Outagamie County Public Records /Outagamie County Court Records

Outagamie County Court Records

What Is Outagamie County Court Records

Court records in Outagamie County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive archive of judicial activities as defined under Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, which establishes the state's commitment to providing public access to government records.

Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
Court dockets that chronologically list all case events
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Settlement agreements in civil cases

These documents differ from other public records maintained by Outagamie County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions.

In Outagamie County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

Outagamie County Circuit Court (handling civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters)
Municipal Courts (handling local ordinance violations)

The Wisconsin Court System provides oversight for record maintenance standards across all counties, ensuring consistency in how court records are preserved and accessed throughout the state.

Are Court Records Public In Outagamie County

Court records in Outagamie County are generally public pursuant to Wisconsin's Open Records Law, codified in Wisconsin Statutes § 19.31-19.39, which establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, should be accessible to the public. Additionally, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has affirmed the public's right to access court records through its rules on Circuit Court Records.

The following court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (including small claims matters)
Criminal case files (post-charging)
Traffic and ordinance violations
Judgments and court orders
Docket sheets and hearing schedules
Probate and family court records (with certain exceptions)

However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests or sensitive information. Records that may have restricted access include:

Juvenile proceedings (unless opened by court order)
Mental health commitment proceedings
Adoption records
Certain family court matters involving minors
Cases sealed by judicial order
Records containing information protected by state or federal law

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has established specific rules governing access to court records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) program, which provides online access to certain court records while balancing privacy concerns.

Members of the public seeking access to court records should be aware that federal court records (for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin) are maintained separately from state and county records through the federal PACER system.

How To Find Court Records in Outagamie County in 2026

Members of the public may access Outagamie County court records through several established channels. The county maintains current systems for both in-person and remote access to judicial documents.

For in-person requests:

Visit the Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying the case number, party names, or other identifying information
Present valid photo identification if requesting certified copies
Pay applicable fees for copies or certification (cash, credit card, or money order accepted)

Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Outagamie County Clerk of Courts

For online access:

Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website
Select Outagamie County from the jurisdiction dropdown menu
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, citation number)
Review available case information and documents

For records not available online:

Submit a written request to the Clerk of Circuit Court by mail
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
Provide payment for applicable fees

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 814.61, the Clerk of Courts charges statutory fees for copies of court records. Currently, standard copy fees are $1.25 per page for regular copies and $5.00 for certified copies of judgments or other official documents.

Researchers seeking historical court records (older than 20 years) may need to contact the Outagamie County Historical Society, as some older records may have been transferred to archival storage.

How To Look Up Court Records in Outagamie County Online?

Outagamie County provides comprehensive online access to court records through several digital portals. The primary resource for accessing these records is the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system, commonly known as CCAP.

To search for Outagamie County court records online:

Navigate to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
Accept the terms and conditions of use
Select "Outagamie" from the county dropdown menu
Enter search criteria:
- Case number (most precise method)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Business name
- Citation number
Review search results showing basic case information
Select a specific case to view detailed information including:
- Case summary
- Party information
- Court officials
- Scheduled hearings
- Case activities and documents filed
- Judgments and dispositions

For more comprehensive document access:

The Wisconsin Supreme Court's eFiling system provides registered users with access to filed documents in cases where electronic filing has been implemented
Attorneys of record and registered parties can access full case documents through this system

Additional online resources include:

The Wisconsin Court System website provides links to appellate court decisions involving Outagamie County cases
The Outagamie County website offers information about available records and access procedures

Users should note that while basic case information is available online, complete court files with all documents may require in-person requests at the courthouse. Additionally, certain sensitive cases or documents may be restricted from online viewing pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court rules.

How To Search Outagamie 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." This statutory provision ensures that members of the public may view court records without paying inspection fees, though charges may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free access options for Outagamie County court records include:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - This free online portal provides basic case information for all 72 Wisconsin counties, including Outagamie. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number at no cost through the WCCA website.
In-person inspection - Visitors may examine court records at no charge at the Clerk of Circuit Court's office during regular business hours:

Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Public access terminals - Computer terminals are available at the courthouse for free public use to access the WCCA system and view case information.
Law library access - The Outagamie County Law Library provides free access to court records and legal research materials:

Outagamie County Law Library
320 S. Walnut Street, 5th Floor
Appleton, WI 54911
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

While inspection is free, the following fees currently apply for copies:

Regular copies: $1.25 per page
Certified copies: $5.00 per document
Electronic records: $5.00 per document (when available)

The Wisconsin State Law Library also provides guidance on accessing Outagamie County legal resources and court records at no cost.

