Brown County Clerk of Courts

The Brown County Clerk of Courts is the official county office responsible for court records, filings, and case administration in Brown County. This office serves as the authorised record custodian for all documents filed within the county court system. The Clerk of Courts manages records for civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Court files are maintained under state and county rules to support accurate case tracking. This office processes filings, fees, and court documents for judges and court staff.

Organised record handling supports reliable court administration across the Brown County Court system. The Clerk of Courts holds defined authority over official court records and ensures that filings associated with the Brown County Court are processed according to established procedures. The Brown County Clerk of Courts supports daily court operations through structured record control and administrative duties that serve the broader Brown County Court framework. Legal documents pass through this office from initial filing to long-term record retention. Case dockets, judgments, and court notices are indexed within official systems. These processes help maintain consistency across the county court system. The office remains a primary source for court records and administrative functions in Brown County.

What Does the Brown County Clerk of Courts Do?

As of December 27, 2025, the Brown County Clerk of Courts is John A. Vander Leest, who serves as the Clerk of Circuit Courts for Brown County, Wisconsin. In this constitutional role, Vander Leest oversees the administrative and operational functions of the Circuit Court, ensuring efficient court operations, accurate record keeping, and compliance with statutory duties. With a deep background in court administration and public service, Clerk Vander Leest manages case files across multiple areas of law — including civil, criminal, family, and small claims — and directs key processes such as jury management and docket coordination. Under his leadership, the office focuses on maintaining transparent, accessible public records, modernising document processing systems, and providing responsive support to the judiciary, attorneys, and members of the public.

The brown county court clerk serves as the backbone of the local court system. This role combines legal authority with hands-on court administration, making sure every case moves forward in an orderly way. State law assigns the clerk clear duties tied to record keeping, document flow, and judicial support.

Statutory Duties and Legal Authority

The clerk of the court office operates under state statutes and court rules. These laws define what the clerk may file, record, store, and certify. As the official record custodian, the clerk safeguards court documents from the start of a case through its final resolution.

Key statutory responsibilities include:

• Receiving and filing court pleadings, motions, and orders
• Maintaining official case files for civil, criminal, family, and probate courts
• Certifying copies of court records for legal use
• Collecting court fees, fines, and filing costs
• Managing court calendars and case indexes

Through these duties, the clerk acts as a bridge between judges and the public. For example, once a judge signs an order, the clerk records it and makes it part of the permanent court file. This process protects record accuracy and legal validity.

Administrative Functions and Public Service Role

Daily document processing forms a major part of the clerk’s work. Staff review filings for format, assign case numbers, and enter data into court systems. Clear workflows reduce delays and keep cases on schedule.

Administrative and public-facing responsibilities often include:

• Supporting judges during hearings and trials
• Issuing summons, subpoenas, and notices
• Managing jury records and payments
• Providing case status information at the counter or by phone
• Coordinating with law enforcement and attorneys

Through consistent judicial support, the Brown County Clerk of Courts helps maintain trust in the legal system. Accurate records, timely filings, and responsive service allow courts to function smoothly. By serving as both administrator and record custodian, the clerk ensures that court business remains reliable, organised, and open to public review.

Brown County Clerk of Courts as the Official Record Custodian

The Brown County Clerk of Courts serves as the official record custodian for all court-related files in the county. This office creates, preserves, and releases public court records under state record laws and court rules. As the record custodian, the Brown County Clerk of Courts manages the full life cycle of court records. Each case starts with filed paperwork from judges, attorneys, and court staff. From that point, the clerk’s office logs every filing, assigns it to the proper case, and stores it within the court’s record system. This process keeps case documents accurate, traceable, and ready for public review.

Court records remain organised through strict document retention schedules. Older files move to long-term storage once cases close, yet they stay available when legally permitted. Digital systems now support many records, so users can view case activity without visiting the courthouse. Paper files still play a role for older matters, so staff maintain secure storage areas for physical records.

How Records Are Maintained and Released

The clerk’s office maintains public court records with clear procedures that protect record integrity. Staff review filings for completeness, then index each document by case number, party name, and date. As a result, searches return consistent results across civil, criminal, family, and probate cases.

Common record services include:

• Certified copies of judgments, decrees, and orders
• Non-certified copies of filings and case summaries
• Verification of case status and filing dates

Requests follow state public record laws and court policies. Some case documents remain restricted, such as sealed cases or confidential filings. Staff review each request before release, so privacy rules stay intact.

Types of Court Records Available Through the Clerk of Courts

The Brown County Clerk of Courts holds a wide range of court records that document legal proceedings in the county. These records include detailed case documents across civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims matters. Citizens, attorneys, and researchers rely on these records for reference, verification, and legal purposes.

Civil Court Records

Civil court records cover disputes between individuals, businesses, or organizations. They include civil filings, complaints, motions, and court decisions. Common civil cases involve contract disputes, property claims, and personal injury lawsuits.

