Walworth County Court Records
What Is Walworth County Court Records
Court records in Walworth County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities maintained pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.40, which establishes the duties of the clerk of circuit court regarding record maintenance.
Walworth County court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
- Court dockets chronicling case events and scheduling information
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing and disposition records in criminal matters
- Financial records including filing fees, fines, and restitution payments
These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax documents, which are maintained by separate county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and their outcomes within the Wisconsin Court System.
In Walworth County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- Walworth County Circuit Court (primary trial court)
- Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction over ordinance violations)
- Probate Court (handling estates, guardianships, and related matters)
- Family Court (domestic relations cases)
- Small Claims Court (civil matters under $10,000)
The scope of these records encompasses civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. All such records are subject to Wisconsin's public access laws, though with certain exceptions as prescribed by statute.
Are Court Records Public In Walworth County
Court records in Walworth County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Wisconsin's open records law, specifically Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, which declares that providing citizens with information about governmental affairs is "an essential function of a representative government." Additionally, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has established rules regarding public access to court records through Supreme Court Rule 72.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed records)
- Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
- Court judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Court calendars and hearing schedules
- Small claims proceedings
- Traffic and ordinance violation records
It is important to note that while most court records are public, certain categories may be restricted or sealed by judicial order. These commonly include:
- Juvenile proceedings (pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 938.396)
- Mental health commitment records
- Adoption proceedings
- Certain family court matters involving minors
- Cases sealed by judicial order for compelling privacy or safety concerns
- Records subject to attorney-client privilege or other legal protections
The Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) serves as the primary electronic system for managing and accessing Wisconsin court records, including those from Walworth County. Public access terminals are available at the courthouse for in-person searches, while many records can also be accessed through online portals.
How To Find Court Records in Walworth County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Walworth County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points to accommodate various research needs.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit:
Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court
1800 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
262-741-7012
Walworth County Clerk of Courts
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)
When requesting records in person:
- Bring case number information if available
- Photo identification may be required for certain records
- Staff can assist with locating case numbers through name searches
- Copying fees apply ($1.25 per page for regular copies, $5.00 for certified copies)
- Self-service public access terminals are available for electronic records
For remote access, the following options are available:
- Online access through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal, which provides case information for most circuit court records
- Written requests submitted by mail to the Clerk of Circuit Court office
- Email requests to the records department at the address provided on the county website
- Telephone inquiries for basic case information at 262-741-7012
For specialized court records:
- Municipal court records must be requested directly from the specific municipal court
- Probate records are available through the Register in Probate office
- Sealed or confidential records require court order for access
Pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01, requestors should complete the standard records request form available on the Wisconsin Court System website or at the clerk's office.
How To Look Up Court Records in Walworth County Online?
Walworth County court records are accessible through several online platforms, each providing different levels of information and document access. The primary online resource is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP.
To search for court records online:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select the appropriate search method:
- Simple case search (by name or case number)
- Advanced case search (with additional filters)
- Business search (for business entities)
- For name searches:
- Enter last name and first name (middle name optional)
- Select Walworth County from the county dropdown menu
- Specify case type if known (criminal, civil, family, etc.)
- Set date parameters if desired
- Review search results showing:
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- Case types
- Party names
- Case status
- Click on case numbers to view detailed case information including:
- Court record events
- Scheduled hearings
- Judgment information
- Party details
For access to actual document images (not all documents are available online):
- The Wisconsin Supreme Court's electronic filing system provides access to electronically filed documents for registered users
- Some documents require in-person requests at the courthouse
Additional online resources include:
- Walworth County Legal Resources through the Wisconsin State Law Library
- Municipal court records through individual municipal websites
- Federal court cases involving Walworth County residents through PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
Users should note that while basic case information is available online, complete case files including all exhibits and transcripts typically require in-person requests at the courthouse.
How To Search Walworth County Court Records for Free?
Wisconsin law provides for free public inspection of court records as established in Wisconsin Statutes § 19.35(1), which states that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." Walworth County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records.
Free access methods include:
-
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - The Wisconsin Court System's official online portal provides free access to basic case information including party names, charges, dispositions, and court dates. No registration or fees are required to search this database.
-
Public Access Terminals - Located at the Walworth County Courthouse, these computer terminals offer free access to the CCAP system with more detailed information than the public website. Available during regular business hours:
Walworth County Judicial Center
1800 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
262-741-7012
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM -
Law Library Access - The Walworth County Law Library provides free access to court records research tools:
Walworth County Law Library
1800 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
262-741-7151
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM -
Municipal Court Records - Each municipal court maintains records that can be inspected for free at their respective locations.
