Marathon County Court Records
What Is Marathon County Court Records
Marathon County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records consist of case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Court records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records, which are typically maintained by other county departments.
In Marathon County, court records are maintained by several courts within the jurisdiction:
- Circuit Court (Branch 1-5)
- Family Court
- Probate Court
- Juvenile Court
- Small Claims Court
These courts generate records for various case types including civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family matters (divorce, child custody), probate cases, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. According to Wisconsin Statute § 19.31, court records are presumed to be open to public inspection and copying, reflecting the state's commitment to governmental transparency.
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) system serves as the primary repository for Marathon County court records, providing public access to case information as permitted by Wisconsin law and subject to certain privacy restrictions.
Are Court Records Public In Marathon County
Court records in Marathon County are generally public pursuant to the Wisconsin Open Records Law § 19.31-19.39, which establishes a presumption of complete public access to government records, including court documents. This presumption of openness aligns with the state's policy that "all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those officers and employees who represent them."
The following court records are typically accessible to the public:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be sealed or redacted to protect privacy interests, confidential information, or sensitive matters. According to Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72.01, records that may be restricted include:
- Juvenile proceedings
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment records
- Certain family court matters involving minors
- Cases sealed by judicial order
- Records containing information protected by state or federal law
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (which includes Marathon County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state regulations. These federal records are accessible through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.
How To Find Court Records in Marathon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking Marathon County court records currently have several methods available to access these documents:
Online Access:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select Marathon County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, citation number)
- Review available case information and documents
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Marathon County Courthouse Clerk of Courts office
- Complete a records request form
- Provide case identification information
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.25 per page for regular copies)
Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Clerk of Courts
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the Clerk of Courts office
- Include specific case information and documents needed
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for copy fees
For certified copies of court documents, requestors must pay $5.00 for certification plus $1.25 per page. Payment methods include cash, check, or money order made payable to "Marathon County Clerk of Courts."
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 814.61(10), the clerk may charge fees for searching and copying court records. Fees are waived for certain governmental agencies and may be waived for indigent individuals upon proper application.
How To Look Up Court Records in Marathon County Online?
Marathon County court records are accessible through several online portals, each providing different types of case information:
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA):
- Navigate to Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
- Accept the terms and conditions
- Select "Marathon County" from the county dropdown menu
- Search by:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Business name
- Case number
- Citation number
- Review search results showing case type, filing date, status, and parties
- Click on case numbers to view detailed information including:
- Case summary
- Court record events
- Scheduled hearings
- Judgment information
- Party details
Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals: For appellate cases involving Marathon County matters:
- Visit the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- Filter results by court (Supreme Court or Court of Appeals)
- Access opinions, orders, and case status information
Marathon County Clerk of Courts Website:
- Visit the Marathon County Clerk of Courts website
- Navigate to the "Court Records" section
- Follow links to appropriate search portals
- Access information about requesting specific documents not available online
Online access is limited to publicly available information. Certain documents may only be viewable in person at the courthouse due to privacy restrictions or technical limitations. Full case files, including exhibits and certain filings, typically require in-person inspection at the courthouse.
How To Search Marathon County Court Records for Free?
Wisconsin law guarantees free public inspection of court records under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1), which states that "any requester has a right to inspect any record." Marathon County provides several no-cost options for accessing court records:
Free Online Resources:
- Wisconsin Circuit Court Access - Provides free access to basic case information, including party names, case types, filing dates, and court events for Marathon County cases
- Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access - Offers free access to appellate case information for cases originating in Marathon County
- Marathon County Law Library - Provides public computer terminals for free access to court records databases
Free In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may visit the Marathon County Courthouse to inspect court records at no charge:
Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Clerk of Courts
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
While inspection is free, copying fees apply as follows:
- Regular copies: $1.25 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 certification fee plus $1.25 per page
Public Access Terminals: The Marathon County Courthouse provides public access computer terminals in the following locations:
- Clerk of Courts Office - 1st Floor
- Marathon County Law Library - 3rd Floor
These terminals allow free searching and viewing of court records during regular business hours. Staff assistance is available for individuals unfamiliar with the search systems.
