Door Court Records are the official case files, dockets, and judgments from the Door County Circuit Court in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. A Door County court case search pulls up civil lawsuits, family matters, probate estates, and small claims disputes filed in this 8th Judicial District court. You can run a Door County court docket lookup free through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal at wcca.wicourts.gov. That site lets you search by party name, business name, or case number to see filing dates, hearing schedules, and final orders. For older or sealed files, the Door County Clerk of Courts office at 207 South 4th Avenue keeps physical records and public access terminals. Whether you need to check a neighbor’s property dispute or verify a judgment, these records give you direct insight into local legal actions without needing a lawyer to start.
Door Court Records cover every civil action heard in Door County, from contract breaches and personal injury claims to divorce decrees and restraining orders. A Door County Wisconsin circuit court records search reveals the full timeline of a case—initial complaint, motions, trial dates, and final disposition. The Door County clerk of courts case search desk handles certified copy requests, while the online system gives instant Door County court records online access for most post-2000 filings. If you need Door County civil court case records for a background check or legal research, the docket entries list parties, attorneys, and judgment amounts. A Door County court document search can pull up specific pleadings, though some exhibits require an in-person visit. Learning how to find Door County court records starts with the CCAP portal, where the Door County judicial case docket updates daily. That same Door County court case information helps landlords screen tenants, journalists report on public proceedings, and citizens follow local justice.
How to Search Door County Court Records Online
You can search Door County court records for free using the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) portal. Go to wcca.wicourts.gov. This site holds case dockets from all 72 Wisconsin counties, including Door County. Records filed since 2000 are available online. Older records may require an in-person visit to the Clerk of Courts office.
Access the Wisconsin CCAP Portal
Open the WCCA website. The homepage shows a search form. Select Door from the county dropdown menu. You do not need an account or login to search public records.
Choose Your Search Method
- By Name — Enter last name and first name. Use a percent sign (%) as a wildcard for partial names.
- By Case Number — Type the full case number in the format YYYY-CX-NNNN (example: 2026-CV-000123).
- By Business Name — Search for a company that is a party in a case.
- By Attorney Bar Number — Find all cases linked to a specific Wisconsin-licensed attorney.
- By Citation Number — Look up traffic or forfeiture cases.
Interpret Door County Case Results
After you search, a list of matching cases appears. Each entry shows the county (DOOR), case number, case type code, filing date, status (open or closed), and party names. Click the case number to see the full docket. The docket lists every action in the case, from the initial filing to the final judgment.
| Code | Case Type |
|---|---|
| CF | Criminal Felony |
| CM | Criminal Misdemeanor |
| CT | Criminal Traffic |
| CV | Civil |
| FA | Family |
| PR | Probate |
| SC | Small Claims |
| FO | Forfeiture |
| IN | Civil Injunction (harassment, restraining orders) |
| TP | Termination of Parental Rights |
Understand Search Limitations
- Sealed or expunged cases do not appear in CCAP.
- Records older than about 25 years may have limited scanned documents.
- The portal does not show real-time court minutes, audio recordings, or exhibits.
- Scraping or automated data collection is not allowed.
Types of Door County Court Records Available
Door County court records fall into six main groups. Each type has its own case code, retention rules, and public access level.
Door County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases include felony (CF), misdemeanor (CM), and criminal traffic (CT) matters. The docket shows the charges, plea, sentence, and case status. Sentencing documents and some exhibits are not online. You can request those from the Clerk of Courts.
Door County Civil Court Records
Civil cases (CV) involve money disputes over $10,000, contract claims, and property disagreements. The docket includes the complaint, answer, motions, and final judgment. Civil judgments stay on public record for 20 years under Wisconsin Statute §806.15.
Door County Family Court Records
Family cases (FA) cover divorce, legal separation, paternity, child support, and guardianship. Online dockets redact minor children’s names and financial account numbers. Custody evaluations and mediation reports are sealed under §767.13.
Door County Probate Court Records
Probate cases (PR) handle wills, estate administration, and adult guardianships. The filing date and case status are public. The contents of a will remain sealed until the person’s death under §853.05.
Door County Traffic and Forfeiture Records
Traffic and forfeiture cases include municipal ordinance violations and OWI (Operating While Intoxicated). OWI convictions appear permanently in CCAP. Wisconsin law does not allow expungement of OWI convictions as of 2026.
Door County Small Claims Records
Small claims cases (SC) involve disputes between $5,001 and $10,000. A court commissioner hears these cases. Judgments are enforceable for 20 years.
Door County Court Records vs. Other Wisconsin Counties
All Wisconsin counties use the same WCCA portal. Door County has a smaller caseload than larger counties, which often means faster record updates. The table below compares Door County to neighboring counties.
| Feature | Door County | Brown County | Kewaunee County | Marinette County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCAP Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Filings | ~3,000 | ~22,000 | ~1,200 | ~4,000 |
| Court Branches | 2 (1 judge) | 7+ | 1 | 2 |
| Historic Records (pre-2000) | Partial digitization | Partial | Limited | Limited |
| eFiling Mandatory | Yes (civil/appeals) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 8th Judicial District | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (9th) |
| Self-Help Resource Center | Yes (Sturgeon Bay) | Yes (Green Bay) | Limited | Yes (Marinette) |
Why Door County Is Different From Larger Wisconsin Counties
- Tourist-season volume spikes — Traffic cases triple during summer months (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
- Seasonal residents — Many cases involve part-time property owners with out-of-county attorneys.
