General Court Information
PUBLIC ACCESS TO REMOTE COURT PROCEEDINGS
Access can be provided to the public and/or media to any remote court proceedings that are open to the public by contacting the judicial assistant for the judge assigned to the case. Access can be provided either to the Zoom hearing or livestream via Dacast upon request through the judicial assistant.
Contact information for judicial assistants:
Branch 1 (Judge Mark Rohrer)…….Brittany Denor (920) 683-2758
Livestream Link for Branch 1
Branch 2 (Judge Jerilyn Dietz)…….Amanda Reis (920) 683-4042
Livestream Link for Branch 2
Branch 3 (Judge Robert Dewane)…Miranda Sasse (920) 683-4022
Livestream Link for Branch 3
Branch 4 (Judge Anthony Lambrecht…Angela Linderud (920) 683-6160
Livestream Link for Branch 4
B-15 Courtroom Commissioner Patricia Koppa – Dawn Fruzen (920) 683-4016
Livestream Link for B-15 – Comm. Koppa
B-15 Courtroom (FCC Luke LeFevre)… Janet Galien (920) 683-4493
Livestream Link for B-15 – Comm. LeFevre
Tips on How to Participate in Remote Court Hearings
ZOOM
We have been advised that the Zoom accounts assigned to the courts will remain active on a permanent basis. Due to the numerous efficiencies made possible through use of remote court hearings, it is the intention of the Manitowoc County Circuit Courts to continue using Zoom or successor technology in appropriate situations so long as it is permitted by the law of the State of Wisconsin and Supreme Court Rules. For example, Zoom will be used for matters not on the record, including but not limited to status conferences, scheduling conferences and pretrial conferences. Non-substantive matters involving incarcerated individuals or individuals receiving inpatient treatment will also be conducted by Zoom. The courts also intend to permit the use of Zoom when requested by the parties.
Request to Appear Remotely (GF-306) to allow parties to ask the Court to appear remotely in any case type
Order on Request to Appear Remotely (GF-307)
ZOOM INSTRUCTIONS
To receive assistance with Zoom, contact Clerk of Court office @ (920) 683-4030 to receive Zoom Meeting ID and Passcode for your scheduled hearing.
Instructions to Appear by Zoom Video Conference using a Computer:
1. Go to Zoom, click “JOIN A MEETING” and enter Meeting ID and Passcode shown above
Instructions to Appear by Video Using a Smart Phone:
1. Download the ZOOM Cloud Meetings app to your smartphone (app is free)
2. Click “JOIN A MEETING”
3. Enter the Meeting ID and Passcode shown above
Instructions to Appear by Telephone Only:
1. Call 1-312-626-6799
2. Enter the Meeting ID and Passcode shown above
The court official manages the Zoom hearing. You may be placed in a waiting room until your hearing is called. Be patient and stay on the line. Use *6 to mute and unmute. If you have questions or concerns with your Zoom hearing, please direct them to the judicial assistant for the court official presiding over your hearing, as follows:
Branch 1 (Judge Rohrer)…… Brittany Denor (920) 683-2758
Branch 2 (Judge Dietz) …….. Amanda Reis (920) 683-4042
Branch 3 (Judge Dewane)…. Miranda Sasse (920) 683-4022
Branch 4 (Judge Lambrecht)…. Angela Linderud (920) 683-6160
B-15 (FCC Comm. LeFevre)…….Janet Galien (920) 683-4493
B-15 (Comm. Koppa) ….. contact Clerk of Court office (920) 683-4030
DRUG COURT IS OPEN FOR PUBLIC ATTENDANCE effective 6-23-21
Confidential/ Sealed Documents and Cases
- Confidential documents/cases are confidential by statute
- Sealed documents/cases are made confidential by court order
Court records are open public records unless deemed confidential by statute or by court order. Confidential records are only accessible to parties of the action or counsel of record. Court records that are sealed by the court require an order of the court to unseal.
MCCAC Meeting Schedule
Meets every other month (February, April, June, no meeting in August, October, December)
1st Friday of the month, at 8:30 a.m.
Manitowoc County Courthouse Security Meetings
Meets February, May, August & November
1st Thursday of the month, at 12:00 p.m.
Notice Regarding Courtroom Restrictions and Requirement for Proper Attire
Please be advised that all bags, purses and backpacks are restricted from all courtrooms. Please make arrangements to either leave these items at home or lock them safely in your vehicle upon arrival at the courthouse to avoid having to make a return trip to your vehicle.
No food or drinks are allowed in any of the courtrooms, so be prepared to dispose of the same before entering the courtroom.
Proper attire is required for all court appearances. You may dress comfortably, but please avoid wearing ragged or revealing clothing, including oversized or low cut jeans which expose underwear or your body, low cut tops, halter tops, tank tops, pajama bottom/lounge pants, any clothing bearing offensive slogans, or hats.
To Request Making Your Court Appearance By Phone
In certain circumstances, the court may allow you to make your court appearance by phone. You can make this request by contacting the judicial assistant for the judge or court commissioner scheduled to preside over your hearing. If your request is granted, you will be provided with the phone number to call in for your scheduled hearing. See Court Official Directory for phone contact information.