While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply:
- Standard copies: $1.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Electronic records: $5.00-$10.00 per case file (varies by size)
Pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.03, certain specialized searches requiring extensive staff time may incur location fees if they require more than one hour of staff time. However, self-conducted searches using public terminals remain free regardless of duration.
What's Included in a Walworth County Court Record?
Walworth County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.40(2), the clerk of circuit court maintains these records according to established standards.
A typical court record file includes:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints or petitions
- Summonses and subpoenas
- Service of process documentation
- Initial appearance records
- Bail/bond information (criminal cases)
Procedural Documents:
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Responses and replies to motions
- Court orders and decisions
- Scheduling notices
- Continuance requests
- Discovery documents (when filed with court)
Evidentiary Materials:
- Affidavits and declarations
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Witness lists
- Expert reports (when filed)
- Deposition transcripts (when filed)
Disposition Documents:
- Judgments and decrees
- Verdict forms
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Dismissal orders
- Sentencing information (criminal cases)
Post-Judgment Materials:
- Appeals documentation
- Post-conviction motions
- Satisfaction of judgment notices
- Probation/parole records (criminal cases)
- Child support enforcement documents (family cases)
Administrative Records:
- Case management information
- Court reporter logs
- Financial records (filing fees, fines, restitution)
- Jury selection materials (when applicable)
The Wisconsin Court System maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats, with increasing emphasis on electronic filing through the CCAP system. While most documents are public, certain sensitive materials may be sealed or redacted according to statutory requirements or judicial discretion.
How Long Does Walworth County Keep Court Records?
Walworth County adheres to the Wisconsin Court Records Retention Schedule established by the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, which mandates specific timeframes for maintaining various court documents. These retention periods ensure proper preservation of legal records while allowing for eventual disposition of outdated materials.
The standard retention periods include:
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony case files: 75 years after entry of final judgment
- Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
- Traffic and ordinance violations: 8 years after entry of final judgment
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
Civil Case Records:
- General civil case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
- Small claims cases: 20 years after entry of final judgment
- Complex litigation: 75 years after entry of final judgment
Family Case Records:
- Divorce/legal separation: 30 years after entry of final judgment
- Paternity cases: 50 years after entry of final judgment
- Child support enforcement: Until the youngest child reaches age 33
- Adoption records: Permanent retention
Probate Records:
- Decedent's estates: 75 years after filing
- Guardianships: 7 years after termination of guardianship
- Trusts: 75 years after filing
Specialized Records:
- Mental health commitments: 7 years after discharge
- Juvenile delinquency: Until subject's 25th birthday
- Children in need of protection: Until subject's 25th birthday
- Court reporter notes and recordings: 10 years after creation
Certain records of historical significance may be transferred to the Wisconsin Historical Society rather than destroyed after their retention period expires. Additionally, case indices and judgment dockets are maintained permanently to provide reference information even after case files have been disposed of.
The Consolidated Court Automation Programs (CCAP) maintains electronic records according to these same retention schedules, though technological advancements may eventually allow for longer or permanent electronic retention of records that would otherwise be destroyed in paper form.
Types of Courts In Walworth County
Walworth County's judicial system consists of several court types, each with specific jurisdiction and authority as established by Wisconsin law. These courts operate within the hierarchical structure of the Wisconsin Court System.
Walworth County Circuit Court
1800 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
262-741-7012
Walworth County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
The Circuit Court is Walworth County's court of general jurisdiction, handling most legal matters including felonies, major civil cases, family law, probate, and juvenile matters. Walworth County has four circuit court branches, each presided over by an elected judge serving six-year terms.
Municipal Courts
Walworth County contains several municipal courts with jurisdiction limited to their respective municipalities:
City of Delavan Municipal Court
123 S. Second Street
Delavan, WI 53115
262-728-6911
City of Delavan
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
City of Elkhorn Municipal Court
9 S. Broad Street
Elkhorn, WI 53121
262-723-2210
City of Elkhorn
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
City of Lake Geneva Municipal Court
626 Geneva Street
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
262-248-3673
City of Lake Geneva
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Village of East Troy Municipal Court
2015 Energy Drive
East Troy, WI 53120
262-642-6255
Village of East Troy
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Court Hierarchy:
- Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction over ordinance violations)
- Circuit Courts (primary trial courts)
- Wisconsin Court of Appeals (District II for Walworth County)
- Wisconsin Supreme Court (final appellate authority)
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals and Supreme Court are not physically located in Walworth County but have jurisdiction over appeals from Walworth County cases. The Court of Appeals District II, which includes Walworth County, is headquartered in Waukesha.
