Brown County Clerk Of Courts Green Bay serves as the central hub for all circuit court operations in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The office manages civil and criminal case filings, maintains public court records, and provides vital legal documents to residents and attorneys. Located at 100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301, the office is led by Clerk of Circuit Courts John A. Vander Leest. Residents can reach the office by phone at (920) 448‑4155 or fax at (920) 448‑4156. Mail is processed through P.O. Box 23600, Green Bay, WI 54305‑3600. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. The office supports self-service record searches via an ADA-compliant public terminal and offers certified document copies for $10 each, typically ready in 2–3 business days.
Contact Information and Office Details
The Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court is located in the historic Brown County Courthouse at 100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301. This central location provides easy access to public transportation and on-site parking along Jefferson Street. The building is fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring all residents can access services without barriers. Office hours are consistent Monday through Friday, with a lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office remains closed on all state-recognized holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. For after-hours document submissions, a secure mail slot is available near the main entrance. A 24-hour automated phone line provides case status updates, helping residents stay informed without needing to visit in person.
Services Provided by the Clerk of Circuit Court
The Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court offers a wide range of legal and administrative services. These include filing civil and criminal cases, issuing certified court documents such as judgments and dockets, and processing summonses and subpoenas. The office also handles probate applications, including wills and estate filings, and assists with small claims and family law matters. Staff members provide brief consultations for complex filings, helping residents understand required forms and procedures. Certified copies of court documents are available for $10 per copy, with most requests completed within 2–3 business days. For out-of-state inquiries, a dedicated secure email address is available through the county’s official website. The office also supports jury summons distribution and maintains an up-to-date docket index for public access.
Online Access to Court Records
Residents can access Wisconsin Circuit Court Records online through the Wisconsin Court Access (WCAA) portal. This statewide system allows users to search for case dockets, judgments, and land records using a case number or party name. The portal updates in near real-time, ensuring accurate and current information. Users can view case status, hearing dates, and court rulings without visiting the office. The system is free to use and accessible 24/7 from any device with internet access. For those needing certified copies, physical documents can be requested in person or by mail. The WCAA portal also includes downloadable PDF forms for probate, small claims, and family law filings, each with step-by-step instructions to guide users through the process.
Passport Application Services
The Brown County Clerk’s office provides passport application processing at 305 East Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (920) 448‑4016, though walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on weekdays. Applicants must bring a completed DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photo meeting State Department standards. The processing fee is $130 for a first-time adult passport book, with an additional $35 for expedited service. Renewal requests using form DS-82 are also accepted, with same-day pick-up available for an extra $60. This service is managed by the County Clerk’s office, not the Circuit Court Clerk, but both are located in the same building for convenience.
Vital Records: Birth and Marriage Certificates
Brown County’s Register of Deeds issues birth and marriage certificates for all Wisconsin counties from October 1, 1907, to the present. The fee is $20 for the first certified copy and $3 for each additional copy. Residents can request these records in person at the Clerk of Courts office, by mail using a notarized application form, or through the state’s secure online portal. In-person requests are typically fulfilled within 15 minutes, while mailed applications take 7–10 business days. Payment is accepted in cash, check, money order, or credit card. The online portal allows users to verify record availability before submitting a formal request, reducing delays. These services are available during regular office hours and support both local and out-of-state applicants.
Municipal Court and Traffic Violations
The Green Bay Municipal Court, located at 100 North Jefferson Street, handles traffic citations, municipal ordinance violations, and low-level misdemeanor cases. The court operates Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It is closed on major holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day. A self-service kiosk allows defendants to pay fines after hours, and legal assistance desks are staffed during business hours to help individuals understand their rights and court procedures. The court’s website offers downloadable forms for plea entries and small claims filings. While the Municipal Court is separate from the Circuit Court, both serve the Green Bay community and are located within close proximity for easy access.
County Clerk and Election Services
Patrick W. Moynihan, Jr. serves as the Brown County Clerk and oversees elections, official county records, and various permits including business licenses and notary commissions. His office is located in the same building as the Circuit Court at 100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301. He can be reached at (920) 448‑4016 or by fax at (920) 448‑4498. Office hours match those of the Circuit Court Clerk, operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. During election seasons, a dedicated voter assistance desk is available to help residents with registration, absentee ballots, and polling location information. The County Clerk also maintains election results and ensures compliance with state voting laws.
Public Access and Self-Service Options
The Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court promotes accessibility through multiple self-service options. An ADA-compliant public terminal allows residents to search court records during office hours without staff assistance. A 24-hour phone line provides automated case status updates, reducing wait times for information. A secure after-hours mail slot accepts document submissions when the office is closed. The building also houses a self-service kiosk for fee payments and jury summons distribution. These tools empower residents to complete tasks efficiently while minimizing in-person visits. Staff remain available for complex inquiries, ensuring support is always accessible when needed.
