Walworth County Property Records
What Is Walworth County Property Records
Walworth County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Walworth County, Wisconsin. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43, the Walworth County Register of Deeds is responsible for maintaining these vital records. The statute mandates that all instruments affecting real property must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice to the public. These records include:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens and lien releases
- Easements and covenants
- Plats and certified survey maps
- Tax records and assessments
The Walworth County Register of Deeds maintains these records in accordance with state law, ensuring their accuracy, accessibility, and preservation. The Walworth County property records system provides a comprehensive database of all real property within county boundaries.
Walworth County Register of Deeds
100 W. Walworth Street, Room 104
Elkhorn, WI 53121
262-741-4241
Walworth County Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Walworth County?
Property records in Walworth County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Wisconsin law. The Wisconsin Public Records Law, codified in Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, establishes that public records shall be open to inspection by any person. This statute explicitly states that providing citizens with the greatest possible information about government affairs is a fundamental principle of democracy.
Additionally, Wisconsin Statutes § 706.05 specifically addresses the recording of property instruments, requiring that documents affecting real estate interests be properly recorded with the county register of deeds to provide constructive notice to the public.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure transparency
- Public access to property records serves the public interest by facilitating real estate transactions
- Any member of the public can access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or reason
Walworth County maintains these records in compliance with state law, ensuring they remain accessible to all citizens. The county has implemented both in-person and online access systems to facilitate public inspection of these records. Under current Wisconsin law, while the records themselves are public, certain personal information within those records may be redacted to protect privacy in accordance with applicable statutes.
How To Search Property Records in Walworth County in 2026
Walworth County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access these documents:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Walworth County Land Records Search Portal
- Create a user account or log in as a guest user
- Select the search type (parcel number, owner name, address, etc.)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the search results and select the property of interest
- Access available documents including deeds, mortgages, and tax information
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Walworth County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific information about the property (address, parcel number, owner name)
- Staff will assist in locating the requested records
- Review documents on-site using available terminals or request paper copies
- Pay applicable fees for copies or certified documents
Mail or Email Request Method:
- Download and complete the Records Request Form
- Include specific property information and requested document types
- Submit the form via mail or email to the Register of Deeds office
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Receive requested documents via mail or email
The Walworth County property tax assessment information is also available through the county's online portal, providing valuable data on property valuations and tax obligations.
How To Find Property Records in Walworth County Online?
Walworth County maintains a comprehensive online system for accessing property records. The county's digital resources allow for efficient searching of various property documents. To find property records online, follow these specific steps:
- Access the Walworth County Ascent Land Records Portal
- Select from the following search options:
- Parcel ID number (most precise method)
- Property address
- Owner name
- Legal description
- Document number or recording date
- Enter the relevant search criteria in the appropriate fields
- Review the search results list showing matching properties
- Select the specific property to view detailed information
- Navigate through available tabs to access:
- Property details and legal description
- Assessment and tax information
- Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Property maps and GIS data
For tax-specific information, the Walworth County Treasurer's website provides access to:
- Current and historical tax bills
- Payment status and history
- Tax payment options
- Tax certificates and foreclosure information
The Walworth County GIS Mapping website offers additional property information including:
- Aerial photography
- Parcel boundaries
- Zoning designations
- Flood plains and environmental features
- Municipal boundaries
Many Walworth County municipalities, such as the Town of Walworth, also maintain property information on their respective websites, often providing links to the county's comprehensive database.
How To Look Up Walworth County Property Records for Free?
Walworth County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. Members of the public may utilize these free resources to obtain basic property information without incurring fees:
Free Online Access Options:
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The Walworth County Land Records Public Access Portal offers free guest access with the following features:
- Basic property information searches
- Property assessment data
- Tax information and payment history
- Limited document index searching
- Property maps and GIS data viewing
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The Walworth County Tax Information Portal provides free access to:
- Current and historical tax bills
- Assessment values
- Mill rates and tax districts
- Payment status and history
Free In-Person Access Options:
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Visit the Walworth County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours:
- Use public terminals to search property records at no charge
- View documents on-screen without printing fees
- Receive assistance from staff for basic searches
- Note: Printing or certified copies will incur standard fees
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Visit the Walworth County Treasurer's office:
- Access tax records and payment information
- Obtain information about property tax credits and programs
- Receive guidance on tax-related matters
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Local public libraries throughout Walworth County often provide:
- Free internet access to county property record websites
- Assistance with basic online searches
- Access to public computers for research purposes
While basic record searches are free, please note that obtaining printed copies, certified documents, or accessing certain enhanced features may require payment of applicable fees as established by Wisconsin Statutes and county ordinances.
What's Included in a Walworth County Property Record?
Walworth County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county. These records distinguish between real property (land and permanently attached structures) and personal property (movable assets). Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records, creating a complete picture of property ownership and characteristics.
Property records typically include the following detailed information:
Ownership Information:
- Current property owner name(s)
- Previous owner history (chain of title)
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase price and transfer details
- Type of ownership (individual, joint, trust, etc.)
