Portage County Court Records

Portage County court records contain information about a case's events as it moves through the legal system, from filing to final adjudication. These documents include petitions, motions, briefs, memos, affidavits, transcripts, statements, and orders. Requestors of Portage County court records can expect to find information about what happened in a court case, who was involved, why the case was filed, and its final outcome. Access to these records ensures accountability and transparency in the judicial system.

Are Court Records Public in Portage County?

In Portage County, court records are generally open to the public and accessible per the Wisconsin Open Records Law. This law ensures transparency by granting the public access to most government documents, including court records. Nevertheless, certain court records are restricted and limited, especially to protect sensitive information and privacy. Such court records are only available to authorized persons like the litigants, their attorneys, and officials who need access to execute official duties.

Examples of sequestered court records include juvenile records, which are usually sealed to protect minors' privacy; family court records, typically sealed when minors are involved or the case involves domestic violence; and confidential medical and mental health information.

Portage County Court Records Search

There are several ways to conduct a comprehensive court records search in Portage County.

• Search the statewide electronic court records system
• Make an in-person inquiry at the Portage County Court Clerk's Office
• Mail or call the record custodian’s office
• Use third-party service providers.

Portage County Courts

The judicial system in Portage County comprises a circuit court that handles all civil and criminal cases, including juvenile, traffic, probate, and civil and criminal jury trials. The contact information of the Portage County Court is listed below.

Portage County Circuit Court
Portage County Courthouse
1516 Church Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1364
Fax: (715) 346-1236

Portage County Criminal Records

Persons who wish to obtain criminal records may begin an application on the Wisconsin Online Record Check System. Users do not need to create an account to use this system, which has a public access option. Contact the Crime Information Bureau by phone, fax, email, or mail for additional information.

P.O. Box 2688
Madison, WI 53701-2688
Phone: (608) 266-7314
Fax: (608) 267-4558
Email: CIBRecordCheck@doj.state.wi.us.

Get Portage County Civil Court Records

Civil court records are legal disputes between individuals or businesses that do not result in criminal prosecution. In Portage County, examples include traffic violations, contract disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, divorce, and family law cases (including custody, child support, and property settlements).

Court records associated with the aforementioned cases are maintained by the circuit court clerk. To obtain civil court records, visit the Clerk's Office at the address below. Note that for certain inquiries, requestors may need to submit an official records request form and pay the applicable administrative fees.

Clerk of Circuit Court
1516 Church Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1364

Meanwhile, it is also possible to access court records online through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system by searching the party names or case number.

Portage County Marriage Records

In Portage County, marriage records serve as legal documentation of the union of two people and are regarded as vital records. Portage County marriage records are available and maintained through the office of the Register of Deeds. However, only eligible persons may access marriage records. These include the record subjects, their immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives.

To obtain marriage records, download and complete the marriage record application form. Completed forms should be submitted at the Office of the Register of Deeds during business hours. Furthermore, requestors will need to prove their eligibility by submitting a valid government-issued photo ID. Each record costs $20.00, while additional copies obtained at the same time cost an extra $3.00 each. Cash, money orders, and cashier's checks are accepted forms of payment. Personal cheques and credit/debit cards are not accepted.

Persons who cannot submit the request in person may enclose the completed form in an envelope alongside a self-addressed stamped envelope, payment, and a photocopy of a valid photo I.D. card. The envelope should be addressed to the office of the Register of Deeds. Cash, money orders, and cashier's checks are accepted forms of payment. Personal cheques and credit/debit cards are not accepted.

Portage County Register of Deeds Office
1516 Church Street
Stevens Point WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1428
Fax: (715) 345-5361

Portage County Divorce Records

The Register of Deeds is the custodian of Portage County divorce records. However, only eligible persons may obtain these records—these include the record subject, their immediate family members, and authorized legal representatives.

To obtain these divorce records, applicants download the divorce record application form. Completed forms should then be submitted to the Register of Deeds’ Office during business hours. Furthermore, requestors will be required to prove their eligibility with a valid photo ID and pay the service fee. Each record costs $20.00, while additional copies obtained at the same time cost an extra $3.00 each. Cash, money orders, and cashier's checks are accepted forms of payment. Personal cheques and credit/debit cards are not accepted.

Persons who cannot submit the request in person may enclose the completed form in an envelope alongside a self-addressed stamped envelope, payment, and a photocopy of a valid photo I.D. card. The envelope should be addressed to the office of the Register of Deeds.

Portage County Register of Deeds Office
1516 Church Street
Stevens Point WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1428
Fax: (715) 345-5361

Portage County Birth and Death Records

Portage County birth and death records are available through the Office of the Register of Deeds. However, only eligible persons may obtain these records. To obtain these records, complete the birth record application form or the death record application form as applicable. Then, submit completed forms at the Register of Deeds office during business hours or mail the form, as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope, payment, and a photocopy of a valid photo ID card to the office. Cash, money orders, and cashier's checks are accepted forms of payment. Personal cheques and credit/debit cards are not accepted.

Portage County Register of Deeds Office
1516 Church Street
Stevens Point WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1428
Fax: (715) 345-5361

Birth records are typically used for identification purposes, e.g., applying for an international passport or enrolling in school. On the other hand, survivors of deceased persons often need death records to process insurance claims and public benefits.

Portage County Probate Court Records

Portage County probate cases typically concern the administration of estates, guardianships, adoptions, conservatorships, and name changes. The Circuit Court Clerk is the custodian of records associated with these cases and their public accessibility is subject to privacy restrictions. For example, records on adoption or guardianship cases involving minors may require a court order to be made available to third parties. For additional information and to obtain probate court records, contact the Clerk's Office at:

Clerk of Circuit Court
1516 Church Street
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1364

Alternatively, interested persons may obtain probate court records by searching the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website. In any case, persons who wish to obtain probate court records must supply the necessary information to facilitate a search, including the subject's name or case number.

Portage County Property Records

Persons who obtain property records can expect to find deeds, liens, tax records, information on ownership transfers, statements of UCC financing, and legal descriptions. These records are valuable to current and intending property owners.

To access property records in Portage County, visit the Office of the Register of Deeds. The office maintains an online system where requestors may find property records online. For additional information and to obtain probate court records, contact the Register of Deeds’ Office at:

1516 Church Street
Stevens Point WI 54481
Phone: (715) 346-1428
Fax: (715) 345-5361

Portage County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources like WisconsinCourtrecords.us help interested persons look up court records by party name, case number, and location. Online court record access is convenient and available round-the-clock from anywhere. However, there are some limitations to consider. While online access is quick and convenient, the completeness of records obtained from these sources may vary due to regulations. In addition, requestors may need to pay a fee for in-depth information.