Marathon County Property Records
What Is Marathon County Property Records
Marathon County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Marathon County, Wisconsin. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records fulfill several essential functions in the county's legal and administrative framework.
The primary purposes of Marathon County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership through chain of title documentation
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and interested parties
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43, the Marathon County Register of Deeds is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing access to these vital property records. This statute establishes the legal framework for recording instruments affecting real estate in all Wisconsin counties, including Marathon County.
Property records in Marathon County are maintained through the Marathon County Register of Deeds Office, which serves as the central repository for all official real estate documentation in the county.
Marathon County Register of Deeds
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1010
Marathon County Register of Deeds
Are Property Records Public Information In Marathon County?
Property records in Marathon County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Wisconsin law. The public nature of these records is established by both state public records statutes and specific property recording laws.
Wisconsin's Public Records Law § 19.31 declares that providing citizens with the greatest possible information about government affairs is a fundamental principle of democracy. This statute specifically recognizes that access to information about official acts is an integral part of the democratic process. Property records, as official government documents, fall squarely within this mandate.
Additionally, Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(4) specifically addresses public access to property records, stating that registers of deeds shall "keep the office open during the usual business hours each day... and shall allow any person to examine and make notes, abstracts, copies or extracts from the records."
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to ensure notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property development
Any member of the public may access Marathon County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects Wisconsin's commitment to government transparency and the public's right to information.
How To Search Property Records in Marathon County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search Marathon County property records may utilize several methods currently available through county offices. The following procedures outline the process for conducting property record searches:
Online Search Method:
- Visit the Marathon County Land Records website
- Select the appropriate search option (name, address, or parcel number)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the search results
- Access detailed property record information
- Download or print documents as needed
In-Person Search Method:
- Visit the Marathon County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public counter
- Provide specific search criteria to staff
- Review available records with assistance from county personnel
- Request copies of relevant documents (fees may apply)
Mail or Email Request Method:
- Download the Marathon County Records Request Form
- Complete all required fields with specific search criteria
- Include payment for applicable fees
- Submit the request via mail or email to the Register of Deeds office
- Allow processing time as specified by the county
- Receive requested records via mail or email
The Marathon County Register of Deeds maintains an index of all recorded documents that is searchable by grantor/grantee name, property address, document type, and recording date. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(9), this index must be kept current and accessible to facilitate public searches.
Marathon County Register of Deeds
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1010
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Marathon County Register of Deeds
How To Find Property Records in Marathon County Online?
Marathon County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. The county has implemented modern information systems that allow for efficient remote searching of property information. To find property records online, follow these specific steps:
- Access the Marathon County Land Records Portal
- Create a user account if required (some basic searches may be available without login)
- Select from available search methods:
- Property address search
- Owner name search
- Parcel identification number search
- Document number search
- Legal description search
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review search results displaying matching properties
- Select a specific property to view detailed information
- Access available documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Download, print, or save electronic copies as needed
The Marathon County Land Information Office maintains the Geographic Information System (GIS) that integrates property records with mapping data. This system allows users to:
- View property boundaries on interactive maps
- Access property assessment information
- Review zoning designations
- Identify flood plains and other environmental factors
- Examine surrounding properties and infrastructure
Marathon County Land Information Office
210 River Drive
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1940
Marathon County Land Information
Additionally, the Marathon County Treasurer's Office provides online access to property tax information through their Property Tax Portal, which includes:
- Current and historical tax payment information
- Tax assessment values
- Tax bills and receipts
- Special assessments and charges
How To Look Up Marathon County Property Records for Free?
Marathon County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost to the public. While certain specialized services or document copies may incur fees, basic property information is available without charge through the following methods:
Free Online Access:
- Visit the Marathon County Land Records Public Access Portal
- No account creation is required for basic searches
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel number
- View basic property information including:
- Current ownership
- Property address and legal description
- Assessment values
- Property characteristics
- Recent sales information
- Access GIS mapping features showing property boundaries
Free In-Person Access:
- Visit the Marathon County Register of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Use public computer terminals for self-service searching
- Request assistance from staff for locating specific records
- View original documents or digital images on-site
- Take notes or photographs of records (where permitted)
Public Library Access:
- Visit the Marathon County Public Library
- Use public computers with internet access
- Navigate to the county's property records websites
- Receive assistance from library staff if needed
Marathon County Public Library - Wausau Headquarters
300 North First Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-7200
Marathon County Public Library
While basic property record searches are free, users should be aware that fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Large-volume searches
- Specialized research assistance
- Document printing or reproduction
- Subscription access to advanced search features
According to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(2)(b), the Register of Deeds may charge statutory fees for certain services, but basic public access to records must be provided without charge.
What's Included in a Marathon County Property Record?
Marathon County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and information related to real property within the county. These records are distinguished from personal property records, which pertain to movable assets rather than land and permanently attached structures.