Property Identification:
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Subdivision or plat information
- Township, range, and section coordinates
Property Characteristics:
- Land use classification
- Zoning designation
- Building details (size, year built, construction type)
- Number of rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms
- Improvement descriptions
- Special features or amenities
Financial Information:
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Fair market value
- Property tax amounts
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Lottery and Gaming Tax Credits eligibility
Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and trust deeds
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and restrictions
- Pending legal actions
In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 706.01, these records must contain specific elements to be legally valid and recordable. The statute establishes requirements for proper conveyances of real estate interests and the necessary components of recordable documents.
How Long Does Walworth County Keep Property Records?
Walworth County maintains property records according to Wisconsin's public records retention requirements. The retention periods vary based on document type and historical significance. Under Wisconsin Statutes § 59.52(4), counties must establish records retention schedules in compliance with state guidelines.
The following retention periods apply to various property records in Walworth County:
Permanent Retention (Never Destroyed):
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Plats and certified survey maps
- Easements and covenants
- Original land patents
- Subdivision plats
- Condominium declarations
- Historical property records (pre-1900)
Extended Retention (25+ Years):
- Tax assessment rolls (75 years)
- Property tax payment records (25 years)
- Special assessment records (30 years after final payment)
- Building permits for significant structures (life of structure)
- Zoning variance records (permanent if granted, 7 years if denied)
Standard Retention (7-15 Years):
- Building inspection reports (7 years after structure demolition)
- Routine correspondence regarding property (7 years)
- Temporary permits (7 years after expiration)
- Property maintenance violation records (7 years after resolution)
- Routine property tax correspondence (7 years)
The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes the General Records Schedule that governs county record retention. Walworth County adheres to these state-mandated retention periods while maintaining permanent access to essential property records through both physical and digital preservation methods.
Historical property records are additionally preserved through microfilming and digital conversion to ensure long-term accessibility. The county's records management system includes disaster recovery protocols to protect these vital documents from potential loss.
How To Find Liens on Property In Walworth County?
Liens on property in Walworth County can be identified through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against property that serves as security for a debt or obligation. To locate liens on Walworth County properties, follow these established procedures:
Online Lien Search Method:
- Access the Walworth County Land Records Portal
- Search for the property using parcel number, owner name, or address
- Select the property from search results
- Navigate to the "Recorded Documents" or "Liens" section
- Review listed documents for:
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Federal tax liens
- Child support liens
- Special assessment liens
In-Person Lien Search Method:
- Visit the Walworth County Register of Deeds office
- Request a lien search for the specific property
- Provide the property's legal description or parcel number
- Staff will assist in searching the following records:
- Grantor-Grantee index
- Lien index
- UCC filings
- Federal tax lien notices
- Review identified documents for active liens
Additional Lien Search Resources:
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Walworth County Clerk of Courts Office:
- Search for judgment liens and pending litigation
- Identify court-ordered encumbrances
- Review lis pendens notices
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Walworth County Treasurer's Office:
- Verify property tax payment status
- Identify delinquent tax liens
- Check for tax certificates sold to investors
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Wisconsin Department of Revenue:
- Search for state tax warrants and liens
- Verify state tax compliance
In accordance with Wisconsin Statutes § 779.01, certain liens must be properly filed and recorded to be enforceable against the property. The statute establishes requirements for construction liens, which must be filed within specific timeframes to remain valid.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Walworth County?
The Property Owner Rule in Walworth County encompasses regulations governing property ownership, assessment, and rights. These rules derive from Wisconsin state law and county ordinances that establish the framework for property ownership and responsibilities.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Property Assessment Access Rights:
Under Wisconsin law, property assessors have legal authority to enter and examine properties for assessment purposes. As specified in the Notice of Assessor's Authority to Enter Land, Wisconsin Statutes § 70.05(5) grants assessors the right to enter private property to conduct assessments. This authority includes:
- Right to examine exterior property features
- Authority to request interior access with proper notice
- Ability to gather data necessary for accurate valuation
- Requirement to present credentials upon request
Property Tax Responsibilities:
Property owners in Walworth County must comply with tax obligations as outlined in Wisconsin Statutes § 74.11, including:
- Timely payment of property taxes
- Responsibility for taxes regardless of billing receipt
- Obligation to notify authorities of address changes
- Liability for interest and penalties on delinquent taxes
Property Disclosure Requirements:
When selling property, owners must adhere to Wisconsin's disclosure laws under Wisconsin Statutes § 709.02, which mandate:
- Completion of a Real Estate Condition Report
- Disclosure of known defects and material issues
- Revelation of environmental hazards
- Information about property boundaries and encroachments
Property Maintenance Obligations:
Property owners must maintain their properties in accordance with county ordinances and state law, including:
- Compliance with health and safety codes
- Adherence to zoning regulations
- Proper waste disposal and management
- Control of noxious weeds and invasive species
Property Rights Protections:
Wisconsin law provides property owners with specific rights, including:
- Right to contest property assessments
- Protection against unauthorized entry
- Due process in eminent domain proceedings
- Right to apply for variances and conditional uses
These regulations collectively form the Property Owner Rule framework in Walworth County, establishing both the rights and responsibilities associated with real property ownership within the jurisdiction.
Lookup Property Records in Walworth County
Property Tax Assessment Information
Property Tax Bills and Payment Options
Town of Walworth Property Information
Property Assessment Legal Notices