What's Included in a Marathon County Court Record?
Marathon County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:
Case Initiation Documents:
- Complaints/Petitions
- Summons
- Subpoenas
- Indictments (criminal cases)
- Information filings (criminal cases)
Procedural Documents:
- Motions and responses
- Briefs and memoranda
- Court orders and decisions
- Hearing notices
- Continuance requests
- Certificates of service
Evidence and Testimony:
- Exhibits (when filed with the court)
- Affidavits
- Depositions (when filed)
- Witness lists
- Expert reports
- Trial transcripts (when ordered)
Case Resolution Documents:
- Judgments
- Verdicts
- Sentencing information (criminal cases)
- Settlement agreements (when filed)
- Dismissal orders
- Appeals notices
Financial Records:
- Filing fee receipts
- Restitution orders
- Fine/penalty assessments
- Payment records
- Fee waiver applications
Specialized Documents by Case Type:
- Criminal: Charging documents, bail/bond information, pre-sentence investigations (restricted access), criminal complaints
- Civil: Damage claims, contract disputes, tort actions, small claims filings
- Family: Divorce petitions, child custody agreements, support orders, paternity determinations
- Probate: Wills, inventories, estate accountings, guardianship reports
- Traffic: Citations, disposition information, driver's license actions
Court records also include a chronological case summary (docket) listing all events, filings, and proceedings in the case. This serves as the official index to the case file.
How Long Does Marathon County Keep Court Records?
Marathon County retains court records according to the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rule 72 which establishes retention schedules for various document types. These retention periods ensure proper preservation of legal records while managing storage constraints.
Permanent Retention:
- Judgment and lien dockets
- Criminal case files for Class A felonies
- Homicide case files
- Civil and family case judgments
- Probate case files for estates, guardianships, and trusts
- Adoption records
- Juvenile permanent records
- Court record books and indices
75-Year Retention:
- Felony case files (except Class A felonies)
- Paternity case files
50-Year Retention:
- Divorce case files with minor children involved
20-Year Retention:
- Misdemeanor case files
- Traffic case files with alcohol/controlled substance convictions
- Civil case files (most types)
- Small claims case files
7-Year Retention:
- Non-criminal traffic case files
- Ordinance violation files
- Civil forfeiture cases
2-Year Retention:
- Administrative records
- Financial records (after audit)
- Jury records
After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.52(4), which authorizes county officials to destroy obsolete records. However, many historically significant or legally important records are preserved permanently through microfilming or digital archiving.
The Marathon County Clerk of Courts maintains a detailed retention schedule available for public inspection at the courthouse. Records scheduled for destruction undergo review to ensure compliance with state mandates before disposal.
Types of Courts In Marathon County
Marathon County's court system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities:
Marathon County Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Circuit Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Circuit Court is divided into five branches, each presided over by an elected circuit court judge:
- Branch 1: General jurisdiction (civil, criminal, family)
- Branch 2: General jurisdiction (civil, criminal, family)
- Branch 3: General jurisdiction (civil, criminal, family)
- Branch 4: General jurisdiction (civil, criminal, family)
- Branch 5: General jurisdiction (civil, criminal, family)
Marathon County Family Court Commissioner
500 Forest Street, Room 104
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Family Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Marathon County Juvenile Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Marathon County Small Claims Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Small Claims
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Court Hierarchy:
- Circuit Court (Trial Court of General Jurisdiction)
- Wisconsin Court of Appeals - District III
2100 Stewart Avenue, Suite 310
Wausau, WI 54401
715-848-1421
Wisconsin Court of Appeals - Wisconsin Supreme Court
16 East State Capitol
Madison, WI 53702
608-266-1880
Wisconsin Supreme Court
Marathon County is part of the Third Administrative District of the Wisconsin Court System. The district is overseen by a Chief Judge appointed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
What Types of Cases Do Marathon County Courts Hear?