What's Included in a Outagamie County Court Record?

Outagamie County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include the following components:

For Civil Cases:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Defendant's answer or response
Motions filed by either party
Court orders and rulings on motions
Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Transcripts of hearings and trials
Final judgment or dismissal order
Post-judgment motions and orders
Appeal documents (notices, briefs, decisions)

For Criminal Cases:

Criminal complaint or information
Arrest warrant or summons
Booking information
Bail/bond documentation
Defendant's plea
Pretrial motions and orders
Evidence inventory
Jury selection records (if applicable)
Verdict forms
Sentencing information
Probation/parole conditions
Restitution orders
Appeal documents

For Family Court Cases:

Petition for divorce or legal separation
Financial disclosure statements
Temporary orders
Custody and placement evaluations
Child support worksheets
Marital settlement agreements
Final divorce decree
Post-judgment modification requests

For Probate Cases:

Will (if applicable)
Petition for probate or administration
Inventory of estate assets
Claims against the estate
Notices to creditors and heirs
Accountings
Orders for distribution
Final discharge of personal representative

Each court record also includes a case docket, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. The docket provides a complete history of the case from filing to disposition.

Pursuant to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01, court records must be maintained in a manner that ensures their accuracy, accessibility, and preservation according to established retention schedules.

How Long Does Outagamie County Keep Court Records?

Outagamie County adheres to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Records Retention Schedule established under Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72, which mandates specific timeframes for maintaining various court documents. These retention periods ensure proper preservation of legal records while managing storage constraints.

The current retention schedule includes the following timeframes:

For Civil Cases:

Small claims case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Money judgment and satisfaction documents: 20 years after entry
Civil case files (non-small claims): 20 years after entry of final judgment
Civil commitment records: 75 years

For Criminal Cases:

Misdemeanor case files: 20 years after entry of final judgment
Felony case files: 75 years after entry of final judgment
Homicide cases: Permanent retention
Traffic and ordinance violations: 5-10 years depending on disposition

For Family Court Cases:

Divorce/annulment/legal separation files: 30 years after filing
Paternity determination records: 50 years
Child support payment records: Until the youngest child reaches age 33
Adoption records: Permanent retention

For Probate Cases:

Formal and informal probate files: 75 years
Guardianship and conservatorship files: 7 years after termination
Trust proceedings: 7 years after trust termination

Court dockets, indexes, and judgment and lien dockets are maintained permanently as they provide essential finding aids for accessing case information. Additionally, cases of historical significance may be preserved beyond the standard retention period through transfer to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Wisconsin Court System has implemented digital preservation strategies to ensure long-term access to electronic court records.

Researchers seeking historical court records should note that older records may have been transferred to microfilm or digital formats, with some archival materials housed at the Outagamie County Historical Society.

Types of Courts In Outagamie County

Outagamie County's judicial system consists of several courts operating within Wisconsin's unified court structure. Each court has specific jurisdiction and handles distinct types of cases.

Outagamie County Circuit Court
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Outagamie County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Circuit Court is divided into branches, each presided over by an elected circuit court judge. Currently, Outagamie County has seven circuit court branches handling various case types. These branches operate as courts of general jurisdiction, meaning they can hear almost any type of case.

Appleton Municipal Court
100 N. Appleton Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-6150
Appleton Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Kaukauna Municipal Court
144 W. Second Street
Kaukauna, WI 54130
(920) 766-6300
Kaukauna Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Seymour Municipal Court
328 N. Main Street
Seymour, WI 54165
(920) 833-2325
Seymour Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Wisconsin court system follows a hierarchical structure:

Municipal Courts (lowest level) - Handle local ordinance violations
Circuit Courts (trial courts) - Primary courts of original jurisdiction
Wisconsin Court of Appeals - Reviews circuit court decisions
Wisconsin Supreme Court - Highest court in the state

Cases originating in Outagamie County Circuit Court may be appealed to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District III, located in Wausau. Further appeals may reach the Wisconsin Supreme Court in Madison, which has discretionary review authority over most cases.

What Types of Cases Do Outagamie County Courts Hear?

Outagamie County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to their jurisdictional authority. The types of cases heard by each court are determined by Wisconsin statutes and local ordinances.