Ex Parte Communication
“Ex parte” is a Latin phrase meaning “on one side only; by or for one party.” An ex parte communication occurs when a party to a case or a person affiliated with a party to a case communicates with a judge without the knowledge of other parties to the case. For example, a letter addressed to just the judge is considered an ex parte communication because no other party to the action has access to it. Also, a phone call directly to the judge would not be permitted unless all parties or their attorneys were participating in the phone call. To ensure fairness to all parties, a judge shall not initiate, permit or consider ex parte communications made to the judge outside the presence of the parties or their attorneys.
To avoid ex parte communication, complete copies of all correspondence and pleadings addressed to the judge should be provided to all parties of the action, and copy distribution should be clearly documented at the bottom of the correspondence.
Media Coordinator List
The media coordinator system was established by Chapter 61 of the Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules. Media coordinators are generally working members of the media who volunteer to help facilitate media access to the state’s circuit courts, Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.
News Reporters Legal Handbook
Published by the State Bar of Wisconsin’s Media Law Subcommittee of the Public Education Committee in cooperation with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and the Wisconsin Newspaper Association (6th Edition, August 2013)
To Schedule Tours of Elected Offices and Jail (for community civic groups or local schools)
To arrange for a tour of the elected offices of the courthouse (including County Clerk’s office, Register of Deeds office and County Treasurer’s office) and possible court observation or a presentation by one of our circuit court judges, call the County Clerk’s office at (920)683-4003 to make scheduling arrangements. This typically takes approximately one hour. If you want to include a tour of the Manitowoc County Jail, which also takes about one hour, contact Christine Glaser at (920) 683-4194, and then coordinate the scheduling with the County Clerk.
To Find Naturalization/Citizenship Records for Manitowoc County
Contact the Cofrin Library at the UWGB at (920) 465-2539 or email them
Forms/Documents/Information
Address Change
Complete form legibly, including case number(s). Address will be changed only on cases indicated. Clerk of Court requires all address changes to be given in writing. Submit completed form to Clerk of Court in person, by mail or by fax.
Attorney Name or Address Change (Manitowoc County instructions)
Instructions to assist attorneys with making name and/or address changes statewide in CCAP.
Circuit Court Forms
Circuit Court Filing Fees
Circuit Court Classification Codes
Case Search (WCCA) Case search options for Wisconsin Circuit and Supreme Courts
Service Methods and Time Limits for Small Claims (SC-6050V)
Service Methods and Time Limits for Family (FA-5000V)
Service by Publication (FA-5001V)
Calculating Time Limits [See Wis. Stat. 801.15(1)(b)] ….. for time periods less than 11 days, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are excluded, for time periods of 11 days and over, calculate by calendar days.
WCCA (Wisconsin Circuit Court Access) FAQs
Credit Reporting Agencies
Equifax –Phone: 1-800-685-1111
Experian – Phone: 1-888-397-3742
Transunion – Phone: 1-800-888-4213
By law, you are entitled to received one free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies each year through Annual Credit Report to help you clear up discrepancies on your credit report or detect signs of identity theft early.
Identity Theft/Privacy Protection Fact Sheets (DATCP)
Manitowoc County Local Court Rules
Supreme Court Rules
Chapter 72 – Retention of Court Records
ADA Accommodations Frequently Asked Questions About the ADA and Courts – Wisconsin Court System
ADA Accommodations Wisconsin Circuit Courts ADA Public Notice
ADA Policies and Procedures (wicourts link)
ADA Accommodation Request(GF-153) used to assist the court in determining what accommodation might be necessary for a party, witness, juror, attorney, or other individual to participate in court proceedings
Interpreter Request (GF-149) used to request a qualified interpreter for parties involved in any case type of court proceedings
Interpreter Certification Program
The Clerk of Court office contracts with qualified court interpreters to provide interpretation services required in various court proceedings. Interpreters may be utilized for both language and hearing impaired interpretation services.
Language Access Plan
This document serves as a plan for Manitowoc County to provide meaningful access to all Limited English Proficient (LEP) persons who use the court’s services. The purpose of this policy is to establish effective guidelines consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 13166 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Open Records Request (Manitowoc County form) for requesting copies from a Manitowoc County court file; complete form as instructed and make applicable required payment
Public Records Notice – Manitowoc County Clerk of Circuit Court
The office of Clerk of Circuit Court maintains court records and exhibits for civil, paternity, family, juvenile, criminal, traffic, ordinance violations, and small claims cases; lien records and lien docket of all money judgments of the court; oaths of office for court commissioners, municipal judges, sheriff’s deputies, and deputy clerks; as well as jury management records, interpreter records, law library information, financial, accounting and budget records, statistical records, and various management records.
Tax Intercept Appeal Procedure
The Tax Refund Interception Program (TRIP) appeal procedure for Manitowoc County.
Transcript Request (Manitowoc County forms); Requests to have an original transcript of a court hearing prepared need to be made in writing to the court reporter. The court reporter will advise requestor of the cost, and prepayment will be required. If a transcript is already part of the court record, it can be purchased from the court reporter at a lower copy rate of $.50 per page, or any records contained in the court file can be purchased from the Clerk of Court at the statutory copy rate of $1.25 per page.