Marathon County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions:
Circuit Court (Branches 1-5):
- Felony criminal cases (from initial appearance through trial and sentencing)
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil actions where the amount in controversy exceeds $10,000
- Tort claims (personal injury, property damage)
- Contract disputes
- Real estate litigation
- Administrative appeals
- Complex commercial litigation
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Civil commitments
- Restraining orders and injunctions
Family Court:
- Divorce proceedings
- Legal separation
- Child custody and placement determinations
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Paternity actions
- Adoption proceedings
- Name changes
- Domestic abuse injunctions
- Maintenance (alimony) determinations
- Property division in marital dissolution
Probate Court:
- Estate administration
- Will probate
- Intestate succession cases
- Guardianships (adult and minor)
- Conservatorships
- Trust administration
- Mental health commitments
- Protective placements
Juvenile Court:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Juvenile in need of protection or services (JIPS)
- Termination of parental rights
- Children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
- Juvenile ordinance violations
- Truancy cases
Small Claims Court:
- Civil actions where the amount in controversy is $10,000 or less
- Eviction proceedings
- Replevin actions (recovery of personal property)
- Small contract disputes
- Consumer claims
- Property damage claims under $10,000
Traffic Court:
- Traffic violations
- Operating while intoxicated (OWI/DUI)
- Operating after revocation/suspension
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Hunting and fishing violations
- DNR citations
Case assignment within the five branches of the Circuit Court follows a rotation system established by the Chief Judge of the Third Judicial Administrative District, with certain judges specializing in particular case types based on experience and court needs.
How To Find a Court Docket In Marathon County
Court dockets in Marathon County provide chronological listings of all proceedings, filings, and events in a case. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website
- Select Marathon County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Search by case number, party name, or citation number
- View the case summary showing all docket entries
- Review scheduled court dates and hearing information
Court Calendar Access:
- Visit the Marathon County Circuit Court Calendar
- Select the desired date range and court branch
- View scheduled hearings, trials, and proceedings
- Filter by case type or judicial officer if needed
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Marathon County Clerk of Courts office
- Request to view the docket for a specific case
- Provide case number or party names to court staff
- Review docket information on public access terminals
Marathon County Clerk of Circuit Court
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1300
Marathon County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Telephone Inquiry:
- Call the Clerk of Courts office at 715-261-1300
- Provide case number or party information
- Request basic docket information (staff may be limited in what they can provide by phone)
For appellate cases, docket information is available through the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Case Access system. This resource provides docket entries for cases appealed from Marathon County Circuit Court to higher courts.
Daily court calendars are typically posted outside each courtroom and in the main lobby of the Marathon County Courthouse. These calendars list all proceedings scheduled for the current day, including hearing times, case numbers, and presiding judges.
Which Courts in Marathon County Are Not Courts of Record?
A "court not of record" refers to a judicial body that does not maintain comprehensive verbatim transcripts of its proceedings and whose decisions generally cannot be directly appealed to higher courts without a new trial (trial de novo). According to Wisconsin Statute § 753.30, all circuit courts in Wisconsin are courts of record.
In Marathon County, all judicial proceedings take place within the Circuit Court system, which is a court of record as defined by state law. Unlike some other states, Wisconsin does not maintain a separate system of municipal courts, justice of the peace courts, or magistrate courts that would qualify as courts not of record.
The following characteristics apply to Marathon County's court system:
- All Marathon County Circuit Court branches (1-5) are courts of record
- All proceedings are recorded by digital audio recording or court reporters
- Verbatim transcripts can be produced upon request
- Decisions can be directly appealed to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals
- All judges are required to be licensed attorneys
- Court procedures follow the Wisconsin Statutes and Rules of Civil/Criminal Procedure
Prior to court reorganization in Wisconsin, the state maintained a system of county courts and municipal justice courts that were not courts of record. However, these were abolished through constitutional amendments and statutory changes, with the current unified court system established under Wisconsin Statute § 753.03.
While administrative tribunals and certain quasi-judicial bodies (such as the Marathon County Board of Review for property tax assessments) exist within the county, these are not courts in the legal sense and operate under different procedural rules than the judicial branch.