Douglas County
Douglas County, located in northwestern Wisconsin, was established in 1854. It spans approximately 1,480 square miles and has a population of about 44,092. The county seat is Superior, the hub for government and judicial activities. The county's rich history is tied to its location on Lake Superior and its contributions to shipping and natural resources.
Douglas County operates within Wisconsin's Judicial Framework and comprises a Circuit Court with jurisdiction over the entire county. The county also has Municipal Courts operating within city limits per Section 755.01. The Circuit Court handles various cases, including general civil disputes, property claims, and equity matters. It also addresses criminal cases such as felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile delinquencies. The Family Division of the Circuit Court resolves family law cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic violence cases. Probate matters, including wills, estates, trusts, and guardianship cases, and juvenile cases such as delinquency, and truancy issues fall under its purview. Moreover, the Circuit Court has appellate authority over decisions from the Municipal Courts. On the other hand, the Douglas County Municipal Courts focus on traffic violations, first-offense operating while intoxicated cases, ordinance violations, including noise complaints and local infractions as well as juvenile issues such as truancy and curfew violations. These courts cater to the legal needs of specific communities.
Douglas County court records detail case filings, motions, judgments, and trial outcomes. These records are available to the public under Wisconsin's Open Records Law unless deemed confidential and sealed by court orders. Available court records include:
- Civil records
- Criminal records
- Traffic records
- Family law records
- Probate records.
However, records of mental health proceedings, adoption, juvenile, and sealed cases involving sensitive personal information are restricted due to privacy concerns. Douglas County records can be accessed through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal. Individuals can perform searches by case number, party name, or attorney details. Requesters can also visit the Clerk of Circuit Court's Office to inspect or request physical copies at the courthouse at:
1313 Belknap Street
Superior, WI 54880
Phone: (715) 395-1203
Fees may apply for copies of court records. Certified copies typically incur additional charges.
