Search Fond du Lac Court Records

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Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin Court Records

Court records are official documents produced when a case goes through the court system. In Fond Du Lac County, Wisconsin, the Clerk of Courts maintains these records (Wis. Stat. § 59.40). The office keeps records of civil cases, criminal cases, family matters, small claims, and traffic violations filed in the county.

Court records are usually linked to other government records. For example, a criminal court case may contain information from arrest records created by law enforcement agencies. Probate, family, and estate cases may also reference vital records, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates.

Are Fond Du Lac County Court Records Public?

Yes, Fond Du Lac County court records are public. The Wisconsin Public Records Law (Wisconsin Statute 19.35) says that the public has the right to inspect and copy government records, including court records. However, some records are restricted by law and are usually unavailable to the general public:

  • Juvenile court records, sealed under Wisconsin Statute 938.396
  • Adoption records.
  • Mental health commitment records, restricted under Wisconsin Statute 51.30
  • Records sealed by a judge through a formal court order
  • Expunged criminal records, cleared under Wisconsin Statute 973.015
  • Certain domestic abuse and victim protection records

What Information is Available in Fond Du Lac County Court Records?

Fond Du Lac County court records contain a range of details tied to cases filed and decided in the county. The following details are typically included in these records for interested parties:

  • Full names of all the parties involved
  • Case numbers
  • Filing dates
  • Crimes or complaints reported.
  • Attorney and judge details
  • Dates and results of court proceedings
  • Decisions, orders, and punishment details
  • Information on court orders and warrants
  • Probation and monitoring guidelines

Fond Du Lac County Court Records Search

Fond du Lac County court records can be obtained through the following primary sources:

  • Online Access: The Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system or the Fond du Lac County Public Record Request page provide online access to the county's court documents:
    • On the Circuit Court Access (WCCA) search system, search by party name or case number.
    • Or click "Records Request" in the upper-right corner of the Clerk of Courts portion of the county website to access the Fond du Lac County Public Record Request page.
    • Available information on both resources may include case status, filing dates, details on court proceedings, hearings, judgments, charges, and sentencing details.
    • Criminal, traffic, civil, foreclosure, and many other public cases are all generally available.
    • Online viewing of adoption proceedings, juvenile matters, guardianships, mental health obligations, and some child cases is not available.
    • Additionally, the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Access (WSCCA)portal allows users access to information on appeals.
  • In-Person Access
    • Visit the Clerk of Courts' office Monday through Friday (8:00 am - 4:30pm)
    • Self-service record searches are provided at public access terminals.
    • On request, staff may help retrieve physical copies of records.
    • Processing older records could take more time.
  • Mail and phone requests
    • Party names, the case number, if available, and a good description of the records being sought should all be included in the request.
    • Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope and the required payment.
    • After the request and payment are received, standard processing typically takes one to five business days. It can take longer for older records.
    • Money orders and cashier's checks are accepted mail payment options.
    • For additional help or inquiries, call the Clerk of Courts at (920)929-3038.
    • Requests should be sent to the mailing address below:
  • Fond du Lac County Clerk of Courts
    160 South Macy Street
    Fond du Lac, WI 54935

Fees for Court Records in Fond Du Lac County

Fond Du Lac County court records can be viewed for free. There is no cost to look at a record. Fees only apply if a record is printed, copied, certified, or located by staff. The main fees are listed below:

  • A copy of a standard court document costs $1.25 per page (Wis. Stat. § 814.61(10)(a)).
  • Document certification: $5.00 flat fee, added to the per-page copy cost
  • $5.00 for each name sought without a case number
  • Copies of probate documents cost $1 per page.
  • Certification of probate documents: $3.00 fixed cost
  • Court hearing transcript: $2.25 per page for the original
  • $20.00 for a certified divorce certificate

Fond Du Lac County Courthouse Locations

The Fond du Lac County court system comprises one Circuit Court and one Municipal Court. Below are the courthouse addresses and contact information:

Fond Du Lac County Circuit Court

City County Government Center

160 South Macy Street

Fond Du Lac, WI 54935

Phone: (920) 929-3038

Lakeside Municipal Court

16 Garfield Street

North Fond Du Lac, WI 54937

Phone: (920) 924-2479

Criminal Records Access in Fond Du Lac County

Criminal history checks are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, not the local courts. Requests for statewide criminal background records may be directed to that agency. For criminal case records filed in Fond Du Lac County, the Circuit Court handles all felony and misdemeanor matters. Interested persons may access public details of case summaries, charges, court dates, and case outcomes through any of the following systems:

  • The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal
  • Or by sending a records request via the county's Public Records Request page. Clicking "Records Request" in the upper-right corner of the county website directs users to the request page.

Individuals who wish to search in person can visit the Court Clerk's office. Staff there can help find specific case records. Some records might be restricted or sealed by court order and will not be open to the public.

Fond Du Lac County Probate Records

Fond Du Lac County probate records document the legal transfer of a deceased person's property and the court's supervision of individuals in need of protection. These files are maintained by the Register in Probate division of the Circuit Court. Although the public can often access probate records, records that pertain to guardianships, adoptions, and mental health commitments are completely confidential. The Circuit Court Access portal provides public information on cases filed after 2016. Common probate records include:

  • Wills - documents directing how a person's assets are distributed after death
  • Trusts - records of court-supervised management of assets left under a will
  • Conservatorships: records where an adult voluntarily asks the court to manage personal finances
  • Guardianships: documents that deal with court protection for individuals or minors who are unable to care for themselves.

Fond Du Lac County Family Court Records

Under Wis. Stat. § 59.20(3)(a), many Fond Du Lac family court records are open to the public, but some are private or sealed by law:

  • Divorce, annulment, and legal separation cases: Court records, schedules, and rulings are available to the public. However, according to Wis. Stat. § 767.127(3)(a), financial disclosure forms and associated tax records used in the proceedings are private.
  • Child custody and placement matters: Mediation discussions are confidential, but case files are publicly accessible. Reports from a court-appointed child guardian and all custody evaluation outcomes are not publicly available (Wis. Stat. §§ 767.405(14) and 767.407).
  • Adoption records: Adoption files are sealed and not available for public viewing.
  • Child and spousal support matters: All the financial records used to calculate support are private, but the final decisions and decrees are public.

The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) site provides access to public family case details. Alternatively, interested parties can go through these records in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office, where free public computers are available. The Clerk of Circuit Court can provide certified copies upon request. Each page costs $1.25, plus a $5.00 certification fee. When asking, include the names of the parties, case numbers, and the exact records being sought.

Federal Court Records in Fond Du Lac County

Records tied to cases tied under federal law are known as federal court records. These are files usually related to federal criminal charges, immigration issues, bankruptcy, and civil rights violations. Fond Du Lac County belongs to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system allows interested parties to get federal court records. PACER charges $0.10 per page accessed and requires a registration. Alternatively, the Milwaukee federal courthouse offers in-person access to records.

Fond du Lac County Court