Clerk Of Courts Waupaca serves as the official record keeper for all circuit court cases in Waupaca County, Wisconsin. This office manages civil, criminal, family, juvenile, traffic, small claims, and paternity filings. Every day, the office processes around 150 new legal documents, including summonses, motions, judgments, and protective orders. All original records are stored in a climate-controlled vault that meets Wisconsin Administrative Code standards for long-term preservation. The office maintains over two million digitized records dating back to 1901, accessible through an online portal, by mail, or in person. Services include issuing certified copies, managing expungement requests, coordinating guardianship filings, and providing language assistance in more than 15 languages.
Core Responsibilities of the Clerk Of Courts Waupaca
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca acts as the central hub for all non-judicial court functions. This includes maintaining the official docket, assigning case numbers, verifying document authenticity, and enforcing statutory deadlines. The office ensures every filing follows state law and court rules. It also collects fees for filings, service of process, and court-ordered reimbursements, depositing funds into the county’s general account. Under Wisconsin Statute § 31.07, the clerk must preserve records for at least ten years and make them available to the public unless confidentiality is required by law. The position is elected for a seven-year term, with Terrie Tews-Liebe currently serving as the lead clerk.
Record Management System and Divisions
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca organizes all court documents into seven specialized divisions: criminal, traffic, family, small claims, civil, juvenile, and paternity. Each division has trained staff who handle specific case types. For example, the criminal division manages over 1,200 arraignments each year, while the small claims division resolves approximately 350 disputes annually. Every document is reviewed for completeness, stamped with a receipt date, and assigned a unique case number. All records are digitized and backed up nightly to a secure state data center, ensuring access even during power outages or system failures.
Public Access to Court Records
Citizens can request copies of court documents from the Clerk Of Courts Waupaca in three ways: in person at the courthouse, by mail with a completed request form, or online through the county’s secure portal. The online system allows users to search and download PDFs of more than two million records. Certified copies are available for legal use and require a small fee. The office provides language-access services, including translation and interpreter support, to ensure equal access for non-English speakers. Requests are typically processed within one to three business days, depending on volume and complexity.
Small Claims Filing Procedures
To start a small claims case in Waupaca County, the plaintiff must file an original summons and complaint along with one photocopy for each defendant. The current filing fee is $125, payable by check or money order. If the plaintiff wants a personal copy, an additional $15 duplication fee applies. All signatures on the original documents must be dated and legible. The clerk will reject any filing that lacks proper signatures or dates. Once accepted, the case is entered into the docket, and a hearing is scheduled within 30 days. The small claims division handles about 350 cases each year, focusing on disputes under $10,000.
Fee Schedule for Circuit Court Filings
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca charges fees based on the type of case filed. As of 2025, a standard civil filing costs $215, while a divorce petition is $250. Specialized fees include $184.50 for paternity acknowledgment and $200 for mandatory mediation in child custody cases. Late filings incur a 10% penalty of the original fee. The complete fee schedule is posted on the county website and includes a downloadable spreadsheet for attorneys managing multiple cases. All fees are deposited into the county’s general fund and used to support court operations.
Protective Orders and Expungement Services
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca issues temporary and final protective orders for domestic abuse, harassment, and child protection cases. These orders are processed quickly, often the same day, to ensure safety. The office also maintains records related to expungement requests, which allow eligible individuals to seal certain criminal records. Expungement is only available for specific offenses and requires a court order. The clerk verifies eligibility, files the necessary paperwork, and updates the record system once the court approves the request. All sensitive information is handled with strict confidentiality.
Guardianship and Probate Coordination
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca coordinates filings for court-appointed guardianships, including cases involving minors and incapacitated adults. These filings require detailed documentation, including medical evaluations, background checks, and financial disclosures. The clerk ensures all forms are complete and schedules hearings before a judge. While the Clerk of Courts handles these filings, probate matters are managed by a separate branch of the circuit court. The office provides procedural guides and checklists to help applicants navigate the process correctly on the first attempt.
Jury Service Administration
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca manages the jury summons process for Waupaca County. Potential jurors are randomly selected from voter registration and driver’s license databases. Summonses are mailed with instructions on how to confirm service, request deferrals, or claim exemptions. The clerk’s office tracks responses, updates the jury pool, and coordinates with court staff to ensure enough jurors are available for trials. Jurors receive payment for their service and are provided with parking and waiting area access at the courthouse.
Language Access and Accessibility Services
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca offers language-access services to ensure fair treatment for all residents. Translation is available in more than 15 languages, including Spanish, Hmong, and Somali. Interpreters can be arranged for in-person visits, phone calls, or court appearances. The office also provides materials in large print and assists individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. All public areas are wheelchair accessible, and staff are trained to help with document reading and form completion when needed.
Online Portal and Digital Records
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca provides an online portal where users can search, view, and download court records. The system includes over two million documents, with search filters for case type, date, party name, and case number. Records are available in PDF format and can be printed or saved. The portal is updated daily and backed up nightly to a secure state server. Users must agree to terms of use and may be required to register for an account to access certain records. The system is designed to protect privacy while allowing public access to non-confidential information.