The Outagamie County Circuit Court, as a court of general jurisdiction, handles:

Civil Cases:

Personal injury claims
Contract disputes
Property litigation
Small claims (cases valued up to $10,000)
Eviction proceedings
Civil forfeitures
Restraining orders and injunctions

Criminal Cases:

Felonies (all classes)
Misdemeanors
Criminal traffic offenses (including OWI/DUI)
Juvenile delinquency proceedings
Juvenile ordinance violations

Family Cases:

Divorce and legal separation
Child custody and placement determinations
Child support establishment and enforcement
Paternity actions
Adoption proceedings
Name changes
Domestic abuse injunctions

Probate Matters:

Estate administration
Will probate
Guardianships (adult and minor)
Conservatorships
Mental health commitments
Protective placements

Municipal Courts in Outagamie County (Appleton, Kaukauna, Seymour) have limited jurisdiction and primarily handle:

Municipal ordinance violations
First-offense OWI/DUI cases
Juvenile ordinance violations
Parking citations
Building code violations
Animal control violations
Disorderly conduct citations

Traffic cases are distributed between Circuit Court and Municipal Courts based on whether they involve state law violations (Circuit Court) or municipal ordinance violations (Municipal Court).

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 753.03, the Circuit Court has original jurisdiction in all civil and criminal matters within the state. Municipal court jurisdiction is established under Wisconsin Statute § 755.045, which limits these courts to ordinance violations.

How To Find a Court Docket In Outagamie County

Court dockets in Outagamie County provide a chronological listing of all proceedings, filings, and actions in a case. Members of the public may access these dockets through several methods.

Online access to court dockets is available through:

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) - The primary resource for viewing court dockets:
- Visit the WCCA website
- Select Outagamie County from the dropdown menu
- Search by case number, party name, or citation number
- Select the specific case to view the complete docket
Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court website:
- Navigate to the Clerk of Courts page
- Follow links to court calendars and scheduled hearings
- Access information about upcoming court proceedings

For in-person docket access:

Visit the Outagamie County Courthouse during business hours
Request docket information at the Clerk of Circuit Court office
Use public access terminals available in the courthouse to search WCCA

Outagamie County Clerk of Circuit Court
320 S. Walnut Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-5131
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

To obtain docket information by phone or mail:

Call the Clerk of Circuit Court's office with the case number or party names
Submit a written request including case information and a self-addressed stamped envelope

Daily court calendars listing scheduled hearings are typically posted:

On bulletin boards near courtrooms
On the Clerk of Courts website
At public access terminals in the courthouse

Attorneys and registered parties can access more detailed docket information through the Wisconsin Court System eFiling platform, which provides case notifications and document access for cases in which they are involved.

For specialized dockets such as mental health proceedings or juvenile cases, interested parties may need to contact the specific court division directly, as these records may have restricted access under Wisconsin law.

Which Courts in Outagamie County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Wisconsin's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined under Wisconsin Statute § 753.01 as a court that maintains formal documentation of its proceedings, including verbatim transcripts, and whose decisions may be appealed to higher courts. Courts not of record typically handle minor matters with simplified procedures and do not maintain complete transcripts of proceedings.

In Outagamie County, the following courts are not courts of record:

Appleton Municipal Court
100 N. Appleton Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 832-6150
Kaukauna Municipal Court
144 W. Second Street
Kaukauna, WI 54130
(920) 766-6300
Seymour Municipal Court
328 N. Main Street
Seymour, WI 54165
(920) 833-2325

These municipal courts handle ordinance violations and maintain only summary records of proceedings rather than verbatim transcripts. Key characteristics of these non-record courts include:

Proceedings are typically not recorded by a court reporter
Judges are not required to be attorneys (though many are)
Formal rules of evidence may be applied less stringently
Appeals from these courts proceed to Circuit Court as trials de novo (new trials)
Records consist primarily of citations, judgments, and basic case notes

Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 800.14, appeals from municipal courts are heard in the Outagamie County Circuit Court as new proceedings, rather than reviews of the municipal court record.

By contrast, the Outagamie County Circuit Court is a court of record that maintains comprehensive documentation of all proceedings, including verbatim transcripts when requested. Appeals from Circuit Court decisions are based on the official record and proceed to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District III.

Individuals with cases in municipal courts should be aware that while these courts maintain basic records of dispositions and judgments, they do not create the same level of documentation found in circuit court proceedings.

Lookup Court Records in Outagamie County

Wisconsin Circuit Court Access

Outagamie County Legal Resources

Circuit Court Clerk Contact Information