These records provide a clear picture of each case’s timeline, from the initial complaint to final rulings. They often include petitions, responses, summons, court orders, and motions filed throughout the process. For example, someone handling a business disagreement may review civil filings to understand prior court actions and outcomes.

Criminal Court Records

Criminal court records document offenses and the proceedings that follow. These files cover criminal cases, charges, and court dispositions. Records typically include arrest information, indictments, court hearings, plea agreements, and final judgments.

Maintaining these records accurately allows attorneys, law enforcement, and the public to track the progress and resolution of criminal cases. They also provide a formal history of legal proceedings for research or reference purposes.

Family Court Records

Family court records focus on legal matters related to personal relationships. These records include divorce filings, custody orders, and child or spousal support agreements. The types of documents often found in family cases include divorce petitions, custody arrangements, adoption papers, and support orders.

Family court records can involve sensitive information. The clerk’s office ensures that documents are properly managed while protecting privacy. This allows families, legal representatives, and other stakeholders to obtain necessary documents securely.

Probate and Estate Records

Probate and estate records involve the management and distribution of property after a person’s death. They include wills, estates, and guardianships. Typical records include wills, estate inventories, guardianship appointments, and court orders related to estate administration.

These records are essential for executors, heirs, and legal professionals managing estates. The clerk maintains these documents for historical, legal, and verification purposes, ensuring that estate matters are processed efficiently and transparently.

Small Claims Court Records

Small claims court records handle minor disputes involving money or property. They include small claims filings, judgments, and court orders. Common documents include plaintiff complaints, defendant responses, hearing results, and payment or settlement records. While these cases are simpler than other court matters, the records remain an important legal resource. They provide a clear account of claims and judgments, helping parties track obligations and legal outcomes.

The Brown County Clerk of Courts organizes all these records systematically to ensure reliable documentation of legal proceedings. By maintaining accurate case documents, the office supports transparency and provides a dependable resource for legal professionals and the public alike.

How to File Court Documents with the Brown County Clerk of Courts

Filing court documents with the Brown County Clerk of Courts can be completed electronically, in person, or by mail. Each method has specific steps and requirements to ensure that court filings are accepted and processed correctly. This includes requests for Marriage & Divorce Records, which follow particular procedures to verify eligibility and provide accurate documentation. Properly submitting court filings requires following local filing requirements and selecting the correct submission method. Understanding the options helps avoid delays and ensures that documents, including vital records like marriage and divorce certificates, are officially recorded.

Electronic Filing

Electronic filing, or e-filing, allows users to submit documents online through the court’s secure portal. This method is convenient for those who cannot visit the courthouse in person and ensures faster processing of digital court filings.

Key points for e-filing:

• Registration: Users must create an account on the Brown County Clerk of Courts’ e-filing system.
• Accepted Formats: Most documents are submitted as PDFs; ensure all attachments follow file size and format rules.
• Payment: Filing fees can be paid online via credit card or electronic check.
• Confirmation: After submission, a confirmation receipt is issued. This receipt serves as proof that the filing was received.

E-filing saves time and allows parties to track their case documents digitally, making it an increasingly preferred method.

In-Person Filing at the Clerk of Court Office

Filing documents in person is done at the clerk’s office counter, often referred to as the clerk counter. This traditional method is ideal for those who prefer hands-on assistance or need immediate answers from staff.

Steps for in-person filing:

• Prepare Documents: Ensure all forms are complete, signed, and comply with court formatting requirements.
• Visit the Clerk’s Office: Bring documents to the designated filing counter at the Brown County Courthouse.
• Pay Fees: Fees may be paid by cash, check, or credit card, depending on office policy.
• Receive Stamp and Copy: The clerk will date-stamp your documents, confirm receipt, and provide a copy for your records.

Staff at the clerk’s office can answer questions about submission rules and filing deadlines, which helps prevent common errors.

Filing by Mail

Mail-in filings allow documents to be submitted without visiting the courthouse. This method is particularly useful for those who live outside Brown County or cannot file electronically.

Guidelines for mail filings:

• Complete Documentation: Include all forms, signatures, and required copies.
• Payment: Enclose a check or money order for the filing fee. Do not send cash.
• Address: Send materials to the Brown County Clerk of Courts at the official mailing address.
• Tracking: Use certified mail or a delivery service with tracking to confirm receipt.

Mail filings may take longer to process than electronic or in-person submissions, so allow extra time to meet any court deadlines.

Court Administration and Case Management Responsibilities

The Brown County Clerk of Courts oversees all aspects of court administration, ensuring cases proceed smoothly and efficiently. The office manages case flow, schedules hearings, and maintains compliance with legal requirements.

The Clerk’s office plays a central role in court administration, handling the organization and tracking of cases from filing through resolution. This involves docket management, where all upcoming court dates are recorded, monitored, and coordinated with judges, attorneys, and the public. By keeping an accurate and up-to-date schedule, the office minimizes delays and ensures each case moves forward promptly.

