Kenosha-WI-Courthouse stands as the central legal hub for Kenosha County, serving residents since 1850 with comprehensive court administration, public records access, and justice system support. Located at 912 56th Street, this facility processes over 30,000 civil and criminal filings annually while maintaining one of Wisconsin’s oldest continuous court archives. The courthouse operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering marriage licenses, small claims filing, probate document retrieval, and jury duty registration—all supported by 25 full-time staff members who manage scheduling, docketing, and digital record requests through an online portal receiving more than 10,000 monthly visits.
Clerk of Circuit Court Office: Core Functions and Services
The Clerk of Circuit Court Office manages all administrative and financial operations for Kenosha County’s circuit court system. Established in 1850, this office handles case scheduling, maintains historical records dating back to the county’s founding, and oversees a $4 million annual budget that funds security upgrades and technology improvements. Residents can obtain certified copies of marriage licenses, file small claims actions, or request probate documents either in person at the main counter or through the secure online portal. The office also coordinates with state agencies to ensure compliance with Wisconsin’s court rules and public records laws.
Court Facilities and Technology Infrastructure
The Kenosha County Courthouse building houses multiple courtroom suites equipped with digital recording systems installed in 2022, ensuring accurate transcript creation and remote hearing capabilities. A public waiting area provides free Wi-Fi, ADA-compliant access with tactile signage, and wheelchair-accessible elevators. The records retrieval desk processes approximately 1,500 requests daily, while a secure evidence vault meets Wisconsin state preservation standards for sensitive materials. Security is managed by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, which staffs entry checkpoints and monitors building access during operating hours.
Municipal Court Operations and Remote Services
The City of Kenosha Municipal Court handles violations of local ordinances, traffic infractions, and misdemeanor criminal offenses under the Municipal Court Act of 1973. With roughly 12,000 cases processed annually, the court offers a telephone appearance service used in over 1,200 hearings during 2023. Individuals unable to attend in person must contact the Clerk of the Municipal Court at (262) 653-4220 at least 24 hours before their scheduled hearing to arrange remote participation. This service reduces travel burdens and improves court efficiency while maintaining due process rights.
Real-Time Case Tracking and Public Alerts
The Court Case Tracker delivers real-time updates on active lawsuits, criminal prosecutions, and probate matters filed in Kenosha County. Users can enroll in RSS feeds via the Wisconsin Circuit Courts Access portal by locating their case and selecting the “RSS” icon to receive automatic notifications for docket entries, hearing schedules, or judgment filings. In 2023 alone, the system sent over 85,000 alerts to attorneys, plaintiffs, and the general public, eliminating the need for repeated manual checks and ensuring timely awareness of procedural changes.
Location, Parking, and Accessibility Features
The Kenosha County Courthouse is located at 912 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140, with municipal lot parking available at a daily rate of $5. The facility is fully ADA-compliant, featuring tactile signage, ramps, and elevators for wheelchair users. Contact numbers include the main clerk line at (262) 653-2600 and technical support at (262) 653-2800. An on-site mediation center resolved 245 disputes in 2023, offering alternative conflict resolution options outside formal litigation. The building also includes a digital way-finding kiosk that displays real-time parking availability and courtroom directions.
Record Search System and Document Retrieval
The Clerk of Courts maintains a searchable database categorizing legal filings into ten groups: Civil, Criminal, Traffic, Family, Habitual Traffic Offender, Inmate, Prisoner, Juvenile, Injunction, and Ordinance Violations. Each record search costs $5, with certified copies typically delivered within 48 hours. In 2023, the online portal processed 9,800 paid searches, supporting requests submitted in person, by mail, or through an encrypted email form that meets state security standards. This system ensures fast, secure access to vital legal documents for attorneys, researchers, and the public.
Judicial Staff and Courtroom Assignments
Kenosha County’s judicial roster includes several circuit judges and commissioners assigned to specific courtrooms and chambers. Honorable Anthony Milisauskas presides over Courtroom 117 and Chamber 121, handling civil disputes, probate matters, and family law cases. His office can be reached at (262) 653-2606. Honorable David P. Wilk oversees Courtroom 205 and Chamber 201, managing criminal prosecutions and traffic violations, with direct contact at (262) 653-2508. Supporting staff include certified court reporters and clerks who produce official transcripts and maintain accurate docket entries for all proceedings.
