Clark County Court Records

Clark County court records are official documents maintained by the county's courts. They are critical for various legal and administrative purposes, such as background checks, legal proceedings, and dispute resolution. Public access to these records is governed by the Wisconsin Open Records Law, which ensures transparency while maintaining confidentiality for sensitive matters.

Court case information generally encompasses details such as the case filing date, case type and number, status, parties' names, birth dates, charges, attorney details, and court locations. Additional details like violation dates, court officials' names, and citation numbers may be featured in criminal court case records.

Are Court Records Public in Clark County?

Yes, court records in Clark County are generally accessible to the public under Wisconsin Open Records Law (Wis. Stat. § 19.31-19.39). However, certain sensitive records are restricted to protect privacy. Only authorized individuals, such as case parties, their legal representatives, and persons with court orders, may access these confidential records.

Some examples of confidential Clark County court records include:

• Juvenile records
• Records of adoption proceedings
• Guardianship proceedings
• Mental health commitment records
• Termination of parental rights cases
• Child abuse restraining orders and injunctions
• Sensitive financial information
• Unexecuted warrants

Clark County Court Records Search

The Clark County Circuit Court offers two primary methods for court record searches: online via the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP) and in-person at the courthouse.

Clark County Courts

The addresses and contact information of courthouses in Clark County are as follows:

Clark County Circuit Court
Clark County Courthouse
517 Court Street,
Room 405,
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-5181
Fax: (715) 743-5154

City of Abbotsford Municipal Court
203 North 1st Street,
P.O. Box 589,
Abbotsford, WI 54405
Phone: (715) 223-3444
Fax: (715) 223-8891

Clark County Criminal and Civil Records

The Clark County Clerk of Circuit Court serves as the official custodian of all criminal and civil case records within the county's jurisdiction. Interested parties can access these public records at no cost through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP). Users may search by case number, individual name, or business name. Those who prefer obtaining physical copies can visit the courthouse during regular business hours:

Clark County Clerk of Circuit Court
517 Court Street, Room 405
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-5181
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Fees for copies of criminal and civil records in Wisconsin are established by state law. Under Wis. Stat. § 814.61(10), uncertified copies cost $1.25 per page; per Wis. Stat. § 814.61(5), a certified copy costs $5.00 per document. Payment is typically accepted by cash, check, or money order. Requesters should contact the Clerk of Circuit Court's office for up-to-date information on payment methods and processing times.

Criminal history information may also be accessed through state and local law enforcement agencies. These encompass Clark county arrest records, warrant information, prosecution and indictment records.

Clark County Marriage and Divorce Records

The Clark County Register of Deeds maintains official marriage and divorce records. These records are available to the public, and interested individuals can request them in person or by mail. To request these vital records, complete the appropriate Wisconsin Marriage or Divorce Certificate Application form, which can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website or obtained directly from the Register of Deeds office at:

Clark County Register of Deeds
517 Court Street, Room 305
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-5163
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The fee for one certified copy of a marriage or divorce record is $20.00, with additional copies requested simultaneously costing $3.00 each. Payments may be made by check or money order if applying by mail. In-person applicants often receive certified copies within a few hours. However, mailed requests usually require approximately two weeks for processing. All applicants must submit a completed application, appropriate identification, and the required fees.

Clark County Birth and Death Records

The Register of Deeds also issues certified and uncertified copies of birth and death records. Wisconsin's vital records laws, as outlined in Wis. Stat. ch. 69, specify who may access these documents and the conditions under which they may be released. While many birth and death records are accessible to the general public, certain restrictions apply:

• Birth records for children born out of wedlock may have restricted availability if paternity has not been established or is established only by court order.
• Uncertified death records containing sensitive information such as cause and manner of death and final disposition are generally not open to the public until 50 years after the date of death, unless the requester is otherwise legally eligible to obtain these details.

Applicants may request copies of birth or death certificates by mail or in person. A completed Wisconsin Birth or Death Certificate Application form must be submitted along with the appropriate fee—$20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Valid identification and payment (check, money order, or as allowed in person: cash, debit, or credit) are required.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Applicants are encouraged to visit earlier in the day (e.g., between 8:00 a.m. and noon) to expedite processing. Mailed requests will typically be fulfilled within two weeks, while in-person requests for certified copies can often be completed the same day.

Clark County Probate Court Records

Probate records in Clark County are maintained by the Register in Probate, which handles all matters related to the administration of wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts. These records are part of the public domain, except in cases restricted by law or sealed by court order. Interested parties may review probate files during regular business hours or request copies for a nominal fee. Records can be accessed in person at the following location:

Clark County Register in Probate
517 Court Street, Room 501
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-5172
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Probate files may include documents such as wills, inventories, petitions, court orders, and final judgments. Most records can be viewed in person at no charge. For copies, fees generally align with Wisconsin's statutory guidelines. Under Wis. Stat. § 814.61, uncertified copies typically cost $1.25 per page. Requesters seeking certified copies will pay a certification fee of $3.00 per document, as prescribed by Wis. Stat. § 814.61(5) and related provisions.

Clark County Property Records

Property documents—including deeds, mortgages, land contracts, plats, and survey maps—are recorded and maintained by the Clark County Register of Deeds. Interested parties may obtain property records in person at the office during regular business hours. Copy fees are typically $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of the same document. To certify a copy, add $1.00 per document. Payment options usually include cash, check, or money order. Some records may also be accessible through online portals maintained by the county's Land Information Office or authorized third-party providers.

Clark County Land Information Office
517 Court Street, Room 103
Neillsville, WI 54456
Phone: (715) 743-5166

Visitors can research property records at the Land Information or Treasurer's Office or check their respective websites for online search tools. Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Clark County Court Records Online

Although CCAP provides free online viewing of court records, some Clark County records may also be accessible through third-party websites like Wisconsincourtrecords.us. These platforms may charge a per-record fee or require a subscription but offer the convenience of remote access to records from various judicial districts. It is recommended that users verify the accuracy and currency of any information obtained from third-party services, as official county or state sources remain the most reliable for up-to-date record information.