Office Hours and Contact Information
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a short lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. The office is located at 811 Harding St, Waupaca, WI 54981. The main phone number is (715) 258-6200. Terrie Tews-Liebe serves as the lead clerk and can be reached at (715) 258-6460. Deputy Clerk Danielle Taggart handles daily operations and public inquiries. All contact details and service guides are posted on the official Waupaca County website.
Waupaca County Courthouse Locations
Waupaca County operates three circuit court locations. The main courthouse is at 811 Harding St in Waupaca, housing the Clerk Of Courts office and four elected judges. Satellite locations in New London and Iola handle limited cases and filings. Each location has secure parking, accessible entrances, and public waiting areas with Wi-Fi and self-service kiosks. Court commissioners assist with preliminary hearings, bail settings, and small claims mediations to reduce the judges’ workload. Schedules and procedures vary by location, so visitors should check the county website before arriving.
Difference Between Clerk of Courts and County Clerk
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca is not the same as the County Clerk. The Clerk of Courts handles only court-related records and filings. The County Clerk, currently Kristy K. Opperman, manages voter registration, marriage licenses, property deeds, and business permits. While both offices are located in the same building, they serve different functions. Confusion is common, so residents should verify which office they need before visiting. The County Clerk’s team includes 12 employees and operates under different state statutes and procedures.
Filing Deadlines and Statutory Requirements
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca enforces strict deadlines for all filings. Missing a deadline can result in dismissal of a case or additional fees. For example, civil appeals must be filed within 30 days of the judgment, and small claims responses are due within 20 days of service. The office provides procedural guides and checklists to help filers meet requirements. Staff verify that all documents include required signatures, dates, and attachments before acceptance. Late filings are subject to a 10% penalty, and some actions cannot be filed after the statute of limitations expires.
Certified Copies and Legal Use
Certified copies from the Clerk Of Courts Waupaca are official documents with a raised seal and clerk signature. These are required for legal proceedings, background checks, and government applications. The fee for certification is $5 per document. Uncertified copies are available for free viewing in person or for a small fee online. Certified copies can be requested in person, by mail, or through the online portal. Processing time is typically one business day, but rush service is available for an additional charge.
Public Records and Transparency
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca follows Wisconsin’s open records law, making most court documents available to the public. Exceptions include juvenile records, sealed cases, and documents containing sensitive personal information. Requests for restricted records require a court order. The office maintains a log of all record requests and ensures responses are timely and accurate. Transparency is a core value, and the office regularly updates its online database to reflect new filings and case statuses.
Technology and Data Security
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca uses advanced software to manage records, fees, and scheduling. All data is encrypted and stored on secure servers with nightly backups. The system includes audit trails to track who accessed or modified a record. Staff undergo regular training on data privacy and cybersecurity. The office complies with state and federal regulations, including the Wisconsin Administrative Code and the Judicial Branch’s technology standards. Regular system updates ensure reliability and protection against cyber threats.
Community Outreach and Education
The Clerk Of Courts Waupaca provides educational resources to help residents understand court procedures. The website includes step-by-step guides for filing small claims, requesting records, and attending hearings. Staff offer in-person assistance and host occasional workshops on legal rights and responsibilities. The office also partners with local libraries and community centers to distribute informational brochures. These efforts aim to reduce confusion and improve access to justice for all county residents.
Emergency and After-Hours Access
In emergencies, such as natural disasters or power outages, the Clerk Of Courts Waupaca ensures continuity of service. Records remain accessible through the state data center backup system. For urgent matters after hours, contact information for emergency court personnel is listed on the county website. The office also maintains a hotline for reporting lost or stolen documents and for requesting expedited processing in life-threatening situations. Normal operations resume as soon as possible after disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a copy of a court record? You can request records in person, by mail, or online through the county portal. Include the case number, party names, and payment for fees. Processing takes one to three days.
What is the difference between the Clerk of Courts and the County Clerk? The Clerk of Courts handles court records and filings. The County Clerk manages voter registration, marriage licenses, and property deeds.
Can I file a small claims case online? No, small claims must be filed in person or by mail with original signatures. Online filing is not accepted for these cases.
How much does it cost to file a civil case? The standard filing fee is $215. Additional fees may apply for service of process or certified copies.
Are juvenile records public? No, juvenile records are confidential and only accessible with a court order.
What languages are supported? The office provides translation in over 15 languages, including Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
How long are records kept? Most records are preserved for at least ten years, as required by Wisconsin law.
Official Contact and Location
Clerk Of Courts Waupaca
811 Harding St, Waupaca, WI 54981
Phone: (715) 258-6200
Lead Clerk: Terrie Tews-Liebe (715) 258-6460
Deputy Clerk: Danielle Taggart
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Website: https://www.waupacacounty-wi.gov/departments/government_departments/clerk_of_courts/index.php
