Court records in Chippewa County, Wisconsin can be searched through several channels. ChippewaCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also use the Wisconsin Court System case search, visit the Clerk of Circuit Court office in person, or use public access terminals at the courthouse. These resources cover circuit court filings including criminal, civil, family, traffic, and small claims cases.
Chippewa Court System & Jurisdictions
Chippewa County is served by the Wisconsin Circuit Court, which is the state's trial-level court of general jurisdiction. Wisconsin does not use a separate district or magistrate court structure at the county level — the circuit court handles nearly all case types. Chippewa County falls within the 10th Judicial Administrative District.
The Chippewa County Circuit Court hears:
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses
- Civil cases — lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury, and foreclosures
- Small claims — disputes involving $10,000 or less
- Family law — divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, and paternity. The Wisconsin Court System offers a self-help guide for divorce and family law with forms and instructions.
- Probate and guardianship — estates, wills, trusts, and guardianship of minors or incapacitated adults
- Juvenile cases — delinquency, children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
- Traffic and ordinance violations — non-criminal citations issued by county or municipal law enforcement, including the Chippewa Falls Police Department
Municipal courts in Chippewa County handle certain local ordinance violations and forfeiture actions. If you are unsure which court has your case, start with the statewide circuit court case search or contact the Clerk of Circuit Court directly.
Chippewa Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Chippewa County are managed through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system. To find today's hearings, upcoming schedules, or a specific case's next court date:
- Go to the Wisconsin Court System case search.
- Select the WCCA option for circuit court records.
- Search by party name, case number, or date range and filter results to Chippewa County.
- Individual case entries display scheduled hearing dates, courtroom assignments, and judge information.
You can also call the Clerk of Circuit Court office to confirm hearing times or check for last-minute changes. Walk-in visitors may view the daily court calendar posted at the Chippewa County Courthouse. The Chippewa County Legal Resources page through the Wisconsin State Law Library provides additional guidance on accessing local court information.
How to Get a Copy of a Chippewa Court Document
The Chippewa County Clerk of Circuit Court is the custodian of circuit court records. You can request copies in person, by mail, or by phone.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They work for personal reference but are generally not accepted for legal proceedings.
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming they are true copies of the official court record. Courts, government agencies, and attorneys typically require certified copies.
How to Request
- In person: Visit the Clerk of Circuit Court office at the Chippewa County Courthouse. Bring the case number or the names of the parties involved. Staff can locate the file and produce copies while you wait, depending on volume.
- By mail: Send a written request that includes the case number (if known), party names, the specific document needed, whether you need a certified or uncertified copy, and a return address. Include payment by check or money order payable to the Chippewa County Clerk of Circuit Court.
- Online: Some documents and case information can be viewed through WCCA, but downloading official certified copies typically requires contacting the clerk's office directly.
Clerk of Circuit Court office location:
Certain records are restricted from public access, including juvenile cases, some family law records, and sealed or expunged files. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is publicly available before submitting a request. Circuit court forms for various filings and requests are available through the Wisconsin Court System website.
Chippewa Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Wisconsin are set by statute (Wis. Stat. § 814.61). The Chippewa County Clerk of Circuit Court charges the following standard fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $1.25 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Court record search (per name searched) | $5.00 |
| Exemplified copy (additional certification) | $5.00 |
| Issuing a subpoena or summons | $5.00 |
Payment Details
- In person: Cash, check, or money order. Some clerk offices accept credit or debit cards — confirm with the Chippewa County clerk before visiting.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the Chippewa County Clerk of Circuit Court. Include enough to cover per-page copy costs plus any certification fees.
Fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts by calling the clerk's office at (715) 726-7758. For statewide criminal background checks, the Wisconsin Department of Justice charges a separate fee through its own system — those requests are handled independently from circuit court record requests.