- Cross-border issues — Ferry and border proximity to Michigan (via Washington Island) creates interstate compacts and extradition cases.
How to Request Certified Copies of Door County Court Records
Certified copies are official paper records with a raised seal. You can only get them from the Door County Clerk of Courts office. The online CCAP portal does not provide certified copies.
Fees and Processing Times
| Service | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.25 | 3–5 business days |
| Certification seal | $5.00 | Included |
| Exemplified copy (court seal + clerk signature + judge signature) | $20.00 + page fee | 5–10 business days |
| Federal apostille (through WI Secretary of State) | $2.00 (state) + $8.00 (federal) | 2–4 weeks |
| Payment methods | Cash, check, money order, credit card (+ processing fee) | — |
Steps to Request a Certified Copy
- Find the exact case number and document title.
- Send a written request by mail, fax, or in person to the Clerk of Courts office.
- Include a government-issued ID for sensitive records (sealed, juvenile, mental health).
- Pay the required fee.
- Receive the certified copy by mail or pick it up at the courthouse.
Mail Request Template
Door County Clerk of Courts 207 S. 4th Avenue Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 RE: Certified Copy Request Case No.: [YYYY-CX-NNNN] Document Requested: [e.g., "Final Judgment of Divorce dated 06/15/2024"] Number of Copies: [#] Enclosed: $___ (check/money order) Sincerely, [Name / Address / Phone]
Door County Court Record Privacy, Sealing, and Expungement
Wisconsin law provides ways to limit public access to certain court records. Sealing hides records from public view. Expungement removes them entirely. OWI convictions cannot be expunged.
Wisconsin Record Sealing Statutes
| Statute | Scope | Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| §973.015 | Expungement on reversal or pardon | Cases where conviction overturned or pardoned |
| §971.45(1m) | Deferred prosecution agreement | First-time nonviolent misdemeanors |
| §968.26 | Sealing for safety | Witness, jury, or court officer identity |
| §938.396 | Juvenile record sealing | Juveniles turning 18 or 25 |
| §767.85(2m) | Paternity record sealing | Alleged fathers not proven |
Background Check Companies and Door County Records
Third-party background check services collect data from CCAP. Wisconsin law does not require your consent for public court records. The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) restricts how employers can use these records. Door County records stay in CCAP until a court orders their removal.
Door County Court Record Retention Schedule
Felony cases are kept permanently. Misdemeanor records stay for 7 years after judgment. Civil judgments remain for 20 years. Traffic and forfeiture records are kept for 5 years. Older physical files are stored at the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison.
Contact Information
Door County Clerk of Courts Office
Address: 207 South 4th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Phone: (920) 746-2205
Fax: (920) 746-2449
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Central Time
Email: clerk@co.door.wi.us
Current Clerk: Tara LaLonde
In-Person Public Access Terminals
Two free public terminals are available in the Door County Courthouse lobby. Use them to search records not available on CCAP, such as older archives and judgment liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Door Court Records help you look up legal case details from Door County, Wisconsin. You can find civil lawsuits, criminal charges, family court matters, and traffic cases. The online system lets you search by name, case number, or date. This saves time and trips to the courthouse. You can also get copies of court documents for a small fee. Knowing how to search and what to expect makes the process simple and fast.
How do I perform a Door County court case search online?
Go to the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA) website at wcca.wicourts.gov. Accept the terms, then choose Door County from the county list. You can search by a person’s last name, first name, and birth date. You can also search by business name or case number. The system shows case summaries, charges, court dates, and judgments. Records go back to 2000. For older cases, you must contact the Door County Clerk of Courts office directly. The online search is free and works on phones and computers.
What details appear in a Door County court docket lookup?
A Door County court docket lookup shows the case number, filing date, and case type. You will see the names of the people involved, the judge, and the attorneys. The docket lists every action in the case, such as motions, hearings, and orders. It also shows final decisions, fines, and sentences. Some dockets include links to actual court documents. If a case is sealed or confidential, the public docket will not display it. You can use the docket to track case progress or check someone’s legal history.
How can I get copies of Door County circuit court records?
You can get copies of Door County circuit court records by visiting the Clerk of Courts office in person or by mailing a request. The office is at the Door County Justice Center, 1201 S Duluth Ave, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235. You need to provide the case number and the names of the parties. There is a fee for copies and certification. You can also print some documents from the Wisconsin CCAP website if they are available online. For certified copies, you must go through the clerk’s office. Call ahead to confirm fees and hours.
What types of cases are in Door County civil court records?
Door County civil court records include small claims, large claims, evictions, foreclosures, and restraining orders. They also cover contract disputes, personal injury cases, and property disagreements. You can find the names of the people suing and being sued, the case status, and the final judgment. Some records show the amount of money awarded. Civil cases do not involve criminal charges, but they can still affect credit and background checks. You can search these records online or request them from the clerk’s office.
How do I find Door County court records for a criminal case?
Use the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website to search for criminal cases in Door County. Enter the person’s name and select criminal as the case type. You will see charges, court dates, plea details, and sentencing. For older criminal records not online, visit the Door County Clerk of Courts office. You can also request a background check from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Some records may be sealed or expunged and will not appear in public searches. Always verify the case number if you need official copies.
Can I look up Door County judicial case docket by case number?
Yes, the Wisconsin CCAP website lets you search by case number. Enter the full case number, including the year and case type code. For example, a Door County case number might look like 2023CF000123. This method gives you the exact case you need without sorting through similar names. If you do not have the case number, you can still search by name. The case number is on any court notice or document you received. Using the case number is the fastest way to find the docket.