Columbia County Clerk of Circuit Court
Filing information for Columbia County Clerk of Circuit Court in Portage, WI. Part of the Columbia County small claims court system.
Small claims in Wisconsin — the numbers that apply at this court
$10,000
maximum claim
$94.50
filing fee (published)
3–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Wisconsin small claims guide · The form that starts a case (SC-500): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Columbia County Clerk of Circuit Court
400 DeWitt Street
Portage, WI 53901
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 587
Portage, WI 53901
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Area Served
Columbia County
How to File at Columbia County Clerk of Circuit Court
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: The Wisconsin Court System provides a statewide e-filing portal. User guides confirm that self-represented litigants can e-file new cases, and small claims is a case type available for e-filing.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Wisconsin
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000.
Eviction cases can also be filed in small claims
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 6 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Columbia County Clerk of Circuit Court?
Filing fees in Wisconsin are set by the state and are $94.50. If you can't afford the fee, Wisconsin offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Columbia County?
Small claims cases in Columbia County are limited to $10,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Columbia County Clerk of Circuit Court?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Columbia County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Where is Columbia County Clerk of Circuit Court, and when is it open?
Columbia County Clerk of Circuit Court is at 400 DeWitt Street, Portage, WI 53901. Posted hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.. Phone: (608) 742-2191. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Portage?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.