, located in Milwaukee.

What Types of Cases Do Waukesha County Courts Hear?

Waukesha County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority:

Waukesha County Circuit Court handles:

Criminal Cases:

• Felonies (Classes A through I)
• Misdemeanors
• Criminal traffic offenses (OWI/DUI)
• Preliminary hearings and arraignments
• Bail/bond determinations
• Sentencing proceedings
• Probation revocation hearings

Civil Litigation:

• Personal injury claims
• Contract disputes
• Property disputes
• Tort actions
• Money judgments
• Restraining orders and injunctions
• Civil commitments
• Name changes

Family Law Matters:

• Divorce and legal separation
• Child custody and placement
• Child support establishment and enforcement
• Paternity determinations
• Adoption proceedings
• Termination of parental rights
• Domestic abuse injunctions

Probate Proceedings:

• Estate administration
• Will contests
• Guardianships (minor and adult)
• Conservatorships
• Trust administration
• Mental health commitments

Small Claims Actions:

• Civil claims under $10,000
• Eviction proceedings
• Replevin actions (recovery of personal property)

Juvenile Matters:

• Delinquency proceedings
• Children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
• Juvenile in need of protection or services (JIPS)
• Truancy cases

Municipal Courts in Waukesha County handle:

• Local ordinance violations
• First-offense OWI/DUI (in some municipalities)
• Traffic citations
• Parking violations
• Underage alcohol violations
• Animal control violations
• Building code violations
• Disorderly conduct citations

Cases may move between court levels based on severity, appeals, or jurisdictional requirements. For example, a case initially filed in Municipal Court may be transferred to Circuit Court if constitutional issues arise or if the defendant demands a jury trial.

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Supreme Court do not conduct trials but review decisions from lower courts for legal errors or constitutional violations. These appellate courts may affirm, reverse, or modify lower court decisions, or remand cases for further proceedings.

How To Find a Court Docket In Waukesha County

Court dockets in Waukesha County provide chronological listings of all proceedings, filings, and actions in a case. Members of the public can access these important records through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website, commonly known as CCAP.
2. Search by party name, case number, or citation number.
3. Select Waukesha County from the jurisdiction dropdown if searching statewide.
4. Review search results and select the specific case of interest.
5. View the case summary page showing party information, charges/claims, and disposition.
6. Navigate to the "Court Record Events" section to see the chronological docket entries.

The WCCA system provides docket information for most cases filed since 1994, with real-time updates for new filings and court actions. Users can access this system 24 hours a day without charge.

In-Person Docket Review:

1. Visit the Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court office during business hours.
2. Request to view the docket for a specific case by providing the case number or party names.
3. Use public access terminals available in the courthouse to search electronic dockets.

Waukesha County Clerk of Circuit Court
515 W. Moreland Blvd., Room C-120
Waukesha, WI 53188
262-548-7484
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Court Calendar Information: For upcoming court proceedings, the public can:

1. Access the Waukesha County Circuit Courts website.
2. Navigate to the court calendar section.
3. Search by date, judge, or case type to view scheduled hearings.

For older cases with dockets not available electronically, requesters may need to submit a written request for archived records. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.40(2)(b), the Clerk of Circuit Court maintains these records and can provide certified copies upon request and payment of applicable fees.

Municipal court dockets are maintained separately by each municipal court and may require direct contact with the specific municipal court clerk for access.

Which Courts in Waukesha County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Wisconsin's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts or recordings of proceedings, while "courts not of record" typically maintain only summary records of proceedings. This distinction is established under Wisconsin Statute § 753.24, which designates circuit courts as courts of record.

Municipal Courts in Waukesha County are classified as courts not of record. These include:

• City of Brookfield Municipal Court
• City of Delafield Municipal Court
• City of Muskego Municipal Court
• City of New Berlin Municipal Court
• City of Oconomowoc Municipal Court
• City of Pewaukee Municipal Court
• City of Waukesha Municipal Court
• Village of Big Bend Municipal Court
• Village of Butler Municipal Court
• Village of Chenequa Municipal Court
• Village of Elm Grove Municipal Court
• Village of Hartland Municipal Court
• Village of Menomonee Falls Municipal Court
• Village of Mukwonago Municipal Court
• Village of Sussex Municipal Court

As courts not of record, municipal courts:

• Do not routinely create verbatim transcripts of proceedings
• Maintain case files with citations, dispositions, and payment records
• Record only summary notes of hearings rather than complete transcripts
• Do not have court reporters present during proceedings
• May create audio recordings of proceedings, but these are not official transcripts

When a defendant appeals a municipal court judgment to the circuit court, the case receives a trial de novo (new trial) rather than a review of the municipal court record, as specified in Wisconsin Statute § 800.14.

All other courts with jurisdiction in Waukesha County are courts of record, including:

• Waukesha County Circuit Court (all branches)
• Wisconsin Court of Appeals
• Wisconsin Supreme Court
• Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

These courts of record maintain complete transcripts or digital recordings of all proceedings, which become part of the official court record and are available for review in subsequent proceedings or appeals.

Lookup Court Records in Waukesha County

Wisconsin Court System case search

Court record information for Waukesha County

Waukesha County Circuit Courts

Public access to online document search in Waukesha County

Wisconsin court records through the State Law Library