Parking and Building Accessibility
Parking for the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court is available on Jefferson Street, with designated spaces for visitors near the main entrance. The historic courthouse is fully accessible, featuring ramps, elevators, and wide doorways to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. Public restrooms and seating are available in the lobby. The building includes a records archive, public lobby, and multiple service counters to streamline operations. Maps of the facility are posted throughout, and staff are trained to assist visitors with navigation. These features ensure all residents can access services comfortably and independently.
Electronic Filing and Modernization
Brown County supports electronic filing for time-sensitive court submissions through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal. Attorneys and legal professionals can submit documents online, reducing paperwork and processing delays. The system is secure, encrypted, and compliant with state judicial standards. Residents without legal representation can still use the portal to view records and download forms. The county continues to modernize its systems to improve efficiency and transparency. These digital tools reflect a commitment to serving the community with up-to-date technology while maintaining traditional in-person services for those who prefer them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many residents have common questions about the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court. Below are detailed answers to help clarify services, fees, and procedures.
How do I get a certified copy of a court document?
To obtain a certified copy of a court document, visit the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court office at 100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301, during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and the case number if available. The fee is $10 per document, and most requests are processed within 2–3 business days. You can also mail a request with a notarized application form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment by check or money order. Certified copies are legally valid and often required for legal proceedings, employment, or immigration purposes. Staff are available to assist with locating the correct document and explaining the certification process.
Can I search court records online for free?
Yes, you can search court records online for free using the Wisconsin Court Access (WCAA) portal. This system allows you to view dockets, judgments, and land records by entering a case number or party name. The portal is updated in near real-time and accessible 24/7 from any device with internet access. While viewing records is free, certified copies require a $10 fee and must be requested in person or by mail. The WCAA portal is a reliable resource for checking case status, hearing dates, and court rulings without visiting the office. It is especially useful for attorneys, researchers, and individuals tracking legal matters remotely.
What documents do I need to apply for a passport at the Brown County Clerk’s office?
To apply for a passport, you need a completed DS-11 form, proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, a government-issued photo ID, and one passport-sized photo that meets State Department requirements. The processing fee is $130 for a first-time adult passport book, with an additional $35 for expedited service. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled by calling (920) 448‑4016. Walk-ins are accepted between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on weekdays. The office is located at 305 East Walnut Street, Green Bay, WI 54301. Renewal requests using form DS-82 are also accepted, with same-day pick-up available for an extra $60.
How long does it take to receive a birth or marriage certificate?
In-person requests for birth or marriage certificates are typically fulfilled within 15 minutes during office hours. Mailed applications take 7–10 business days to process and return. The fee is $20 for the first certified copy and $3 for each additional copy. You can request these records in person, by mail, or through the state’s secure online portal. For mailed requests, include a notarized application form, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payment can be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card. The online portal allows you to verify record availability before submitting a formal request, helping avoid delays.
Is the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court open on weekends?
No, the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court is not open on weekends. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays. For after-hours document submissions, a secure mail slot is available near the main entrance. A 24-hour automated phone line provides case status updates, and online access to court records is available through the WCAA portal at any time. If you need assistance outside regular hours, staff are available during business days to help with filings, record requests, and general inquiries.
How do I pay a fine for a traffic violation in Green Bay?
You can pay a traffic fine at the Green Bay Municipal Court, located at 100 North Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301. The court is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. A self-service kiosk allows payments after hours using cash, check, or credit card. You can also pay online through the court’s official website using your citation number. If you have questions about your fine or need legal assistance, help desks are staffed during business hours. Failure to pay on time may result in additional fees or a warrant, so it’s important to address citations promptly.
Who do I contact for probate or estate filings?
For probate or estate filings, contact the Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court at (920) 448‑4155. The office handles wills, estate administration, and related legal documents. Staff provide brief consultations to explain filing requirements and help complete necessary forms. Downloadable PDF forms are available on the county website with step-by-step instructions. Certified copies of probate records can be requested for $10 each. The office is located at 100 South Jefferson Street, Green Bay, WI 54301, and operates Monday through Friday during regular business hours. For complex cases, consider consulting an attorney familiar with Wisconsin probate law.
Brown County Clerk of Circuit Court
100 South Jefferson Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: (920) 448‑4155
Fax: (920) 448‑4156
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Official Website: https://www.browncountywi.gov/departments/?department=6b052f1617e8