Court records in Grant County, Wisconsin can be searched through several channels. GrantCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also search records through the Wisconsin Court System case search, visit the Clerk of Court office at the Grant County Courthouse in Lancaster, or use public access terminals available at the courthouse. The Grant County Legal Resources page maintained by the Wisconsin State Law Library also provides useful contact information and links.
Grant County Court System & Jurisdictions
Wisconsin uses a unified court system. In Grant County, the Circuit Court is the trial-level court with general jurisdiction over virtually all case types. Grant County operates two circuit court branches, both located at the courthouse in Lancaster.
The Grant County Circuit Court handles:
- Criminal cases — felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic offenses
- Civil cases — lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury, and large claims
- Small claims — disputes involving $10,000 or less (filed under the circuit court's small claims division)
- Family law — divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and restraining orders
- Probate and guardianship — wills, estates, guardianships, and mental health commitments
- Traffic and ordinance violations — non-criminal traffic citations and municipal ordinance violations
- Juvenile cases — delinquency, children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
Wisconsin does not have separate magistrate courts or district courts at the county level. Municipal courts in some Grant County municipalities may handle local ordinance violations, but the circuit court is the primary court of record. Appeals from the Grant County Circuit Court go to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals, District IV, and records from those proceedings can be searched through the Wisconsin Supreme Court and Court of Appeals case access system.
Grant County Circuit Court
Grant County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court calendars for Grant County Circuit Court branches are managed through the Wisconsin Court System website. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's scheduled hearings:
- Go to the Wisconsin circuit court case search (CCAP).
- Search by party name or case number to locate a specific case.
- Once you open a case record, scheduled court dates and hearing details are listed on the docket.
You can also contact the Clerk of Court at (608) 723-2752 to ask about upcoming hearings for a specific case. The Grant County government website lists links to both Circuit Court Branch 1 and Branch 2 and may post meeting schedules and agendas for court-related proceedings.
Note that juvenile case calendars and certain sealed proceedings are not publicly available online.
How to Get a Copy of a Grant County Court Document
There are three main ways to obtain copies of Grant County court documents:
1. Online
The CCAP case search provides free access to docket information and some electronic documents for most case types dating back to approximately 1994. Not all documents are available for download — some filings must be requested directly from the clerk.
2. In Person or by Mail
Visit or write to the Grant County Clerk of Court:
When requesting copies, provide:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties involved
- The specific document(s) you need
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain photocopies of court documents. They work for personal reference but are generally not accepted for legal filings or official purposes.
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, real estate transactions, and government applications.
Certain records are restricted from public access under Wisconsin law, including sealed cases, juvenile records, and confidential portions of family law filings. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is available for release.
Criminal Background Checks
For statewide criminal history searches beyond Grant County court records, the Wisconsin Online Record Check System (WORCS) operated by the Department of Justice provides name-based criminal background checks.
Grant County Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record copies and services in Wisconsin are set by statute (primarily Wis. Stat. § 814.61). The following table reflects standard fees applicable at the Grant County Clerk of Court office:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $1.25 |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 per document |
| Court record search (by clerk) | $5.00 per name searched |
| Exemplified copies (with additional authentication) | $5.00 additional beyond certification fee |
| Computer printout (per page) | $1.25 |
Payment methods: Contact the Clerk of Court at (608) 723-2752 to confirm accepted payment methods. In-person requests are typically paid by cash, check, or money order. Mail requests should include a check or money order payable to the Grant County Clerk of Court.
If you are requesting records by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope along with your written request and payment. Fees are subject to change — verify current amounts with the clerk before sending payment. The Wisconsin Public Records Law Compliance Guide provides additional context on public records access and any applicable charges under state law.