County Clerk and Election Administration
The Kenosha County Clerk’s Office, located at 19600 75th Street in Bristol, WI, administers elections, maintains property records, and processes business licenses. During the August 15, 2022 partisan primary, the office handled over 30,000 ballots and provided absentee voting services for 4,200 registered voters. Services are currently by appointment only due to staffing constraints, with 12 staff members assisting the public via phone, email, and an online portal recording more than 2,500 inquiries monthly. This office ensures compliance with Wisconsin election laws and transparent recordkeeping.
City Clerk/Treasurer and Municipal Services
The City Clerk/Treasurer’s office at City Hall, 625 52nd Street, serves as the primary resource for business licensing, public records requests, voter registration, and municipal tax collection. The office processes approximately 3,200 business license applications each year and maintains an online portal where entrepreneurs can file formation documents, pay fees, and track application status. The clerk also coordinates official city meetings, records minutes, and provides certified copies of ordinances upon request, supporting transparent local governance.
Department of Assessment and Property Valuation
The City of Kenosha’s Department of Assessment oversees property valuation, maintains the municipal GIS database, and coordinates public outreach on tax matters. With a staff of 18 analysts, the department processes over 45,000 property assessments annually and provides online access to real-time valuation data. Residents may submit questions through an automated ticketing system available 24 hours a day or call the main office at (262) 653-4480 during standard business hours for live assistance. This ensures fair and accurate property tax assessments across the city.
Nearby Services and Visitor Convenience
Located just a 10-minute drive from downtown Kenosha, the courthouse at 3721 60th Street is adjacent to hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets, making it convenient for out-of-town litigants. The public entry is monitored by a security checkpoint staffed by the Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office. Visitors can use a digital way-finding kiosk for real-time parking updates and courtroom directions. The facility’s main information desk, reachable at (262) 652-0300, assists with case inquiries, record requests, and general courthouse information.
Related Public Record Resources
For background checks or additional legal research, users may access complementary databases such as Public Phone Numbers, Peoplecom Search, Vilas County Court Records, Public Records Bakersfield CA, and Allendale County Jail Mugshots. These tools support investigations into property ownership, criminal history, or contact verification but should be used alongside official Kenosha County resources for accuracy and compliance with privacy laws.
Contact Information and Official Links
For direct assistance, contact the Kenosha County Clerk of Courts at (262) 653-2600 or visit the official website: https://www.kenoshacounty.org/118/Clerk-of-Courts. The Municipal Court can be reached at (262) 653-4220, and the City Clerk/Treasurer at (262) 653-4200. All offices operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The courthouse address is 912 56th Street, Kenosha, WI 53140, with parking available in the adjacent municipal lot for $5 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Kenosha-WI-Courthouse include how to file a small claims case, obtain a marriage license, track a court case online, request public records, and arrange a telephone appearance for municipal court. Residents also frequently ask about parking fees, ADA accessibility, jury duty procedures, and mediation services. Below are detailed answers to these and other key inquiries based on current policies and 2023 operational data.
How do I file a small claims case at the Kenosha County Courthouse?
To file a small claims case, visit the Clerk of Circuit Court Office at 912 56th Street during business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) or use the online portal. You’ll need to complete a civil summons and complaint form, pay the required filing fee (typically $120–$180 depending on claim amount), and provide details about the defendant and nature of the dispute. The clerk will assign a case number and schedule a hearing date. Small claims in Wisconsin are limited to $10,000, and attorneys are not permitted—parties represent themselves. After filing, you must serve the defendant with court papers using certified mail or a process server. Failure to serve properly may delay your case. The court offers free informational pamphlets to help litigants understand procedures. In 2023, over 1,800 small claims were filed in Kenosha County, with most resolved within 90 days.
Can I get a marriage license at the Kenosha courthouse, and what documents are needed?
Yes, marriage licenses are issued at the Kenosha County Courthouse by the Clerk of Courts office. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo IDs (such as driver’s licenses or passports) and provide proof of age. If either party was previously married, a certified divorce decree or death certificate must be presented. There is a $100 fee, payable by cash, check, or credit card. The license is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere in Wisconsin. No blood test is required. Couples should allow at least 30 minutes for processing. The office recommends arriving early, especially on Fridays, which are the busiest day for license requests. In 2023, the office issued over 1,200 marriage licenses, reflecting steady demand throughout the year.
