Kenosha County court records in Wisconsin are available through several channels. KenoshaCourt.us allows quick access to public information about court cases in the county. Additionally, records can be searched through the official Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system, directly at the Clerk of Circuit Court office, and through public terminals in the courthouse.
Kenosha Court System & Jurisdictions
In Wisconsin, there are no separate magistrate or district courts at the county level. All first-instance cases are heard by the Circuit Court, which is a court of general jurisdiction. Kenosha County has one Circuit Court, which is divided into several divisions depending on the type of case.
- Criminal Division — felonies and misdemeanors.
- Civil Division — claims over $10,000, as well as debt collection and contract disputes.
- Small Claims — civil claims up to $10,000; a simplified procedure where parties often represent themselves.
- Family Division — divorce, child custody, alimony, protective orders. Copies of divorce decrees are issued by this division, room 109 in the courthouse.
- Probate — estate cases, guardianship, name changes. Frequently asked questions about Probate are available on the Treasurer's page.
- Traffic / Forfeiture — speeding tickets, traffic violations, municipal offenses.
Juvenile Court operates separately, and juvenile records are generally closed to public access. If you are unsure which division your case belongs to, contact the Clerk of Circuit Court.
Kenosha Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
The schedule of court hearings for today, tomorrow, and the current week can be viewed online. Kenosha County uses the statewide Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system to publish calendars.
- Go to the Wisconsin Court System case search page.
- Select Kenosha County from the list of counties.
- Use the search function by date or case number to see scheduled hearings.
For automatic updates on a specific case, use the Court Case Tracker — find the case in WCCA and click the "RSS" button to receive notifications about status changes. If you need information not available in the online system, call the court office directly.
How to Get a Copy of a Kenosha Court Document
The Clerk of Circuit Court maintains and issues copies of all documents that form the official court record. There is a difference between a regular and a certified copy:
- Uncertified copy — suitable for personal review, does not have the official court seal.
- Certified copy — contains the seal and signature of the clerk, accepted by other institutions as an official document.
Methods of Obtaining
- Online. View the case file through the Record Search on the county's website or through WCCA. Some documents are available for download, but certified copies require an in-person visit or a mail request.
- In person. Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court office in the courthouse. Bring the case number or the full name of the party and date of birth.
- By mail. Send a written request specifying the case number, type of document, and contact information. Include a check or money order for the appropriate amount.
Kenosha County Clerk of Circuit Court
For vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), contact the county's Vital Records department or the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Kenosha Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for copies and searches of court records in Wisconsin are set according to Wis. Stat. § 814.61. Below are typical amounts charged by the Clerk of Circuit Court:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Court record search (by name) | $5.00 |
| Regular copy (per page) | $1.25 |
| Document certification | $5.00 per certification |
| Microfilm / microfiche copy (per page) | $2.00 |
Payments are accepted in cash, check, or money order payable to Kenosha County Clerk of Courts. Confirm the possibility of card payment directly at the office, as policies may change. For statewide criminal history checks, use the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) — the cost of a check is $7.00 per request and is payable online.