To Request a Transcript for a hearing held before a Circuit Court Judge
To Request a Transcript for a hearing held before a Court Commissioner
Court reporters are now required to upload their transcripts electronically, provided it is a case type enabled for e-filing. The court reporter has authority to designate parties who have paid for a copy of the transcript to be allowed to view the transcript through the e-filing portal. The public can still view transcripts at the Clerk of Court Office on the public access computers.
Wedding Information
A listing of Manitowoc County officials able to perform wedding ceremonies
Wireless Internet Access Notice
Conditions and Disclaimer
Legal Resources
ADRC of the Lakeshore (Manitowoc County) Phone: (920) 683-4180
provides information, assistance and access to community resources for the aging population, people with disabilities, their families and caregivers in Manitowoc County. If you suspect that you or someone you know is the victim of emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect, and/or financial exploitation, please call the ADRC office at 1-877-416-7083 for confidential reporting and resource information.
Aging Resource Center (Manitowoc County) Phone: (920) 683-4180
1701 Michigan Ave, Manitowoc, WI 54220
4th Wednesday of each month; 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., by appointment only Legal consultation services provided by local volunteer attorneys who rotate on a monthly basis Services available to seniors age 60 and older
Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin Phone: 1-800-273-1002
–Helpful Phone Numbers and Websites (i.e. Unclaimed Funds / National Do No Call Registry / Identity Theft Hotline / Report Identity Theft / FBI Internet Crime Complaints / BBB Scam Tracker)
–How to “Freeze” Your Credit Report
Consumer Protection Agency Phone: 1-800-422-7128
Disability Rights Wisconsin 1-800-928-8778
Statewide advocacy for adults age 18-59. Disability Rights helps people across Wisconsin gain access to services and opportunity through its advocacy and legal expertise. Legal support addresses access, inclusion, dignity, most-integrated choices and equal rights issues.
Domestic Violence Center n/k/a “In Courage” Phone: (920) 684-4661
300 E. Reed Avenue, Manitowoc, WI 54220
(provides 24-hour domestic violence crisis line and emergency short-term shelter. Advocates provide assistance to individuals/victims in preparing and obtaining temporary restraining orders and helping to prepare individuals for attending and testifying at court proceedings.
Lawyer Referral and Information Service (State Bar of Wisconsin) Phone: 1-800-362-9082
An LRIS assistant will help you determine if you need a lawyer to proceed and will refer you to an attorney in your area who has indicated an interest in your type of legal situation. Attorneys referred through LRIS agree to charge no more than $20 for the first consultation, up to one-half hour. Some cases may resolve your legal issue at the first meeting. If your problem requires work beyond the first half-hour, you will be charged at the lawyer’s regular fee rate.
Modest Means Panel (State Bar of Wisconsin)
Assists people whose income is too high to qualify for free legal services, but too low to pay a lawyer’s standard rate. Program is run by the Lawyer Referral Service at the State Bar. You need to complete an application and will be matched with an attorney who has agreed to consider certain cases at a reduced rate.
Wisconsin Free Legal Answers
Need legal advice? No money for a lawyer? Wisconsin Free Legal Answers is a free website for low income people who cannot afford a lawyer. You can get free brief legal advice from volunteer lawyers when you have non-criminal legal questions. Click on “Get Started”; ask your question; receive an email notification when a lawyer responds to your question on the website.
Manitowoc County CASA Program Phone: (920) 686-8708
(trained community CASA volunteers are appointed by a judge to provide court based advocacy for children who are under court jurisdiction due to abuse or neglect)
Two Rivers Senior Center Phone: (920) 793-5596
1520 17th Street, Two Rivers, WI 54241
1st Friday of each month; mornings, starting at 9:30 a.m., by appointment only
Legal consultation services provided by Attorney Thomas Van Horn (to assist seniors with civil, small claims, contract, Power of Attorney or estate planning questions)
Services available to members of Senior Center age 50 and older
Veterans Service Office (Manitowoc County) Phone: (920) 683-4055
Provides benefit information and assistance to veterans
Links
American Bar Association
BadgerLink
Better Business Bureau
Circuit Court Rules – Wisconsin Counties
Domestic Violence Center (d/b/a In-Courage)
Directory Assistance – Switchboard (find people, find a business, reverse phone)
Internal Revenue Service
League of Wisconsin Municipalities
Legal Information and Educational Resources
Social Security Administration
United States Court System
United States Department of Justice
United States Post Office
United States Supreme Court
Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance
Wisconsin Counties Association
Wisconsin Court System
Wisconsin Court of Appeals
Wisconsin Department of Administration
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Wisconsin Department of Corrections
Wisconsin Department of Justice
Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Wisconsin Department of Revenue/Unclaimed Property
Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Wisconsin Historical Society
Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry
Wisconsin State Agencies
Wisconsin State Bar
Wisconsin State Law Library
Wisconsin State Legislature
Wisconsin Statutes
Wisconsin Supreme Court
Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules
Wisconsin Vital Records