How does the Court Case Tracker work, and how do I sign up for alerts?
The Court Case Tracker is a free online service that sends real-time notifications when there’s activity in a specific case, such as a new filing, hearing date, or judgment. To sign up, go to the Wisconsin Circuit Courts Access portal, search for your case by name or case number, and click the “RSS” icon next to the case details. You’ll receive an email or RSS feed update whenever the docket changes. This tool is used by attorneys, defendants, plaintiffs, and the public to stay informed without constantly checking the website. In 2023, the system delivered over 85,000 alerts, proving its value in keeping parties updated. No registration or fee is required—just a valid email address or RSS reader.
What are the parking options and costs at the Kenosha County Courthouse?
Parking at the Kenosha County Courthouse is available in a municipal lot adjacent to the building at 912 56th Street. The daily rate is $5, payable by cash or card at automated kiosks. The lot opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. on weekdays. Street parking is limited and often restricted to two hours, so the municipal lot is recommended for court visitors. The lot is well-lit, monitored by security cameras, and staffed during peak hours. ADA-compliant spaces are available near the main entrance. In 2023, over 40,000 vehicles used the lot, with peak usage between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on court days.
Is the courthouse accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the Kenosha County Courthouse is fully ADA-compliant. The building features wheelchair-accessible entrances, elevators with Braille buttons, ramps, and wide doorways. Tactile signage is installed throughout for visually impaired visitors. Public restrooms include accessible stalls, and hearing loops are available in courtrooms for those with hearing aids. The waiting area has seating with armrests for easier standing. Staff are trained to assist individuals with disabilities, and service animals are welcome. The courthouse underwent accessibility upgrades in 2022, including new digital kiosks with voice guidance. These features ensure equal access to justice for all residents.
How can I request a copy of a court record or legal document?
Court records can be requested in person at the records retrieval desk, by mail, or through the encrypted online portal. Each search costs $5, and certified copies may incur additional fees. Records are categorized into ten types, including civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate. Most certified copies are delivered within 48 hours. You’ll need the case number, party names, and date of filing. Juvenile and sealed records require special authorization. In 2023, the office processed 9,800 paid searches, with over 80% completed online. The system uses state-approved encryption to protect sensitive data during transmission.
What mediation services are available at the courthouse?
The courthouse hosts an on-site mediation center that offers free or low-cost conflict resolution for civil disputes, family law matters, and small claims. Mediators are trained volunteers or certified professionals who help parties reach agreements without going to trial. In 2023, the center resolved 245 disputes, saving time and money for litigants. Sessions are confidential and voluntary. To request mediation, ask the clerk when filing a case or contact the center directly. The service is especially useful for neighbor disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and child custody disagreements. Success rates exceed 70%, making it a preferred alternative to courtroom battles.
How do I contact a judge or court staff for case information?
Judges and their staff can be contacted via direct phone lines, but only for procedural questions—not case outcomes. For example, Honorable Anthony Milisauskas’s office is at (262) 653-2606, and Honorable David P. Wilk’s is at (262) 653-2508. Court clerks handle scheduling and document requests at (262) 653-2600. Emails should be sent through the official county portal to ensure privacy. Do not call judges at home or discuss case details informally. All communication must follow court rules to avoid ethical violations. In 2023, court staff responded to over 15,000 inquiries, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
What is the difference between the County Clerk and the Clerk of Courts?
The County Clerk manages elections, property records, and business licenses from an office in Bristol, WI. The Clerk of Courts handles all court-related filings, case scheduling, and legal records at the courthouse in Kenosha. While both are elected officials, their duties are separate. The County Clerk supports democracy through voter services; the Clerk of Courts supports the judiciary through case management. Confusing the two is common, but knowing which office to contact saves time. For example, marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of Courts, not the County Clerk. Each office has its own phone number, website, and service hours.
Can I attend a municipal court hearing by phone?
Yes, the City of Kenosha Municipal Court allows telephone appearances for eligible cases, such as traffic tickets or minor ordinance violations. You must request this service at least 24 hours before your hearing by calling (262) 653-4220. The court will provide a toll-free number and access code. This option was used in over 1,200 hearings in 2023, reducing travel and wait times. Not all cases qualify—serious criminal charges require in-person attendance. The judge may ask you to confirm your identity and state your case clearly. Poor audio quality or disconnection may result in a reset or default judgment, so use a quiet, stable line.