Key Case Management Functions

The office performs several critical functions to support the judicial process:

• Scheduling and Calendar Management: Assigning hearings, trials, and motions to appropriate court dates.
• Case Tracking: Monitoring deadlines for filings, motions, and court decisions.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring all actions meet statutory requirements and procedural rules.
• Record Maintenance: Keeping detailed logs of case developments, filings, and court orders.

Through effective case management, the Clerk ensures the court system operates in an organized and transparent manner. Staff coordinate with judges, attorneys, and other agencies to streamline operations while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Enhancing Court Efficiency

Efficient administration requires balancing multiple cases while adhering to strict schedules. The Clerk’s office leverages standardized processes and digital systems to manage high volumes of filings, reducing errors and improving access for legal professionals. This structured approach helps maintain consistency across all case types, from civil disputes to criminal proceedings.

Filing Fees and Payment

Filing fees are the charges required to submit legal documents to the Brown County Clerk of Courts. These fees vary depending on the type of case and help cover court operations and administrative costs.

The amount of filing fees depends largely on the nature of the case. Civil cases, such as lawsuits or motions, typically have different fees from criminal cases or family court matters. In some cases, like small claims or traffic violations, there may be lower charges, while more complex proceedings, such as appeals or probate cases, often require higher fees. Court costs are established by state law and can change periodically, so applicants should check the latest fee schedule before filing.

Accepted Payment Methods
The Brown County Clerk of Courts provides several options for paying filing fees:

• Cash: Accepted in-person at the clerk’s office.
• Checks or Money Orders: Must be made payable to the “Brown County Clerk of Courts.”
• Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards like Visa and MasterCard are usually accepted, though a small processing fee may apply.
• Online Payments: Certain filings can be submitted and paid through the official court portal, if eligible.

To simplify payment, the clerk’s office often provides a detailed fee schedule that lists all current charges for various case types. Many offices also allow combined payments if multiple filings occur at once.

Why Fees Exist

Filing fees help fund the operation of the court system. They cover administrative work such as processing case documents, maintaining court records, and providing public services. Collecting fees ensures that resources are available for timely case management and proper handling of legal proceedings.

Office Location, Hours, and Contact

The Brown County Clerk of Courts office is located at 100 S Jefferson St, Green Bay, WI 54301. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and staff are available to assist with records, filings, and inquiries by phone or email.

The clerk of the court office handles a wide range of public court services, including case filings, certified copies, and official document requests. Visitors can use the office’s main entrance at the Brown County Courthouse, where clear signage directs guests to the Clerk of Courts reception area. For those who cannot visit in person, staff assist via phone at (920) 448-4015 and email at clerksoffice@browncountywi.gov, ensuring community members can complete routine requests efficiently.

Office Details at a Glance:

(Faq) About Clerk of Courts

The Brown County Clerk of Courts handles court filings, maintains public court records, and collects filing fees. Residents often have questions about procedures, fees, and document requests, and the office staff ensures everything is completed correctly.

What services does the Clerk of Courts provide?

The Clerk of Courts manages the filing of civil, criminal, probate, and traffic cases, ensuring all documents are processed accurately. The office records judgments, liens, and official court orders, issues marriage licenses, and maintains public court records for review. Staff are available to answer common clerk questions, provide guidance on forms, explain deadlines, and clarify procedures for submitting filings or requesting documents, helping both the public and legal professionals complete necessary tasks efficiently.

How can I access public court records?

Public court records, including case dockets, hearing outcomes, and official documents, can be accessed in person, by mail, or through online resources. Some records may require a written request or completed form, and fees for copying or certified documents vary by type. The clerk’s office organizes records to make locating case information straightforward, and staff can assist in identifying the correct documents. Recent filings may also be available online for quicker access.

What should I know about filing fees?

Filing fees are required for submitting new cases or certain court documents, and they vary depending on the type of case, such as civil, criminal, or family court. Payment can often be made by cash, check, or credit card, and the clerk’s office provides clear instructions on amounts and acceptable methods. Understanding filing fees before submitting documents helps avoid delays and ensures filings are accepted promptly, making the process smoother for everyone involved.

How can I get help with common clerk questions?

The clerk’s office staff are available to assist with procedural questions, document requirements, or payment issues. Many inquiries relate to court filings, record requests, or fee calculations, and staff can provide step-by-step guidance. Residents can visit the office during business hours, call for immediate help, or use official email contacts for non-urgent questions, making it easier to complete necessary tasks and access the services offered by the Brown County Clerk of Courts.

Can I file court documents online?

Yes, the Brown County Clerk of Courts allows certain court filings to be submitted online, depending on the type of case. Online filing helps save time and ensures documents are received promptly, but some forms may still require in-person submission. The clerk’s office provides instructions on which filings qualify for electronic submission, payment options for filing fees, and steps to complete the process correctly. Staff are available to answer questions about online procedures and confirm that documents meet all requirements before they are officially accepted.