Politics & Government

Waukesha County Courthouse To Expand Open Hours

The expanded public hours of operation will increase the number of hearings and essential court functions that can be handled daily.

The Clerk of Court’s Service Counters will remain closed to the public.
The Clerk of Court’s Service Counters will remain closed to the public. (Photo by Scott Anderson/Patch Staff)

WAUKESHA, WI — On Monday, May 11, the Waukesha County Courthouse will expand public access hours to 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The expanded public hours of operation will increase the number of hearings and essential court functions that can be handled daily, officials said.

“Life-changing legal matters for thousands of Waukesha County residents have been on hold as we navigated the best way to serve them while protecting them from this public health crisis,” said Judge Jennifer Dorow, Presiding Judge in Waukesha County and Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District in a statement. “Unresolved court matters have added significant anxiety to many people’s lives in an already uncertain time. Now that enhanced safety measures have been in place for several weeks, we can safely increase our caseload to help those who still need their matters heard.”

In March, public access hours to the courthouse were reduced as part of efforts to limit court operations to essential functions while mitigating public health risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The expanded hours will allow Courts staff to increase in-person services by appointment ONLY, as well as referrals following court appearances.

Find out what's happening in Waukeshafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Circuit Court divisional staff will continue to be available by phone from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. The Clerk of Court’s Service Counters will remain closed to the public.

All court filings and documents will continue to be processed via U.S. mail, fax, the drop box and the Wisconsin Courts’ eFiling System available online at www.wicourts.gov/ecourts/efilecircuit.

Find out what's happening in Waukeshafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Payments can be processed online at www.wicourts.gov/ecourts/payonline.htm.

Payments by check or money order will be accepted by regular mail or in the drop box. Credit card payments can be made over the phone by calling 262-548-7494.

The Waukesha County Administration Center remains closed to the public.

Offices continue to be staffed and able to provide government services online, over the phone, by mail, through drop-off sites, or by appointment. All changes to Waukesha County operations and hours are posted online at www.waukeshacounty.gov. Courts information is available at www.waukeshacounty.gov/circuitcourts/.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.