What Types of Cases Do Walworth County Courts Hear?
Walworth County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority as established by Wisconsin law. Each court type handles specific categories of cases based on subject matter and severity.
Walworth County Circuit Court handles:
-
Criminal Cases
- Felonies (all classes from A to I)
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal traffic offenses (OWI/DUI, reckless driving)
- Preliminary hearings and arraignments
-
Civil Litigation
- Money judgments exceeding $10,000
- Property disputes
- Personal injury claims
- Contract disputes
- Tort actions
- Real estate litigation
- Civil forfeitures
-
Family Law Matters
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and placement
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Paternity determinations
- Adoption proceedings
- Domestic abuse injunctions
- Name changes
-
Probate Proceedings
- Decedent estate administration
- Will contests
- Trust administration
- Guardianships (minor and adult)
- Conservatorships
- Mental health commitments
-
Juvenile Matters
- Delinquency proceedings
- Children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile ordinance violations
-
Small Claims (civil actions under $10,000)
- Consumer debt collection
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Minor property damage claims
- Contract disputes under $10,000
Municipal Courts in Walworth County handle:
- Municipal ordinance violations
- First-offense OWI/DUI (in some municipalities)
- Traffic citations issued within municipal boundaries
- Parking violations
- Animal control violations
- Noise complaints and nuisance violations
- Building code violations
- Underage alcohol and tobacco violations
Case assignment within the Circuit Court is managed through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system, with cases distributed among the four branches based on case type and judicial workload. Complex cases may be specially assigned to particular judges with relevant expertise.
How To Find a Court Docket In Walworth County
Court dockets in Walworth County provide chronological listings of scheduled court proceedings and filed documents. These records are accessible through multiple channels depending on the requester's needs and the case type.
To access court dockets electronically:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select "Court Calendar" from the main menu
- Choose Walworth County from the dropdown menu
- Select the desired date range (up to 30 days)
- Filter by court official, case type, or hearing type if needed
- Review the resulting calendar showing all scheduled hearings
For specific case dockets:
- Conduct a case search using party name or case number
- Select the desired case from search results
- View the "Court Record Events" section showing all docket entries
- Each entry includes filing date, document type, and responsible party
For in-person docket access:
Walworth County Clerk of Circuit Court
1800 County Road NN
Elkhorn, WI 53121
262-741-7012
Walworth County Clerk of Courts
Public terminals at the courthouse provide more detailed docket information than the online system, including access to some document images not available on the public website.
For municipal court dockets, contact the specific municipal court directly:
- Delavan Municipal Court: 262-728-6911
- Elkhorn Municipal Court: 262-723-2210
- Lake Geneva Municipal Court: 262-248-3673
- East Troy Municipal Court: 262-642-6255
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.40(2)(c), the clerk of circuit court maintains all court dockets and makes them available for public inspection during regular business hours. Daily court calendars are typically posted outside courtrooms and on the Walworth County Legal Resources page.
Which Courts in Walworth County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Wisconsin's judicial system, a distinction exists between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" as defined by Wisconsin Statutes § 753.03 and § 755.01. This classification determines whether proceedings are formally transcribed and preserved as official court records.
In Walworth County, the following courts are not courts of record:
Municipal Courts:
- City of Delavan Municipal Court
- City of Elkhorn Municipal Court
- City of Lake Geneva Municipal Court
- Village of East Troy Municipal Court
As courts not of record, municipal courts in Walworth County have the following characteristics:
- Proceedings are not automatically transcribed by court reporters
- Audio recordings may be made but are not official transcripts
- No verbatim record is required by law
- Appeals from these courts are heard de novo (completely new trial) in Circuit Court
- Limited jurisdiction over ordinance violations and first-offense OWI/DUI cases
- Presided over by municipal judges who may not be required to be attorneys
- Simplified procedures compared to courts of record
By contrast, the Walworth County Circuit Court is a court of record, meaning:
- All proceedings are recorded by certified court reporters or digital recording systems
- Verbatim transcripts can be produced upon request
- All filings and proceedings become part of the permanent court record
- Appeals are based on the record established in the circuit court
- Comprehensive jurisdiction over criminal, civil, family, and probate matters
- Presided over by judges who must be licensed attorneys
This distinction is significant for parties considering appeals, as decisions from courts not of record receive entirely new trials at the circuit court level rather than reviews limited to the existing record and alleged errors of law.
Lookup Court Records in Walworth County
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access