Property records in Marathon County are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation:
- Register of Deeds: ownership and encumbrance records
- Assessor's Office: valuation and property characteristic data
- Treasurer's Office: tax payment history
- Planning and Zoning: land use regulations and permits
A complete Marathon County property record typically includes the following information:
Ownership Documents:
- Warranty deeds
- Quitclaim deeds
- Trustee's deeds
- Sheriff's deeds
- Personal representative's deeds
- Transfer on death deeds
Financial Encumbrances:
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Construction liens
- Tax liens
- Judgment liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Lis pendens notices
Property Description Information:
- Legal description (metes and bounds or lot/block)
- Parcel identification number
- Property address
- Lot size and dimensions
- Plat maps and certified survey maps
- Condominium declarations and amendments
Assessment and Taxation Data:
- Assessed value
- Fair market value
- Property classification
- Tax payment history
- Special assessments
- Tax exemptions
Land Use Documentation:
- Zoning classification
- Easements and right-of-ways
- Restrictive covenants
- Conservation agreements
- Conditional use permits
- Variance approvals
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 706.05, all instruments submitted for recording must meet specific requirements regarding format, content, and authentication to be accepted into the official property records.
How Long Does Marathon County Keep Property Records?
Marathon County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Wisconsin state law and county ordinances. These retention periods ensure the preservation of vital property information while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
The primary retention periods for Marathon County property records are as follows:
- Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and satisfactions: Permanent retention
- Plat maps and surveys: Permanent retention
- Easements and right-of-ways: Permanent retention
- Tax rolls and assessment records: 15 years
- Building permits: 7 years after structure demolition
- Zoning permits: Permanent retention
- Property tax payment records: 7 years
- Special assessments: Until satisfied plus 7 years
The Wisconsin Public Records Board establishes statewide standards for records retention through the General Records Schedules that apply to all counties, including Marathon County. Additionally, Marathon County has adopted specific local schedules for certain property-related records.
Historical property records in Marathon County date back to the county's formation in 1850, with complete records available from that time forward. These historical records have been preserved through various conservation methods, including:
- Digitization of paper records
- Microfilming of original documents
- Climate-controlled storage for archival materials
- Restoration of damaged historical documents
Pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes § 59.52(4), county boards are authorized to establish records management programs that include retention schedules, preservation methods, and appropriate disposition procedures for county records, including property records.
How To Find Liens on Property In Marathon County?
Locating liens and other encumbrances on Marathon County properties requires searching specific records maintained by various county offices. Liens represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred free and clear. To conduct a comprehensive lien search in Marathon County, follow these procedures:
Register of Deeds Search:
- Access the Marathon County Register of Deeds records system
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review the following document types:
- Mortgages
- Construction liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Federal tax liens
- State tax warrants
- Child support liens
- Judgment liens
- Note the recording date, amount, and creditor information for each lien
- Check for satisfaction or release documents that may have discharged the lien
Circuit Court Search:
- Access the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access system
- Search by property owner name
- Review civil judgments that may constitute liens on real property
- Check for bankruptcy filings that may affect property interests
- Note case numbers and disposition status
County Treasurer Search:
- Contact the Marathon County Treasurer's Office
- Request information on delinquent property taxes
- Inquire about special assessments or charges
- Verify if the property is subject to tax foreclosure proceedings
Marathon County Treasurer's Office
500 Forest Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-1100
Marathon County Treasurer
Municipal Lien Search:
- Contact the specific municipality where the property is located
- Request information on:
- Unpaid utility bills
- Code enforcement liens
- Special assessments
- Municipal service charges
Under Wisconsin Statutes § 779.01, various types of liens may attach to real property, and proper searches must be conducted to identify all potential encumbrances. Professional title companies often perform comprehensive lien searches as part of real estate transactions to ensure clear title.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Marathon County?
Marathon County property ownership is governed by a combination of Wisconsin state laws and local ordinances that establish the rights and responsibilities of property owners. These regulations collectively form what is commonly referred to as the "property owner rule" in the county.
The fundamental aspects of property ownership rules in Marathon County include:
Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Register of Deeds
- Unrecorded conveyances are valid between parties but may be void against subsequent purchasers
- Documents must meet formatting standards per Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43(2m)
- Recording fees must be paid according to statutory schedules
Ownership Forms:
- Fee simple ownership (complete ownership rights)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Marital property under Wisconsin's community property laws
- Life estates
- Trust ownership
- Corporate or LLC ownership
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property taxes assessed annually based on January 1 ownership
- Tax bills issued in December for the current year
- Payment options include full payment or installments
- Tax delinquency may result in eventual foreclosure after 3 years
Land Use Restrictions:
- Zoning regulations limit permissible uses by district
- Building permits required for new construction and major renovations
- Shoreland zoning applies to properties near waterways
- Floodplain regulations restrict development in flood-prone areas
- Subdivision regulations govern land division
Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must complete the Wisconsin Real Estate Condition Report
- Material defects must be disclosed to potential buyers
- Environmental hazards must be reported if known
- Failure to disclose may result in legal liability
Marathon County's property ownership rules are further defined by the Marathon County Comprehensive Plan, which establishes long-term goals for land use and development throughout the county.
Property owners in Marathon County should be aware that ownership rights are subject to:
- Eminent domain powers of government entities
- Police powers to protect public health and safety
- Taxation authority of state and local governments
- Environmental regulations protecting natural resources
- Historic preservation restrictions where applicable